In the penultimate episode of this SlotBeats Spotlight series, we asked our five experts if land-based players have been converted to online across the continent following a very challenging year.
To what extent have land-based slot players been converted to online across the continent?
Victor Araneda, GAMING1: It’s improving, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of converting Latin American land-based players to online. Major countries in the region have failed to pass proper licensing frameworks, which is likely to create a further hindrance to the market’s development.
The health crisis has also made the need to speed up this process painfully obvious – and it’s never been more important to protect the regulated industry.
Ruben Loeches, R Franco Digital: Given the radical shift in daily life across LatAm this year, players have no doubt found it essential to turn online to replicate the usual land-based entertainment they’re accustomed to.
This transition to online has enabled players usually set in their habits to discover a whole new world – particularly when it comes to enjoying an experience that is simpler, more interesting and safer than thought.
This in turn will increase the percentage of players we expect to see active across both disciplines, which is why I think rather than speaking about ‘conversion’, it should more be seen as players adapting to the circumstances.
Unai Concha Olabarrieta, OneTouch: The emerging nature of Latin America’s casino industry means that player preferences are hard to measure, especially by comparison with more mature markets such as Europe.
In addition, with the pandemic still engulfing so much of the continent, it’s difficult to ascertain whether the increase in online slot play is just a temporary phenomenon, or here to stay in the long run.
Maria Luisa Malfasi, ESA Gaming: Although the transition from land-based to online was already happening, it was quickened by the pandemic.
It would be a mistake to think that online gaming has taken over a space that was previously occupied by the land-based sector though because in reality, these are two completely different markets.
What we have also seen is the switch from sports betting to online casino as sports was put on hold and that is a significant development. Players that would not normally try online slots did because of the lack of sports and have now discovered new products that they enjoy.
Sebastian Damian, Booongo: The impact of COVID-19 has unquestionably been a major factor in driving more players online this year, with land-based venues hit hardest from strict lockdown measures imposed across multiple territories.
Even before the pandemic, operators were enjoying a growing influx of retail players embracing the digital environment and we expect this trend to continue in the years ahead. More countries are expected to introduce regulatory frameworks, which will make it safer for players to access their favourite casino games online.
