As 2024 wraps up, the gaming industry in Latin America (Latam) reflects on a year filled with dramatic shifts and significant milestones. From regulatory advancements to challenging legislative changes, the roller-coaster ride has left its mark on operators, suppliers, and regulators alike. Karen Sierra-Hughes, Vice-President for Latin America, Caribbean, and Spain of GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), sat down with Yogonet to share her reflections on the past year and the challenges that lie ahead for the gaming industry in 2025.
A Year of Major Regulatory Developments Across Latam
Karen Sierra-Hughes is candid when discussing 2024: it was a “roller coaster of emotions.” The landscape of regulatory development across the region saw a mix of exhilarating progress and daunting obstacles. Significant strides were made, particularly in jurisdictions like Peru and Brazil, where gaming regulation and legalization reached new heights.
Peru’s regulatory overhaul, which officially legalized a range of gaming verticals, stands out as one of the region’s biggest wins. The formalization of this market created a thriving industry that is expected to continue growing. Similarly, Brazil emerged as the largest online gaming and sports betting jurisdiction in Latin America, sparking excitement across the region. This transformation has been pivotal for Latam’s gaming future.
Elsewhere, jurisdictions such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay, and several provinces of Argentina made notable progress, introducing new laws and regulations. These developments indicate an evolving commitment to establishing clear, transparent, and structured gaming environments.
However, 2024 also saw its share of challenges. For instance, Peru introduced a new tax in December, affecting the industry’s outlook for the coming years. Meanwhile, Chile’s long-awaited sports betting and online gaming bill is still pending approval. While these obstacles could stall progress temporarily, Sierra-Hughes remains optimistic that 2025 will bring further legislative breakthroughs across Latam.
Looking Ahead: The Regulatory Challenges of 2025
The year 2025 promises to be another transformative one for the gaming industry, but not without its challenges. Sierra-Hughes identifies several key issues that will require urgent attention and action.
One of the primary challenges will be the need for greater proactivity in addressing responsible gaming. As more countries move towards legalizing online gaming and sports betting, responsible gaming initiatives must be embedded in regulations to avoid heavy-handed regulatory measures that could stifle industry growth. For Sierra-Hughes, this issue will be at the forefront of efforts to ensure the industry’s sustainable development.
Another critical challenge is fostering inter-jurisdictional collaboration. As gaming grows across borders, so does the risk of illegal gambling and cross-border fraud. The industry will need stronger partnerships between regulators, governments, and international bodies to combat illegal gambling, player fraud, and match-fixing.
Additionally, Sierra-Hughes highlights the need for more innovative software solutions. Operators will require better tools to navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environment, including solutions that support responsible gaming, consumer protection, and fraud prevention. Moreover, these solutions need to be adaptable to local needs, considering the diverse economic and cultural landscapes across Latam.
A Glimpse into GLI’s Future in Latin America
For GLI, 2025 holds the promise of continued growth and deepened partnerships within the region. Sierra-Hughes expresses hope that the company can continue to play an integral role in shaping the gaming regulatory landscape. The company’s long-standing relationships with operators and suppliers in Latam are a testament to GLI’s commitment to the region’s development.
She is particularly optimistic about the potential for Latin American regulations to set a global example. If Latam continues to refine and improve its regulatory framework, Sierra-Hughes believes that it could eventually serve as a model for other regions seeking to regulate online gaming and sports betting.
As GLI celebrates nearly 25 years of operations in Latin America, the company’s role as a trusted partner to operators and suppliers remains as strong as ever. Sierra-Hughes is confident that these collaborations will continue to bear fruit, contributing to the sustainable growth of the gaming sector in Latam.
Key Industry Developments for 2025
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, there are several key regulatory developments and trends that operators and suppliers in Latin America should keep a close eye on:
- Expansion of Legal Jurisdictions: Countries like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina are expected to continue developing and refining their gaming regulations.
- Responsible Gaming Initiatives: Expect a larger focus on regulations aimed at protecting consumers and promoting responsible gaming behaviours.
- Cross-border Collaboration: Governments and regulators will need to increase cooperation to tackle illegal gambling and fraud across jurisdictions.
- Technology and AI Integration: With an increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, there will be a greater demand for software solutions that address everything from fraud prevention to player protection.
By staying ahead of these developments, the gaming industry in Latam can not only survive but thrive in the coming years.
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