AIEJA’s President summarised the changes and successes of the Mexican gambling segment throughout last year, highlighting sustained development. Miguel Ángel Ochoa also talked about the impact of recent regulation modifications and the strategies of its organisation for 2024.
Results of the Industry and AIEJA in 2023
The expert mentioned that the period was rather fruitful for the Mexican entertainment sphere. The sector has been successfully recovering from the consequences of the pandemic, increasing overall dynamics. While in March 2020, there were about 380 functioning casinos, in 2023, their number grew to 429.
Gambling venues in the country welcomed an increased amount of guests. Many establishments across the Republic’s 29 regions had around 7 million visits during the year.
Mr Ochoa also noted that 2023 was a great period for AIEJA itself, especially in terms of membership.
The association now has nearly 60 affiliates, including:
- 10 licensees;
- about 20 operators;
- 30 providers, suppliers, academies, etc.
The whole industry is in sustained growth. Its participants pay taxes, generate investment, and widen employment possibilities. The segment offers approximately 200,000 job positions, including indirect ones. The overall proposal covers the opportunities in both offline and digital amusement verticals, as well as related niches.
Impact of the Decree Banning Land-Based Slots
Mr Ochoa said that the modification worries his association. However, this initiative cannot be considered as the final, irreversible decision yet as it is approved only by the Executive and is not the same as a law. Still, the expert emphasises that the decree hinders the launching of new slot venues, which can lead to the disappearance of such halls.
The temporary mitigating factor is that brands already operating in the industry have the right to proceed with their activities until licence expiration. For now, 429 gaming establishments continue offering services in the country and 15 more are in the middle of a legal procedure to (re)open the doors.
The specialist mentioned he would not underestimate the negative impact of the modification. Nevertheless, Mr Ochoa considers it a beneficial opportunity as well, as the situation lays the foundation for negotiations and collaborative efforts.
The expert emphasises the need to join forces with the following parties:
- government;
- legislative branch;
- gaming segment as a whole;
- Chambers of Deputies and Senators.
The result should be the emergence of a new, relevant initiative that would take into account the needs of a technologically advanced society and suit all parties. The current regulation was implemented back in 1947, which makes it obsolete. Since then, those rules have not been changed, so they cannot serve the modern industry.
Mr Ochoa said that his organisation has already started to work on a fresh proposal that can replace the old standards and reverse the latest modifications which restrict ground casinos.
In other respects, AIEJA plans to operate as usual throughout 2024. The continuation of the association’s support and land-based managers' activities will allow the industry to evolve.
Additionally, Mr Ochoa noted that the year brings presidential elections. The new potential head, who may be a woman for the 1st time in Mexico’s history, might also impact the situation with gambling regulation.
Top Gaming Events in Latin America in 2023−2024
The region has had a lot of essential business exhibitions and conferences throughout recent years. Their number has been growing until 2020−2021 when the increase ceased because of the pandemic restrictions. However, 2023 became the year of renovation and returning to all the development trends.
The period offered a lot of decent events, such as:
- GAT Expo;
- SBC Summit;
- Peru Gaming Show;
- International Gaming Convention, etc.
The latter will return in 2024 for its 4th edition. The occasion will be held on March 12−14 in Mexico City. Mr Ochoa welcomed global gambling representatives to the show. He noted that the event is set to host attendees from the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, etc.
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