Pedro Filgueira, the European Business Developer at FBM & FBMDS, discussed the new trends and future opportunities for operators in the LATAM gambling market.
What products are the most successful in the South American gambling market?
After a few years exploring different South American markets in the land-based universe and during the last years in the online segment, I believe that operators must try to understand the strong connection between any market and its own culture. LATAM region is very diverse and each country has a very specific environment and player profile.
There are countries like Brazil where there is a huge passion for video bingo games.
If we talk about Mexico, for example, people play video bingos regularly too, but they are also very receptive to slots games with innovative features and attractive gameplay.
During the pandemic and lockdown, there was a transition from land-based gambling to iGaming. How have the operators and gamblers gone through it? Have you noticed any important changes?
The iGaming was already growing consistently in different regions of the globe during the past years, but obviously, this context favored an exponential growth of the online casino games suppliers and operators.
I have seen an increase in the players’ activity as well as in terms of market requests. There is also a global idea that this is a very important moment in the redefinition of online and land-based casino players’ profiles. So obviously, it’s so important to be watchful to actual and potential clients’ and partners’ feedbacks to provide solutions and products that are one step ahead of the competition.
Online gambling market of what country is the most promising, from your point of view?
It’s hard to identify one online market because many opportunities appear for online casino brands almost everywhere, for example, in European countries like Portugal and Spain. In Latin America, there are nations like Colombia and Mexico that are also increasing their activities significantly. Additionally, the Brazilian market is full of potential. This market is waiting for a clear legal framework to return as a global reference in the casino industry.
How has the Latin American gambling market changed after the pandemic? Has it returned to that pre-COVID stage?
On one hand, we have the operators that must understand that each market has specific requirements in terms of players’ needs and payment methods, and other cultural elements. The suppliers shall consider these elements when they create solutions and products to have the desired impact on players and casinos.
On the other hand, we have the regulatory frameworks established in each country. If LATAM nations expect to collect economic benefits from the industry, it is important to create clear and stable regulatory frameworks. This is an important step to attract the reference players of this industry and make them feel safe and comfortable about launching an online operation in this region.
So, I think there is a lot to do and a huge potential to leverage from this region in the future.
As soon as land-based gambling is fully legalized in Brazil, what products will be the most popular? Have you already learned anything about Brazilian gamblers?
Yes, we have a deep knowledge of Brazilian culture and people.
Earlier, Brazil was already a very mature land-based market concerning video bingos. We have a clear idea of the preferences, behaviors, and habits of the Brazilian people. In terms of products, video bingos will have a special relevance on a potential return. This is a clear preference of the Brazilian people.
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