Insight SPAIN R. Franco Digital
worrying, as past instances have seen players driven towards the black markets – which is something that none of us want. Our comprehensive research is here to inform decision-makers, and we hope that in tandem with the DGOJ, who we have worked closely with in the past, we will be able to provide our comprehensive research to aid the correct decision.
What patterns and trends have you identified in online gaming both in Spain and across the Atlantic in Latin America?
Te exponential growth of casino and slot games are being mirrored on both sides of the Atlantic. When it comes to sport betting, its growth is no doubt being fueled by our Latino passion for sport – this crosses across to slots, with our cultural characteristics lending well to our desire to be immersed in the thrill of the action.
In terms of trends, esports are no longer a promise but a reality – especially when it comes to the new generation of player. As Managing Director for one of Spain’s largest operators, R. Franco’s subsidiary brand Wanabet, I can confidently say that it has arrived with a bang and is here to stay. Te development and growth of these in Spain and LatAm is evident, and we have been very impressed with the figures. National competitions - along with the presence of teams and players in international tournaments - has greatly increased its following and I expect to continue to see the vertical go from strength to strength as it continues to grow.
With a strong land-based heritage, do you expect to see an increasing transition to online because of the pandemic in Latin America?
Te current situation has been a catalyst for the significant increase in players searching for new types of entertainment, particularly as a substitute for face-to-face gaming considering the recent closures. However, I do not believe this trend will move players away from venues and casinos permanently, but rather broaden the demographic of players who enjoy both online and offline. Many are discovering online gaming to be easy, safe, and simple for the first time – and from what we’ve seen, I believe players are now excited to realise they have the option of two trusted channels moving forward.
How do you believe the crisis will affect the speed of regulation for online gaming in Latin America?
I truly hope that it will speed up the regulatory processes that are already underway, as well as provide a framework for other countries that have not yet considered enacting regulation.
Te advantages are certainly clear; responsible gaming, taxation and the elimination of illegal offshore operations are all attractive propositions, and far better controlled in a closely monitored market. Te sooner this happens, the better – as a safe environment is essential for the development of the LatAm sector as a whole. Of course, given our close work with regulators in the past, such as the DGOJ in Spain and Coljuegos in Colombia, we’re here to help, and greatly look forward to making
The current situation has been a catalyst for the significant increase in players searching for new types of entertainment, particularly as a substitute for face-to-face gaming considering the recent closures. However, I do not believe this trend will move players away from venues and casinos permanently, but rather broaden the demographic of players who enjoy both online and offline.
the continent a more regulation-friendly market than ever before.
When do you expect Brazil to come online?
Brazil has been the Shangri-La of LatAm gaming for some time – effectively making it the continent’s promised land for when it (finally) comes online, but only time will tell.
We are many years into the process already so forecasting how long is no easy task. As one of the continent’s most established gaming companies, with a history that numbers in decades, we already have strategic plans in place to hit the ground running once the market is ready. With one of the region’s most diverse cultures and demographics, we are certainly ready to step up to such an exciting new challenge – and I am sure Brazil will prove to be a key market for many years to come.
NEWSWIRE / INTERACTIVE / MARKET DATA P41
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