GMB - How do you think the pandemic will affect business results in 2022?
Johnny Ortiz - The pandemic with high vaccination rates in the continents where we operate has greatly improved the situation, despite the uncertainty created by the latest variant of the virus. We believe this uncertainty will dissipate and confidence in the recovery will increase. Therefore, we expect a year of activity levels very similar to those that existed in the pre-pandemic. With the recovery of confidence, the economic recovery will come and with it the recovery of leisure, gaming and all other industries.
Which markets and/or countries do you consider with the greatest possibilities for progress and growth opportunities?
In addition to the huge opportunity that the legalization in Brazil would represent, at Zitro we expect very substantial growth in Latin America, Europe and especially in the United States. It will also be the year that our successful video slots will increase our presence in Asian markets.
Do you think the restrictions on gambling advertising will be deepened around the world?
The gaming industry is an economic engine, generating tax revenue, technological innovation and a great generator of jobs and as such it must be understood and allowed for its development. On the other hand, the large companies that are dedicated to this activity have already shown more than enough social responsibility to extremes that, in my view, are exemplary. That is why I consider further restrictions on the sector's communication policies unnecessary.
What do you foresee for the Brazilian market in terms of legislation and regulation of the gaming sector?
The bill, which we hope will pass, covers all the different distribution channels for the gaming sector. If this project goes ahead, Brazil will have a regulatory framework and the legal security it needs for the sector to flourish. The main beneficiary of the solid regulation of the activity in Brazil will be the country itself, which will receive a notable source of revenue from the gaming industry that will revert to the benefit of the Brazilian people with taxes that will reach more than R$30 billion or with the creation of jobs for more than 1 million people. And it will end existing corruption and clandestine gambling. And, as I always repeat, those who are against legal gambling are in favor of illegal gambling.
What are Zitro's main goals for this year? Do you anticipate more releases than in 2021?
Consolidate our leadership in several countries such as Mexico, Spain, Argentina and in all countries in Latin America and Europe in general, in addition to increasing our presence in Asia. Continue our global expansion with special emphasis on developing the North American market. Strengthen our digital business by making our range of videobingo games and video slots available to online casino operators around the world.
Regarding releases in 2022 we are, in fact, launching the new GLARE cabinet family, which is spectacular, and an extensive and almost infinite library of games that are the result of the very intense development work that we have been doing during the pandemic and that we will continue doing.
To achieve your goals this year, do you plan to make more investments and contracts than last year?
To achieve the goals we set for this year, we really need three ingredients: inspiration, effort and investment. At Zitro we have always distinguished ourselves for the perseverance in our work and the inspiration that made us launch wonderful and innovative products on the market, but it is in this year that we have reached the maximum investment quotas that the company has never made. And we are constantly looking for many more people, especially in our Technological Campus, which is the largest in Europe and Latin America.
In your vison of the global market, do you consider that 2022 intends to be a year with a more mergers or acquisitions of companies than in 2021?
The difficult years of the pandemic forced many companies to make huge austerity efforts and seek economies of scale. On the other hand, the undeniable growth of digital gaming has made both digital game companies and land-based focused firms look for mergers to strengthen themselves in one or another distribution channel. So I wouldn't be surprised if providers consolidation continued into 2022.
Could you name three events within your industry that will be critical in 2022? Why did you choose them?
The G2E fair in the city of Las Vegas has always been a landmark event for the global gaming industry, and this year we are particularly excited about the NIGA fair due to our growth in the US tribal markets. We also have high hopes for the Madrid fair, where we will present an impressive range of products for Spain and the European Market. And finally, I would like to mention our Zitro Experience events in Mexico and Argentina, which are already considered the most relevant events in the gaming industry in each of these countries.
Source: Exclusive GMB
