Gaming & Technology Expo successfully concluded its debut in San Juan, strengthening its strategy of regional expansion.
The alliance between Gat Events and the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission proved to be a winning formula to integrate the island into the Latin American gaming circuit.
Two academic sessions and a full day of commercial exhibition at the Puerto Rico Convention Center allowed interaction between suppliers and operators, who described Gat Expo Puerto Rico as a necessary, productive, and comprehensive event.
Day 2: Regulation, Technology, and Responsibility – The academic day on Wednesday, October 29, opened with the panel “Responsible Gaming,” moderated by Attorney Jaime Rivera Emanuelli (Saiber LLC, former Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission), with the participation of Idalynn Ortiz (Gaming Commission) and Dr. Catherine I. Oliver Franco (ASSMCA). The panel highlighted the importance of education, prevention, and collaboration between public entities and operators to ensure player protection.
The discussion “Regulatory Analysis: Land-Based vs. Online Gaming” followed, featuring Lorna Huertas Padilla, Yamile Gutiérrez (G&G Studio Legal), and Evert Montero Cárdenas (Fecoljuegos), who shared regulatory experiences and discussed the current legal landscape in Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Next, the panel “Trends in Virtual Betting,” moderated by María Cristina Mari García (Hipódromo Camarero), a recognized Puerto Rican professional, brought together experts such as Julio César Duque (Golden Race), Ramy Belhachmi (Mi Quinté RD), Edgardo Paredes (Raza Carreras), and Herminio Iglesias (Soll Systems). They emphasized the growing convergence of technology, innovation, and regulatory developments in this rapidly expanding vertical.
The morning block continued with “The Online Betting Landscape in Latin America and Puerto Rico” moderated by Víctor Arias (Arrise/Pragmatic Play), with Sean Bishop (Latam Global Tote US) and Joe Fernández (Ballers Sportsbook PR), who analyzed, from a business perspective, the dynamics of sports betting and online gaming.
The panel “State Gaming in Puerto Rico: Horse Racing Agencies and Sports Betting” led by José Carlos Figueroa (Gli Caribe), with María Cristina Mari García (Hipódromo Camarero) and Grace Santana (Winln PR), focused on how the state is modernizing its oversight of operations and the need for constant regulatory updates in line with rapidly evolving technology.
In his keynote “Advances in Aml and Cft Prevention” Juan Carlos Restrepo, president of Asojuegos Colombia, presented the best practices developed by the association over the past 11 years. He emphasized the importance of building trust with the financial sector, public opinion, and authorities to legitimize a gaming industry long stigmatized.
The final panel, “Casino Landscape in Puerto Rico” moderated by Alfredo Martínez, Director of the Gaming Bureau, brought together Ismael Vega (Casino Metro) and Sigfrido De Jesús (Casino del Mar), who underscored the role of casinos in the island’s economic and tourism development.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition was led by Juan Carlos Santaella and other officials from the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. Sponsors, speakers, and representatives from international associations also took part in the opening. Visitors, including suppliers and operators from Puerto Rico’s local industry and executives from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the United States, France, Spain, Uruguay, Colombia, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Germany, Austria, Peru, Panama, and Lithuania, explored the exhibitor booths. In an environment of constant dialogue, they discovered innovative games, slots, route machines, and digital solutions that are diversifying the legal gaming market in the island and the Caribbean.
Exhibitors and international delegates praised the quality of attendees, the presence of the regulatory authority with its institutional booth, and the interest of local operators in forging new strategic alliances. The event consolidated Gat Expo Puerto Rico as an effective business platform where knowledge, technology, and opportunity converged in a single professional space.
Participating brands included: Platinum Sponsors: Red Wall, Raza Carreras, Ragnes Virtuales; Exclusive Sponsors: Juancito Sport, GLI Gold Sponsor: Hipódromo CamareroOther exhibitors: Novomatic, Prometeo Oklahoma, Caribe Gaming, Casino Parts by Casino Garage, Easylinx, Expocaribe, Gem Solutions, Golden Race, Softquo, Spinmatic Center, Xpress, G&G Studio Legal, Casino del Mar, Ocean Casino, Kawal Real Casino, Caribbean Cage, Tropical Casino.
The Grand Combo of GAT Expo Puerto Rico: Knowledge, Tourism, Exhibition, and Epic Networking. The brand RedWall, officially launched during GAT Puerto Rico, sponsored the grand closing party featuring the legendary El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The networking event, held at the T-Mobile District in San Juan, delivered a world-class experience for locals and visitors alike, with giant LED screens, spectacular visuals, and the irresistible rhythm of Puerto Rican salsa.
José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT Events, stated: “It is a great joy to express that GAT Expo Puerto Rico marks a significant milestone for the GAT Events circuit and the entertainment industry in Latin America. We experienced two days of harmony, dialogue, and learning among suppliers, regulators, and operators. This achievement was made possible thanks to our alliance with the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in making this event a reality.
The gaming industry is contributing to the island’s moment of growth and visibility. I thank all sponsors and exhibitors who believed in this project. Many participants have already expressed their wish to see GAT Expo Puerto Rico become an annual meeting platform to foster business and sector integration. Lastly, I must highlight our unforgettable closing night—a networking celebration that will remain a lifelong memory.”
Next Destination: GAT Expo Santo Domingo 2025. The organization confirms its next stop: GAT Expo Santo Domingo, to be held on November 12–13, 2025, at the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel & Casino, Dominican Republic, continuing to strengthen regional cooperation in regulation, innovation, and social responsibility in gaming.
