GAT ShowCase Santo Domingo 2024 kicks off with a lively opening event

The GAT ShowCase Santo Domingo takes place at the iconic Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino, bringing together regulators, operators and industry experts. The event serves as a platform to discuss the latest innovations and explore the future of the gaming sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.

On the first day, the event kicked off with an expansion event to introduce and welcome key industry leaders from LATAM, who will also take part in panel discussions throughout the two-day event.

Dr. Yamile Gutiérrez, from G&G Studio Legal, was in charge of opening the session. Gutiérrez highlighted the importance of this event, especially as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the GAT Fair. She underlined that this is the first time that the exhibition is being held in Santo Domingo, which represents a significant milestone. ‘This event will allow us to explore advances in regulation and the application of artificial intelligence to gaming platforms,’ she said, highlighting the opportunity these days provide to share knowledge and strengthen connections between industry professionals.

Next, José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of Gaming & Technology Expo, welcomed the attendees highlighting the relevance of the Dominican Republic in the gaming industry. “This event marks a milestone in the regional gaming industry, and I am proud to be here, in what I consider my second homeland, after four years of living in this country,’”said Aguirre. He also thanked the presence of key figures such as the Director of Casinos and Gaming, Dr. Claudia Álvarez Troncoso, and underlined the Directorate's commitment to promote a regulated and responsible market.

In his speech, Aguirre highlighted the dynamism of the Latin American and Caribbean market, and how the regulation of online gaming and the prevention of money laundering are bringing unprecedented new challenges. He mentioned the collaboration of Rodrigo Ciclutic, Executive Director of Cibelae, who facilitated the presence of lottery leaders from El Salvador, Costa Rica and Chile, and celebrated the participation of Puerto Rico's regulator as a key step towards consolidating a productive and regulated industry in the region.

Dr. Claudia Álvarez Troncoso then took the floor, thanking the country for having been chosen to host the event. Álvarez Troncoso  highlighted the Dominican government's commitment to legality and transparency in the sector. "We are implementing policies to promote legal, fair and responsible gambling, and actively combating illegality and money laundering in the sector,’ she said, underlining the Ministry's focus on improving the regulatory framework for online gambling.

International participation was immediately present, with speeches such as that of Dr. Javier Milián, president of Cibelae and representative of the Loteria Nacional de Beneficencia de El Salvador, who highlighted the collaboration between lotteries in the region to solve common problems. ‘We are here to share experiences and solutions that will strengthen our institutions throughout Latin America,’ said Milián.

For her part, Esmeralda Britton, president of the Costa Rican Social Protection Board, emphasised the importance of taking advantage of this type of meeting to strengthen ties between the different actors in the sector in the region. ‘This is a key space to exchange experiences and learn from best practices in the gaming industry,’ added Britton, who is also vice-president of Cibelae. 

The event was also attended by representatives from Puerto Rico and Chile, who underlined the importance of regulation in their respective countries.

David Moniz, president of the Dominican Association of Casinos and Gaming, closed the expansion ceremony with a call to find a balance between the regulatory sector, entrepreneurs and partners to ensure the sustainable development of the industry. ‘It is us, those of us who are here, who have the obligation to demonstrate the great commitment that the gaming sector has with society,’ Moniz concluded.

GAT ShowCase Santo Domingo 2024 continued throughout the day with panels and discussions focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing the gaming industry in the region.