Johnny Ortiz, founder of Zitro and one of the most experienced and established entrepreneurs in the gaming sector in the world, spoke with GMB during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas about the company, the strong dedication to conquering more spaces in the American market and becoming a global leader of this industry. “Our triumph is due to a strong investment in people. That makes a difference,” he said.
GMB - We are with the founder of Zitro, Johnny Ortiz, one of the most experienced and consecrated professionals in the world gaming market. What is Zitro presenting at G2E?
Johnny Ortiz - Thank you for the words. We are launching 20 new games at the fair, with a diversity of mechanics and cabinets as well as different systems. We have been very successful, not only in the United States, as we are in more than 40 countries, but today we have focused on the American market, which is very regulated and difficult, with exhaustive compliance. We are also striving to grow in the United States.
How has Zitro grown so quickly and consistently in recent years?
As you can imagine it is not an easy job. We are making a very high investment in people. And it's not enough to hire just anyone, but those who demonstrate passion for the company and that's what we have. Our great triumph at Zitro is the quality of the people we have. Today, for example, we have graphic artists who could work at Disney or Pixar. We have a level of excellence at Zitro that helps us make this investment. Obviously with a lot of dedication. The great advantage with this is that we are achieving a lot of success in all the countries where we enter. We put the machines on and they start working, which helps give Zitro its name and that's what we're achieving. We want Zitro to be one of the world leaders in the gaming sector and we are on the way to that.
Land-based x online or land-based + online?
For the next few years it will be Land-based+ online. Land-based gambling is very strong and has a social edge, as people like to go to a casino or bingo and meet other people. Online is growing and will grow more, but in the next 50 years it will not change and people will continue to go to casinos.
It's so nice to press the little button on the machine...
It's very good. The sensation, the colors, the prizes and the emotion. This is important, as anyone can do the graphing and the math, but if it doesn't convey the emotion to the player, this machine won't work. Not only we, but other large companies, achieve this, the fun. Gaming has changed and turned into entertainment and that's what brings people, to have fun at gaming venues.
Hitting the play button feels really good!
It's delicious and super yummy. Games today capture the player's attention. An interesting thing is that currently the RTP is above 96%, so it really is pure fun.
Speaking of gaming, Zitro has positioned itself worldwide as a great leader. It still needs to be a leader in Brazil, as we continue to fight for legalization and we still don’t have it.
It is a pity that in Brazil some politicians do not see the importance of the gambling sector. Only Brazil and Cuba do not have the activity. In the United States, it is a very important industry, with around US$ 120 billion in movement and it is highly regulated. In Brazil we are losing more than 1 million jobs and more than R$ 30 billion (US$ 7.75b) just in taxes for the government. If the law is well done and everything is regulated, it will only be benefits. As we all repeat, whoever is against legal gambling is in favor of illegal gambling.
So let's hope the legal gambling finally arrives...
And let legalization come quickly because Brazil needs it. Brazilians who want to play, go abroad or worse, go to the illegal market in Brazil itself, which causes many problems. Brazil needs to be aware that this only brings benefits. Let's take the opportunity and legalize the activity.
Source: Exclusive GMB
