WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News Roundup

April 5, 2024

WA.Technology is excited to offer its weekly selection of iGaming insights. Our carefully selected stories, sourced from around the world, promise to launch your iGaming weekend with flair. Get your weekly fill of iGaming highlights with WA.Technology.

New Brazilian Leaderships Begin

Vanessa Meireles Barreto steps into the role of General Coordinator of Sanctioning Action at the Prizes and Bets Secretariat under the Brazilian Ministry of Finance. With an economics background from the University of Brasília and postgraduate studies in Economics and Management, Barreto brings experience from her advisory role in public administration to her new position, where she'll play an essential role in overseeing administrative sanctioning processes.

Plínio Lemos Jorge is the new National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) President. With a background in tax law and a commitment to a regulated, safe environment for the gaming sector, Jorge's leadership arrives at a critical moment for sports betting and online gaming in Brazil, aiming to influence favourable regulations and practices within the industry.

Paraguay's Gaming Revenue Rises

Paraguay's National Gaming Commission (Conajzar) has reported a significant 10.4% increase in gaming revenues for the first quarter of 2024, totalling over the equivalent of €5.9 million. This growth surpasses the figures of the same period in 2023, marking a continued upward trend in the sector. The revenue from games of chance, monitored by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, supports vital public sectors, including health, education, and social welfare, in alignment with Law 1016/1997. 

The allocation of these funds includes 30% each to municipalities, governorates, and the Directorate of Charity and Social Assistance (Diben)—the latter receiving 70% of its total budget from Conajzar—while the Ministry of Health benefits from the remaining 10%. 

Mexican Casino Visitor Growth

Mexico's casino industry is growing impressively, with hopes to welcome 10 million visitors by 2030, doubling the 5 million guests recorded in the previous year. According to the Association of Permittees, Operators, and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gaming Sector of Mexico (AIEJA), there's been a 50% increase in the average daily expenditure per visitor in the last seven years. 

Despite regulatory adjustments, the sector has maintained robust activity with 425 operational casinos nationwide. The industry enjoys a broad demographic appeal, particularly among women over 40. AIEJA's proactive approach to enhancing visitor experience and engagement improves the positive outlook for gaming and gambling in Mexico and the sector's potential for continued growth.

Empowering Women in Colombia's Gaming Sector

The Colombian Federation of Luck and Chance Games Entrepreneurs (Fecoljuegos) reports significant strides in gender inclusion, with women now representing 35% of the gaming industry's workforce, up from 30% in 2020. This marks over 66,000 women contributing across various roles, many of whom are key household earners. The industry's proactive stance has facilitated the entry of approximately 8,000 women into their first jobs, increasing the sector's impact on economic and social development. 

Additionally, the presence of women in iGaming has risen from 35% in 2019 to 43% in 2023, reflecting a growing trend of female participation. Fecoljuegos emphasises its commitment to enhancing innovation and decision-making in the sector through equality. The federation champions aim to instil a fair environment through mentoring, training, and equality policies that it hopes will create a positive impact nationally. 

Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2024 Presents New Sustainable Gambling Zone

The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGT), set for April 8-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, California, will introduce a Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ) alongside the new Digital Play Summit this year. This initiative, a first of its kind at the event, aims to spotlight tribal gaming's commitment to player protection with a shared space for discussing best practices, innovations, and research in harm prevention. 

Industry leaders and providers will feature prominently. The SGZ, supported by IGT and endorsed by leading councils and centres on responsible gambling, will provide kiosks for organisations to present their responsible gambling services and tools. This addition will focus on positive industry progression and sustainable, responsible gambling practices.

Ernie Stevens, Jr, Indian Gaming Association Chairman, said, "We're delighted to have compiled such an expansive list of exhibitors as our stakeholders play a vital role in moving this industry forward, and positive progression is at the core of everything we do at the IGA. A key part of that is everybody working sustainably and progressively. The Sustainable Gambling Zone at Digital Play Summit is the perfect vehicle for that message and is a fantastic initiative.” as reported in Yogonet.

WA.Technology Weekly

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