GMB - With what expectations do you come to SAGSE this year?
Johnny Ortiz - We arrived with great expectation as we are in a fantastic moment, since all the products that we have installed in the casinos of Argentina are performing very well. We are the number one provider in terms of measurement and results. Our expectations are good despite the economic problem that Argentina is going through. But Zitro, being a company with thought and reach to all Latin America, gives solution to the operators of the whole region so that they can install our machines without thinking about the price of the dollar.
And how do you think that the current situation of Argentina affects both to the local market and also the rest of the region?
Most of the local operators that may be coming to the show it is logical that they think about how to buy a machine paying it in dollars without knowing what will happen with the peso. But we already have the solution because we are worried about the situation of the operators. We install the machines with no need that they put the hand in their pocket. Better than that, it's twice that.
And how do you see the show this year?
Although we are only in the early hours, it looks good and we have expectations. Even taking into account of course the situation in Argentina, which affects the companies to the point that we see that some important ones have canceled at the last moment and decided not to come. But we are here. Zitro is next to the Argentines.
What novelties does Zitro bring to SAGSE this year?
We have many, but I will highlight especially Link King, which is the most successful game currently in Argentina, with very good measurements and results. It is a multi-game, progressive and a spectacular pay table that is generating a lot of attraction among Argentine players.
As a Brazilian media, it is impossible not to ask how do you see the progress of the sector there and what expectations do you have. How do you see the situation soon after the presidential elections that can be fundamental for the future of the industry in the country?
We are undoubtedly following the subject. And, like Argentina, it also has its concerns. The elections are not easy, even with what happened with the attack on candidate Bolsonaro last week. But most of the candidates that can become presidents are in favor of gaming, which is an advantage. I think they see that only Brazil and Cuba have no a regulated activity, and that the sector can generate more than 300 thousand direct jobs and more than US$20 billion in taxes for the country. Brazil needs that money, but the activity would also help with ending clandestine machines and illegal gambling as well.
Exclusive: GMB
