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The CEO of Peru Gaming Show (PGS), Joe López, offered a positive assessment of the 2026 edition of the event held in Lima, highlighting the strong attendance for both the exhibition floor and the conference program.
In an exclusive interview with Yogonet, the executive criticized the fact that some manufacturing companies organized parallel events during the show. He advocated for greater industry unity ahead of next year’s edition.
López also welcomed the support shown by Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), reflected both in the remarks delivered by Vice Minister of Tourism Nancy Laca Ramos and in the continued presence of Peruvian regulator Yuri Guerra Padilla throughout the event.
What is your assessment of the 23rd edition of Peru Gaming Show?
We are very happy with the results. Both conference days were full, and I believe we are going to finish with around 7,000 attendees across the two exhibition days. Most importantly, the suppliers exhibiting here are happy. We are very pleased and have had excellent attendance.
The two conference days addressed some of the biggest challenges facing the Peruvian gaming industry and were held before packed audiences. How did you feel about the public response?
The topics we covered are important for the market. People attend because these are critical issues for them. Everyone is very happy. We also had the visit of the Vice Minister [of Tourism, Nancy Laca] on Wednesday morning, and she gave tremendous support to the industry, recognizing its importance in terms of tax contributions, employment generation, jobs, and tourism.
The online sector arrived at this edition in a more consolidated position, and that could clearly be seen throughout the halls of PGS. How did you balance the iGaming and land-based offerings during the event?
This year, we had fewer land-based companies represented here. Unfortunately, some manufacturers decided to host private events because they say it is cheaper for them. If it is an economic issue, I understand that, but why do it at the same time as PGS?
And the reason is obvious: we bring thousands of people here, and they take advantage of the fact that everyone is already in town. We do not like it, but everyone does what they believe they need to do. The manufacturers who did participate here are extremely happy with the results, and for them it is even better because there is less competition.
Given these parallel events and the absence of some manufacturers from the show floor, are you considering any strategy to address this ahead of PGS 2027?
Yes, my partner Rubén [Solórzano] and I have discussed several ideas, and we already have a strategy in mind that we are going to work on. We are going to start reaching out to people because when we launched Peru Gaming Show, our slogan was “Peru Gaming Show, a show for Peru.”
That has always been our goal: to create a show for Peru and make sure it stays that way. The way the market is being divided now, with manufacturers holding separate events, is not a show for Peru.
In fact, one of the market’s biggest operators told us yesterday that before, they could attend the show and see everything they needed in two days. Now, because of all the parallel events, it takes them a week and a half. Other operators complain to us about the same thing. So we are going to work to bring the market together again, for everyone’s benefit.
Aside from this issue, what other challenges would you like to overcome for the next edition of PGS?
We always try to present a first-class event in a safe environment, with entertainment and a proper space to do business. If we achieve that, we are happy. I think we consistently accomplish it, and the idea is to maintain that standard. Of course, there are always things to improve, but the goal remains the same.
The event also featured the presence of Peruvian regulator Yuri Guerra during both days. Do you see that as an important endorsement?
We have a very good relationship with Mincetur. We meet with them throughout the year, and they recognize the tremendous importance of the show. At the same time, they also do not like what they are seeing, which is the fragmentation of the event because manufacturers are separating themselves.
In my opinion, that is a huge mistake they are making. And I am not saying that because I own a show and it benefits me financially if they attend, but because I genuinely believe they are sending the wrong message to the market.
People think online gaming is killing casinos and that they are going to disappear. They come to the show and do not see slot machines, so they do not understand why everyone is attending another party elsewhere. I think Mincetur is concerned about that, just like operators are. What we are trying to do is bring that message to the key people in order to keep the industry united.
Any final words?
We want to thank everyone who supports us and everyone who has always supported us. And we want to assure them that we will continue working to bring them an event that is truly worth attending.