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Latino America
Ricki Chavez Munoz reports on what’s happening in South America
We’re really in a hurry to make Mexico to attend to different gaming events; and whilst the first is ELA 2011, where we are assured over 200 exhibitors, the second at the Marriot Hotel in Mexico City, is something more private with a handful of exhibitors but an excellent range of conferences, which were very well attended in 2010; and as is the fashion nowadays in the industry, both events coincide on May 4-5. Caramba!
However, we must let you know about the excellent results obtained by FADJA 2011, where on April 13-14 more than 2,500 visitors and buyers from Las Vegas to Islamabad, came to this event known as “the show that sales more in the region”.
As part of the FADJA events, the Miss Gaming Colombia crowned Andrea Lizarazo representing Casino Verano from the city of Ibague, after a grueling and full pressure job by judges like industry celebrities Alan Azizolahoff, Dimitri Palexa and Willi Gómez, who had a tough time choosing from the 17 delightful candidates.
All in all, FADJA’s success was synthesized in the comment made by Andres Chacon, Bally’s International Marketing Manager: “In general terms, the show was very well organized and we were able to close numerous deals during FADJA, and have a great deal of projects and the potential to establish more commercial relations”.
Maria Eugenia Crivellini, Casino International Americano’s new Regional Marketing Manager was warmly greeted by everyone on her new job. But, I best stop here, as I must run to get to Mexico in sharp Speedy Gonzales fashion. See you there!
Cheers,
Ricki.
IGT signs agreement with Enjoy Group
Casino Rinconada de los Andes is in the foothills of the Andes about an hour away from the Chilean capital Santiago. Opened in September 2009, it was acquired by the Enjoy Group, the leading hospitality and entertainment company in Chile, the following year. Yesterday International Game Technology (IGT) announced that Enjoy has signed an agreement to install its industry-leading sbX server-based experience applications and 50 IGT games at the Enjoy Santiago’s Casino Rinconada de los Andes.
“We are excited to be the first customer in Chile to adopt IGT’s server-based applications,” said Pier-Paolo Zaccarelli, chief of strategic development for the Enjoy Group. “IGT Floor Manager will allow us to better facilitate floor management while being able to differentiate ourselves from other properties.”
IGT Floor Manager provides the Casino Rinconada with access to a library of games, including a wide variety of international game releases with multi-denomination and multi-percentage capabilities. The system will provide a bank-level, server-based game management solution on 248 IGT machines at the casino, with the potential for an eventual floor-wide conversion.
In addition, 20 IGT G20 Fort Knox II and Party Time! 2 slot machines will also be installed at the casino. Party Time! 2 Mystery Progressives is the newest version of Latin America’s most popular multi-level progressive. The two games continue to be player favorites in the region. Further installations include 50 IGT G20 and G22 stand-alone machines with various themes.
“We are thrilled to see IGT Floor Manager live on the Casino Rinconada floor,” said Francisco Larez, IGT sales director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “This industry-leading game management solution will give the Enjoy Group access to IGT’s hottest new themes while also allowing for customized player experiences at their leading Chilean property.”
Casino Rinconada joins a growing roster of customers around the world that are optimizing their operations with IGT’s server-based applications. More than 30 different casinos in 10 countries have partnered with IGT for this server-based technology that delivers results to the bottom line.
Novomatic nombra a Laura Manzella
In keeping with the continuous expansion of the Novomatic Group across the South-American continent, the local subsidiary AGI Argentina further strengthens its local team. As of April 1, AGI Argentina srl, the wholly owned subsidiary of Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH (AGI), announces the appointment of Laura Manzella as its new Marketing Manager.
Manzella looks back on more than six years of experience in the wider entertainment industry: She has been working for the Walt Disney Company Latin America in various marketing-related positions before joining R.Franco Argentina S.A. where she held a variety of commercial and marketing responsibilities.
