The event brought together companies from 19 countries, generated business opportunities, and hosted three panel discussions on Responsible Gaming, land-based casinos, and gamification.

GAT Expo Bogotá concluded its business event with positive feedback on sales, commercial opportunities, and industry networking. The exhibition brought together national and international manufacturers, suppliers, and operators looking to upgrade their venues, adopt new technologies, expand their game portfolios, and modernize their operations.

The event welcomed participants from 19 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United States, France, Georgia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Colombian operators were also represented by commercial delegates from more than 30 cities and municipalities across the country. Together with the international attendance, this broad representation supported business exchanges and helped strengthen connections between manufacturers and operators.

Coljuegos maintained an institutional presence with a stand in the Sheraton Hotel showroom, supporting dialogue with businesses interested in investing in or expanding their operations in Colombia and promoting legal gaming.

Technology and innovation take center stage

The exhibition showcased developments in slot machines, next-generation cabinets, progressive jackpots, electronic roulette, management systems, payment methods, casino furniture, marketing, specialized advertising, digital platforms, and solutions for both the land-based and online gaming sectors.

Live demonstrations gave operators the opportunity to explore ways to modernize their venues, diversify their offerings, and respond to the industry’s evolving technological trends.

Participating companies included Novomatic, Win Systems/Gold Club, Interblock, Gambee, Play Group, Pragmatic Play, Gamanza, BetConstruct, Royal Gaming, BetPlay, Oklahoma, Mobbili, JCM, Gem Solutions, Global Technology Services, Mer Design, RPCOL, UP Gaming, and BYADS.

GAT Talks: three discussions on the industry’s challenges

Alongside the commercial exhibition, GAT Expo Bogotá hosted GAT Talks, a forum for dialogue and knowledge-sharing among industry associations and senior executives. Sponsored by Gamanza and YaJuego, the program featured three panels addressing key issues for Colombia and Latin America.

Responsible Gaming: a shared commitment

The panel “Responsible Gaming in South America” was moderated by Luis Zanazzi, Training Advisor at ALEA. Speakers included Juan Carlos Restrepo, President of Asojuegos; Elizabeth Maya, President of Cornazar; and Willington Ortiz, President of Fedelco.

The discussion covered initiatives in Colombia, industry challenges, and measures to promote safer gambling practices. Topics included legal operations, educating children and young people to prevent risky behavior, and the importance of cooperation among industry stakeholders.

The session also highlighted training needs and opportunities in Responsible Gaming in Colombia and other Latin American markets, paving the way for potential future educational initiatives.

The challenges facing land-based casinos and retail gaming

The second panel was led by Georges Didier, Regional Director for Latin America at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). Participants included Laura Marcela Arévalo, Legal Advisor at Cornazar; José Luis Osorio, CEO of Retailsoft Solution; Laura Ruiz, lawyer at Vásquez y Asociados; and Julio Duque, Director for Latin America at Golden Race.

The discussion focused on the challenges land-based casino operators face regarding product certification and the implementation of new offerings. Participants also examined the need for more streamlined processes that can keep pace with technological developments and enable licensed operators to innovate within the regulatory framework.

Gamification: beyond bonuses

The academic program concluded with the panel “Gamification Is Not a Bonus Engine: Why the Industry Confused the Mechanism With the Experience,” moderated by Andrés Blanco, General Manager and Product Director at Gamanza Engage.

The panel featured Lina Gallego, Country Manager at Luckia Colombia; Paola Gayón, Marketing Manager at BetPlay; Diego Fernando Vargas Cortés, Strategy Director at YaJuego; and Favián Granados, CRM Manager LATAM at Xpanzia.

The experts discussed how gamification can transform the user experience, strengthen player retention, and build long-term relationships between operators and players. Beyond traditional bonuses and promotions, they emphasized the importance of creating personalized experiences and emotional connections while maintaining player protection and Responsible Gaming principles.

As an example of the limits that should guide these strategies, the panel referenced the suspension of campaigns in areas affected by the recent earthquake in Colombia.

José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT Events, highlighted the value of these discussions and their connection to the industry’s sustainability.

“The three discussions showed that industry growth requires a balance between innovation, competitiveness, sustainability, and user protection. This underscores the importance of creating ongoing dialogue across the jurisdictions where we operate as organizers of gaming industry trade shows and events. In a few words, it all comes down to this: Responsible Gaming is sustainable development,” he said.

A platform for business and the growth of the legal market

The results of GAT Expo Bogotá reinforce the role of in-person events as platforms connecting technology developers with decision-makers responsible for investment, purchasing, and equipment upgrades for casinos and other gaming operations.

Aguirre said exhibitors provided particularly positive feedback on commercial results, with machine manufacturers and suppliers consistently engaging with operator clients.

“GAT Expo Bogotá is much more than a technology showcase: it is a place where business gets done. That was precisely our goal: to deliver a dynamic, short-format event with tangible commercial results. And we achieved it,” he said.

The CEO also announced that GAT Events will close its 2026 calendar on November 18 at the Renaissance Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The event will follow the same format as Bogotá, combining a commercial exhibition, networking, and an academic program through GAT Talks.

More information: www.gatevents.net