GMB: What does it mean for Zitro, one of the most prominent companies in the world in the gaming industry, to be at the most important trade show and talk about its achievements in the market, especially in the United States?
Johnny Ortiz: We are extremely pleased. Zitro is growing significantly. Today, we are present in 44 countries, and in the United States, we are in 13 states. By the end of the year, we will be in 15 states, and next year, in 30 states. We are creating a different product, our graphics, everything, and the cabinets. And we have a treasure in the company, which is our team. We have the best team in the world. So, being in Las Vegas with the machines and the success we are having, I couldn't be happier.
The American market has always been somewhat "protectionist" prioritizing local products, but has it opened its doors widely to Zitro?
It's true, but I have to tell you something: entering the United States is not easy. Compliance here is very challenging, both in the technical aspects, the software of the machines, as well as regarding personnel and the company. This should be done everywhere in the world because you can select and truly choose among the people who have the level to be in the market. So, the tougher, the better because in gaming, there's a synonym: seriousness. Gaming needs to be serious, and we achieve that. We are serious, and we make great products. So, it's a perfect combination.
This is an important message from a Brazilian who has conquered the world with machines bearing a Brazilian DNA. Speaking of the country, what are your expectations for the Brazilian market, given the advancements in sports betting and possibly online gaming?
Huge expectations. As you mentioned, sports betting is coming, possibly with online gaming, and land-based gaming is not far behind. We are prepared. We already have over 150 games for Brazil, including video bingo and slots. We also have something that will revolutionize bingo in Brazil. Everyone who has a bingo will have to implement our panel system. We're going to do something so different that everyone will be amazed, you're going to love it.
Well, technology is everything. Today, there's so much talk about ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning. Is this essential for development?
It's essential. Those who don't invest in these new technologies will suffer. We already have an Artificial Intelligence department and we are doing wonders, and we are learning, we are just at the beginning, we will improve much more, as all the big companies are doing. And I emphasize one more thing: in addition to our laboratory in Spain with 500 programmers, we have just opened a new laboratory in India, where we will have another 500 people to develop games and systems.
It's a demonstration of the great ability of the sector to generate jobs?
A lot of jobs. Many people have no idea of the number of people this industry provides employment to. We have not only in our company, in the gaming and software area, but also in casinos and bingo, the number of people the sector employs. There are also waiters and staff for electricity, cleaning, air conditioning, and everything else. In Brazil, when gaming is opened, one million jobs will be generated. That's no small thing, right?
That’s that should government see. Here is the important testimony of a brilliant executive who has worked in the Brazilian market for a long time and was expelled from Brazil. It's a good thing that you were expelled because you developed Zitro to such an extent that it is now a global reference.
It's true, and there's an important point: in a very short time, because the American giants have companies that are 80 or 90 years old. We have only 16 years and we have managed to conquer a space and a name, which, for me, is very important.
Now, returning to technology. What do these new technologies add for players? Security, graphics, sounds, what else?
Well, it's impossible for the machines to be any more secure than they are today. For example, at this expo, we received regulators from three different states where we are applying. They are extremely meticulous when it comes to security, and that aspect won't increase. What changes is in providing more fun for the player. The machines will be more enjoyable, with better graphics and smoother movements. And on the other hand, what helps us is this: we will be able to produce more quickly. We won't reduce the number of employees, but we will gain in productivity, which is super important because time is money.
Speaking of "time is money," how are business going in Latin America, specifically an area very close to Brazil, which the country is obviously watching closely to see which paths to follow?
Brazil doesn't need to reinvent the wheel; they just need to look at serious countries and copy their legislation. One important thing for Brazil: when the land-based law is passed, there needs to be good regulation. Regulation is as important as the law. In Latin America, I believe we are the number one manufacturer. So, everyone is happy, these are the machines that generate the most revenue. We've paved a difficult path, but we've managed to reach the top.
Furthermore, Zitro has an important concern, which is the environment. You have a carbon-zero policy that is also crucial for our planet. Is it an example to be followed by other players in the market?
Certainly, and it's great that you mentioned this. We had already started with ESG because we have environmental concerns. Now it's in vogue, and we are increasingly implementing this technology, all the procedures to have almost zero carbon emissions. I even think we will receive an award in Spain for what we are doing.
We look forward to Zitro in Brazil and hope that you will establish a game development center, a factory, and that the country will benefit from all the jobs that I am sure Zitro can provide.
Absolutely, Zitro - and the entire market - will offer a lot. And for me, it will be good because I will return to live in Brazil, which is the country that I truly love.
Source: Exclusive GMB