In her new position with AGI Argentina Manzella will be responsible for the planning, control and realization of marketing projects, events co-ordination as well as market observation, market development and related reporting.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY goes Mexican
Palacio de Los Numeros, one of the fastest growing and most successful operators in the Mexican gaming market, recently opened its first table games operation Casino Palace. The brand new luxurious facility features a full range of casino games, including Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker. TCSJOHNHUXLEY was chosen to supply the tables as well as Chipper Champ 2, e-FX Classic Displays, ICON chips and accessories.
One of the major operators in Mexico, Palacio de Los Numeros has a strong, well-established history in the machines market, so table games were the natural progression for their business. Casino owner Martin Fuentes made contact with the TCSJOHNHUXLEY Costa Rica team, David Charnock and Gabriela Villalobos, over a year before the casino was due to open. During that time they developed a good working relationship interacting closely with Martin and his team.
Charnock said: “The final results are very impressive, achieving a stunning casino not previously seen in the region and the casino are delighted with the quality and finish of the equipment. On behalf of TCSJOHNHUXLEY, we would like to wish Martin every success with this new business venture.”
Segob Backs ELA 2011 once again
For the second year running, SEGOB, the Mexican Interior Ministry, has officially confirmed that it will be taking part at ELA 2011 and parallel activities. SEGOB, responsible for all gaming, wagering and lotteries in Mexico, already attended last year’s issue.
This year, top SEGOB officials will give the Keynote Speech of the ey! 2011 conference cycle organized by Yogonet. Afterwards, they will attend the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony, in the company of leading Mexican gaming representatives, after which they will visit several stands, exchanging views with executives from some of the top companies exhibiting at the fair.
This year also, SEGOB will be the recipient of the prestigious “Golden Ace” award, for its policy of regulating and normalizing gaming in Mexico and its fight against underground gambling. This prize is awarded for the famous magazine “Casinos de Latinoamerica”.
The “Golden Ace” award is the highest prize awarded in the Latin-American gaming sector. It is given to government bodies, associations and companies which are particularly active in the sector.
Elizabeth Leiva says farewell to PGS
After 8 years of developing and operating Peru Gaming Show and being an important part of the formalization and regulation of the gaming industry since 2003, Peru Gaming Show has finally met all of its initial objectives. Thus begins Elizabeth Leiva’s farewell to PGS, the event she founded, and adds: “ During these years we have included the participation of many other associations, manufacturers, institutions and individuals of which we are proud to have been a part of and have them be a part of us. We at C&GS Group are certain that our efforts as well as those of all segments of the industry are something which needed to be done. PGS has helped put Peru on the map and defined August as the gaming “tour” of our wonderful country and the hub of South America.
“We thank all of the participants over these 8 years, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, authorities, panelists, Peruvian and International executives and all of the visitors who gave life to this product and supported us with there assistance, recommendations and enthusiasm for improving our show.
“C&GS Group now has new projects on the horizon in the gaming industry as well as others. For example, we are now developing with huge success and international support and specific requirements, the 4th edition of the Caribbean Gaming Show & Conference to be held in March 2012. We are also entering the international hospitality industry with our new product, Latin American Hospitality & Gourmet Expo, and these products require 100% of our attention and focus. We have also taken on some other challenges and responsibilities that result in our decision to leave the local Trade Show in Peru in other capable hands.
“Effective immediately, Peru Gaming Show is owned and will be completely managed and directed by an international company, Affiliated Marketing Group. The owners of this company have over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry, both in Peru and abroad, and will put that experience towards bettering the Peru Gaming Show and meeting the local needs of the market. PGS will not be bigger nor smaller- just different. The gaming industry in Peru faces other challenges and other requirements that must be met. Hopefully the continuation of this show will help the Peruvian market in meeting those challenges.
“It has been a pleasure for me to be an important part of the gaming industry in Peru since 1997. Now new horizons are waiting for me personally and I will follow my dreams and ideas as always, with enthusiasm, energy, hard work and bringing the best of my experience and contacts. I am sure success will once again be there. Farewell and again, thank you for your past support.”
