Over the past decade, Latin America has become one of the most important regions in the global gambling market, driven by its growth dynamics. The segment has mature regulatory models, technological solutions, and approaches to industry development.
Ahead of the ICE 2nd edition in Barcelona (January 19th-21st, 2026), this influence is stronger than ever. The territory is fundamental to the event agenda and the formation of professional networks.
Liliana Costa, Clarion Gaming's Liaison in Latin America, shared thoughts on why the area is becoming a centre of attraction. The company actively works with local regulators, associations, and operators to ensure the presence of national delegations and thematic groups.
Importance of the Region for ICE 2026
The organisers are collaborating systematically with industry participants across all South and Central American states, including legal authorities, suppliers, and specialised agencies. This format provides an opportunity to hear from business experts from various directions and more accurately reflect market peculiarities in the exhibition and conference programs.
In Barcelona, regional attendance will be even more prominent. Guests will see national pavilions, thematic panels, and a larger number of influential delegates from major countries.
Prominent figures from the following states are expected to visit the upcoming show:
- Brazil;
- Mexico;
- Colombia;
- Argentina, etc.
According to Ms Costa, ICE remains a platform that views Latin America not only as a participant but also as a source of knowledge and practices that influence the expo’s concept.
Strengthening Cross-Border Relations
The event is gradually turning into an international hub, where niche representatives from around the world help shape a common agenda.
For the region, this factor converts into the following initiatives:
- Specialised programs for legislators, regulators, and operators, addressing local challenges and investment opportunities.
- A closed area for high-level meetings, where attendees can discuss strategic issues and establish important contacts.
- Partnerships with domestic associations, such as ALEA, CIBELAE, and ABRAGAMING, to expand interaction and exchange experiences.
- Targeted campaigns for emerging markets, primarily Brazil, enabling local companies and authorities to connect with international stakeholders.
Ms Costa noted that ICE is a place where every Latin American idea is taken into account and influences global plans. This approach makes the region’s participation extremely meaningful for the entire industry.
Priority Discussion Topics at the Show
The 2026 agenda is built around issues currently shaping the sphere’s development on the 2 continents. The organisers have identified 5 areas, each reflecting market demands and delegate expectations.
These fields include the following:
- Transition to a new regulatory model in Brazil. Thematic discussions are planned in Barcelona on recent legal innovations in online gaming and betting, and how these changes are impacting the industry.
- International cooperation. Experts from Colombia, Peru, and Chile will share practices that help enhance transparency and consistency of approaches.
- Digital transformation and service adaptation. Separate sections will be devoted to AI, payment solutions, and user protection, with local requirements taken into account.
- Sustainable growth. The focus will be on advertising standards, responsible gambling principles, and the stable evolution of regulated segments.
- The role of niche institutions. Leading authorities from Latin America and Europe will meet at roundtables to strengthen professional ties and exchange experiences.
As Ms Costa emphasised, such discussions make the gathering more focused and useful for specialists from different countries. The exhibition’s agenda becomes a tool that helps ICE’s team see the overall development trajectory and find common ground.
Brazil’s Potential and the Future of Local Events
Show organisers have long-standing ties to the industry in the region. The company has previously held conferences in Colombia and neighbouring states and continues to support data exchange with Latin American associations.
Next year, a key goal will be strengthening ICE Barcelona’s reputation as a premier international meeting point. Nevertheless, the team is not ruling out a return to localised formats if it helps connect with rapidly growing markets.
The gambling business in Brazil stands out significantly. Thanks to its size and active regulatory development, the sphere could become one of the global industry’s centres. The sector is preparing for systemic change and is attracting increasing attention from international partners. According to Ms Costa, for ICE, the state is more than just a location. Organisers consider it a force shaping the niche conversation.
Key Factors Influencing Current Market Dynamics
The region’s ecosystem is going through a challenging period. Representatives are having to adapt to conditions that directly impact their daily operations and long-term plans.
Key issues include:
- pressure from the illegal sector, which is reducing trust in the sphere;
- a lack of reliable data and clear benchmarks for informed decision-making;
- the competing efforts of institutions and associations, complicating coordination;
- the emergence of new regulations and tax approaches that require rapid adaptation;
- the need to strengthen the footprint of specialised companies and authorities worldwide.
The annual gathering helps address these aspects by serving as a convenient hub for dialogue and the exchange of practices.
The event provides:
- access to industry analytics and comparative research;
- a neutral space for sharing views and synchronising approaches;
- direct communication with lawmakers, niche agencies, and global partners;
- opportunities for recognition and strengthening the expert status of local enterprises.
As Ms Costa claimed, the January show is a meeting point where Latin America demonstrates its true influence, and the international community can see the region’s full potential.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and breakthroughs in the gambling industry with the Casino Market team.
For assistance with flawless entry into new jurisdictions, feel free to contact us. We offer scalable solutions, customisable platforms, in-demand games, various payment systems, and effective promotion tools.
Have questions or want to order services?
Contact our consultants:
- e-mail: manager@casino-market.com
- feedback form.
Check the information used to contact us carefully. It is necessary for your safety.
Fraudsters can use contacts that look like ours to scam customers. Therefore, we ask you to enter only the addresses that are indicated on our official website.
Be careful! Our team is not responsible for the activities of persons using similar contact details.
