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Latino America
Ricki Chavez Munoz reports on what’s happening in South America
Well, it was a very busy G2E Las Vegas, where we had to cover two other events off the LVCC, which hosted for the last time the Global Gaming Expo. Now we are getting ready to celebrate the New Year thanks to an invitation to the official opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
G2E 2010 was an unmitigated success, with unbelievable exhibits from the global industry leaders. When we visited the Harwood Suite at the Palms Hotel & Casino, where Caribbean Gaming Solutions presented the Amaya Gaming products, we were pleased to find amongst the exhibits from the Canadian company the world’s favourite virtual racing game, Royal Derby, but this time in a BJ table format with 6 playing positions.
In Las Vegas we met the guys from the Latin American expos, all of whom confirmed that most of the exhibition spaces had already been booked for each of their events. These guys do work really hard, not only on account of the fact that most companies are streamlining their marketing expenses but also because some firms are looking for alternatives to get the best out of their exhibits. However, as Courtney Muller, G2E organizer said: “Exhibitors want to see all their clients in just one place!”
As we get to the end of the year, I would like to thank all of you who are generous with comments on our gaming media efforts, and wish everyone excellent year end celebrations with your families during Xmas, and wherever you are during the New Year 2011.
Cheers,
Ricki.
Is it third time lucky for Paraguay?
With two failed tenders for their casinos, Paraguay’s Comisión Nacional de Juegos de Azar (Conajzar), is getting a third international tender process under way to ensure that third time lucky does get punters ready to invest in casinos in this Mediterranean South American country.
Paraguay has per capita purchasing power parity GDP of US $5,000, and with some 7 million inhabitants it should be able to host a dozen casinos in the country, as projected by Conajzar. However, unless the tender rules are clear and in line with international conditions, Paraguay is destined to have a gaming industry with as much order as the country chosen by Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid to make their fortune.
Early in November, Ricardo Lugo, legal counsel for Conajzar, said that the new tender documents contained the necessary changes to ensure its success but that there was still a lack of consensus on the changes within Paraguay’s regulating body. One of the major changes to the tender documents includes slot machines regulations, which the casinos operators had to comply with in previous tenders - when there wasn’t one!
Another of the changes needed is the licensing terms, which should be extended from 60 to 120 months; also, the terms for the tender winners to build, install, and open the casinos, which Lugo, an expert in casino operations in the region, had criticized as being too short, and “prepared for those who already know that everything is all right and can open within the given time.”
Puerto Rico tries to control 100,000 illegal slots
Juan Carlos Puig, Puerto Rico Secretary of the Exchequer, informed the Tourist and Culture Commission last month that his department has only issued two licences to operate adult amusement machines in the country, following directives from the new gaming regulations. Puig said that before licensing the electronic devices were duly inspected to ensure that the machines do not pay winnings in cash.
Stating that the licensing renewal process ended last October, Puig said that last year there were only two adult amusement gaming licenses issued to supplement 8,000 licensed machines. However, Puig added that there are more than 100,000 unregistered machines in Puerto Rico, operating illegally, but that his Department does not have enough manpower to confiscate the illegal machines.
The Tourist and Culture Commission is engaged on an investigation into the adult amusement machine licensing process, which operate in most of Puerto Rico’s retail businesses such as cafes, bars and convenience stores. The idea is to license all the machines to ensure that they are controlled and contribute tax revenues to the country, and that they are used for amusement purposes only and not for illegal gaming.
WMS Room at Casino in Argentina
The recent opening of an exclusive WMS room at Casino Neo Mayorazgo in Argentina to showcase WMS’ latest and greatest games is the result of a strategic alliance the parties formed earlier this year. Since opening the room has proven to be a success for both WMS and Casino Neo Mayorazgo as many players continue to seek out and play WMS games.
In the dedicated room, Casino Neo Mayorazgo patrons have the chance to take full advantage of WMS’ latest innovations, including the proven Bluebird2 gaming cabinet. Bluebird2, one of the gaming industry’s most innovative cabinets, features an ergonomic design that puts a premium on player-comfort, dual 22” high definition displays, Bose audio and, for the operator, ease of use and support for WMS’ latest and most innovative games.
Marcela Santamaria, Director of Marketing at Neogame commented, “We are constantly looking to provide for the needs of our visitors and surprise them with unique experiences.” With the early success of the exclusive room providing mutual benefits, WMS and Neogame continue to evaluate unique opportunities to foster and grow their relationship.
FADJA 2011 at G2E Las Vegas
The presentation of FADJA 2011 ended with excellent results last month during G2E in Las Vegas, where 3A Producciones’ executive staff held meetings during the most important gaming expo in the world.
The visit by representatives of the thirteenth Andean Gaming Trade Show did not take by surprise any of the global brands exhibiting at G2E, as they have already confirmed their participation in the Colombian show next year, over April 13 and 14. In November, the Andean Gaming Trade Show ended its second marketing phase with confirmed sales of 80% of its exhibition areas for the largest and best equipped gaming show in the Andean region.
Carolina Moncada, Business Manager of the organizing company had a tight agenda, contacting current and future clients at the booths of Alfastreet, Aruze Gaming América, Cardlogix, Cashscan Corp, Casinfo LLC, Crown Casino Seating, Gaming Partners International, Gaming Laboratories International, Shuffle Master Gaming, Gemaco, Moebius Digigraph, among others, and finding a great response to the early marketing for FADJA 201 offering very special discounts to all the interested parties.
These companies are expected to join the select group of exhibitors who have already confirmed their participation, such as: WMS Gaming, IGT, Suzo, Bally Technologies, Money Controls, Mei Group, Cash Code, Dirhel, CN Cortar, Automated Transactions, El Espartano, Electro Mecanic, Belatra Games, Gold Club, Heal Technology, Fecoljuegos, Gaming Camelot, Stream 2 Play, R Franco América S.A., Novomatic, JCM, James Industries, Ainsworth, and Mundo Video, the leading Colombian gaming industry company, which has chosen to be the Exclusive Sponsor of FADJA 2011.
Jose Anibal Aguirre, FADJA’s Director, said: “ Until next December 15, manufacturers and distributors of products and services for the gaming industry can count on a 10% discount on regular fees, ensuring their participation in FADJA 2011, the most productive and happy gaming Show!”
