Which were the results of SAGSE PANAMA 2012?

The eighth consecutive edition of the fair returned to Panama to highlight, once again, the great sense of celebration in Panama. SAGSE has shown that stands for internationality and credibility. SAGSE in Panama is an event that covers the entire region of Central America and the Caribbean.

It boils down to one sentence: "From Mexico to Peru all the GAMING in the best place, Panama."
Aisles were full of international public from all the Caribbean islands, Central America and especially Mexico, showing the great interest that this event generates among operators.

Year after year it improves the quality of exhibitors and its amount. We have had all the major operators. The main international factories have been present with large deployments. They understand the importance of this event strategically located.

This year we have 50% more new exhibitors, which mean that there are new companies interested in this region. Ainsworth, Aristocrat Gaming Lounge, Arrow International, ASAP, Autoridad de Turismo Panamá, BELATRA, BYA Group, Catedrales del juego.com, Cole Kepro, Crane Payment Solutions, DFI TECH, DLV, DUX Casino, Foster Casino Supplier, Furturelogic, Games Magazine, GLI, Goody Uniformes, HotGames, Industrias Cattan, IGS, ISMS, Konami Gaming, Legendary Gaming, LNB - Loteria de Beneficiencia Panama, MEI, Merkur, Molina International, NOVOMATIC, SAGSE Case Study, Spielo International, StylGame, Taiping Carpets, Transact, Universal Circus Games and Yogonet, among others.

These companies, top in the Gaming Industry, generated that SAGSE Panama were visited by purchasing managers internationally, marketing and operations representatives of casinos and bingo halls, mechanical rooms, shopping malls, amusement halls, hotel-casinos, entrepreneurs and industry executives, slot managers, manufacturers and distributors of slot machines, accessories and parts, operators and agencies turf racetracks, casinos online and sport books, as well as providers from the gaming sector in general.


El entorno económico de Panamá, ¿Influyó en la feria? ¿Cómo?

El contexto es la base fundamental de todo evento. Panamá lo tiene todo, no solo en lo económico sino en lo social, en la tranquilidad de un contexto moderno pero relajado.
La elección de Panamá, hace 8 años atrás no fue al azar. Se pensó en una sede que a mediano y largo plazo prevalezca como sede de un evento.


Do you have preliminary data of the event?

With respect to the number of participating exhibitors and their international quality, it can be said that we have confirmed this event as the cornerstone of the region. We have met with senior executives in the gaming industry, operators and manufacturers, online gaming operators and suppliers of the most outstanding services to the entertainment industry from the following countries: USA, Argentina, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Austria, Panama, Spain, Nicaragua, Italy, Chile, Guatemala, Latvia, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Belgium, Israel, Macao, Isle Of Man, Paraguay, Poland, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, El Salvador, France, Greece, Haiti and Jamaica, among others.

Did the economic environment of Panama have an influence on the show?

The context is the fundamental basis of any event. Panama has it all, not only economically but socially, in the comfort of a modern context, but also relaxed. The choice of Panama, 8 years ago was not random. It was thought as venue that in medium and long term will prevail to host this event. When we chose this venue, we thought a lot about international logistics. We think of Panama as a platform for a whole region.

Being in a location like Panama is knowing that one has stability and a whole future ahead, this beautiful country has serious people, workers, with social and legal security that would guarantee the success of any venture.

From the beginning the place was improving and with it the SAGSE event. Panama has the best air connectivity in the Americas. From Panama you can reach almost nonstop around the world, the business of the game in full swing, the country with the highest growth rate of its GDP (+15% 2011); government support to the sector; high level of foreign investment; and legal certainty for the sector, security and tranquility at anytime, anywhere, stable currency (dollar); climate of optimism and relaxation, beaches, hiking and natural beauty, shopping, entertainment and fun, and a Free Tax Zone.

What was the response from the attendees?

In a telephone survey was conducted in a selected sample of operators into online gaming and international, mostly from Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico and the U.S. It showed that 100% of respondents were interested in re-visiting the expo in 2013 in Panama in May. Meanwhile, of those contacted who did not attend as visitors to last year, 85% said they intend to go to the next edition. In both cases, respondents indicated that the venue for SAGSE in Panama generates security, tranquility and fun to do excellent business.

How were the conferences?

The conferences were a huge success. Dr. Randall Fine, who was present for the first time in Latin America, lectured the local market. He is the creator of the most important CRM techniques in Las Vegas and presented his solutions to the Latin American market. We expected an attendance of 20 people and finally ended up being 70. The seminar set a precedent for the need of the region to learn and listen to luminaries such as Randall Fine, leader of marketing in Las Vegas.

Will these results make an impact on the next edition? How?

All experience generates learning. We are confident that this year SAGSE in Panama has proven to be the premier event of an entire region.

I would like to add that talking about SAGSE Panama is not speaking only of the Panamanian market. SAGSE covers the entire region surrounding it. But if they want us comment on this specific market, we can say it is a very strong and stable large market.

In Panama there are 26 slot machine rooms, 16 casinos, 13 betting shops, a racecourse and a bingo hall. A model market, which is still growing and demanding more cutting-edge equipment. The development of new projects and operations in Latin America make SAGSE is synonymous with professionalism in conducting fairs and as a propellant and enhancing business in countries where gambling is legal, transparent and officially regulated, also counting on support from the most prestigious institution in the country. From Monografie want to thank you all.