GMB - How is Vaprel positioned today in
Spain’s market, which is the cradle of modern bingo?
Ramón Aznar González - Currently Spain continues
to be our main market despite the economic crisis that the country suffered in
recent years and the anti-tobacco law that was approved at the same time. In
spite of all this, Vaprel continues to enjoy a much higher market share than
its main competitor. In addition, with the introduction of our new mixed
product, physical and electronic card, known as BES (Electronic Bingo Room), Vaprel
has increased its presence by offering new products and services for bingo
halls.
How are operations in other countries?
What are the main markets today for the company?
After 40 years
working for the bingo sector, the presence of Vaprel remains intact in most
countries where we started the commercialization of our products at some time,
from all Latin America, through Europe and even the Indico zone.
How to maintain joviality
in the sector and attract a new generation of players?
Precisely this
was the reason that led us to develop a more modern bingo and in line with the
leisure requirements of the new generations. BES will be the star product with
which we will try to position ourselves in the Brazilian market as soon as it
is authorized in the country. Hopefully it will be soon because we are
tremendously excited to resume our adventure for the second time in the history
of this company.
You were leaders in Brazil when the
activity had regulation. Now our National Assembly is trying to approve a new
law for the sector. How do you see this situation?
Honestly, I
think it's great. Every regulated market allows to establish bases that
guarantee the safety of both manufacturers and operators, allowing investment
with the tranquility of obtaining results. It will depend on the management of
each entrepreneur the final results, but the established legality will
guarantee the investment made.
Is Vaprel ready for opening of the
industry in Brazil?
We have been
working on this for months to be fully prepared as soon as the law is approved.
At the moment we already have presence through this media (Games Magazine
Brasil), something that I am sure will help us to announce that Vaprel will be
in Brazil again without any doubt.
How will you operate in Braziil? Will
the company have a production plant like in the late 90's until 2007, when
bingo halls closed?
Effectively.
The production processes have varied considerably since then, but Vaprel will
continue to offer all its range of products from Brazil to cover any demand,
even adapting to the tastes of each customer.
Will the operation be with a local
company or will Vaprel install a unit of its own?
Our initial
intention is to open our own office but at the moment we are open to any
possibility.
How long do you think Vaprel is going to
have a unit in Brazil? How much will the investment be for this project?
Unfortunately, we
depend on the times that leads to the approval of the law that we are all
waiting for, but I reiterate that we will be present with all our resources
from minute one to offer our customers a full range of products. We are going
to make a strong inversion in equipment to be able to supply bingos from the
begining.
What is your message to Brazilian deputies
and senators about the bingo sector?
Well, I'm not a
politician but from my own experience in many countries around the world, the
only thing I can see is that the best way to control and regulate gaming (which
is always present) is from a legal point of view. This also means that the
state collects on an activity that otherwise would not be obtaining nothing in
terms of taxes, in addition to be totally out of control.
Source: Exclusive GMB
Author: Gildo Mazza
