How would you evaluate Blokotech’s performance in LatAm in 2025 and what projections do you have for 2026?
I evaluate Blokotech’s performance in LatAm across three dimensions: regulatory adaptability, operator acquisition, and product localization. The region is structurally high-growth, and execution depends heavily on local compliance and distribution partnerships. Last year represented a consolidation phase, with a stronger presence in regulated markets and preparation for major opportunities in markets such as Peru, Brazil, and Mexico. For 2026, projections are very optimistic. Growth is coming from deeper operational execution and broader expansion across multiple fronts. We are increasing the number of Blokotech products and consolidating our presence in key markets. If leveraged well, it can have a significant impact on both revenue concentration and overall scale.
Lots of European companies are interested in the LatAm iGaming market but try to use ‘imported’ strategies that have been successful in other regions. How important is it to provide a true local DNA when differentiating from the one-fits-all solutions of international brands?
Local DNA is a baseline requirement. European models are built around stable regulation, high banking penetration, and standardized player behavior. These conditions do not translate the same way in Latin America. When operators replicate those strategies, they typically face lower conversion, higher churn, and payment friction. Effective localization goes beyond language. Payment rails, UX design, and cultural alignment are the main drivers. Scaling in LatAm depends on integrating these elements from the start.
Usually, Latin America is considered an ‘emerging’ market or a territory ‘under development’ in terms of the betting industry business. What is your view on the real (and not potential) value of this market?
The definition of Latin America as an “emerging” market is very much outdated. The market already generates substantial value, both in player volume and revenue. The main challenge lies in structural inefficiencies such as fragmented regulation, payment limitations, and operational complexity. From a business perspective, LatAm is already an active revenue market. The higher level of operational friction creates additional upside for companies that execute effectively.
How can Blokotech’s solution adapt to local players’ cultural nuances: sports obsession, mobile-first behavior, community betting, and agile user experience?
Adapting to players starts from how people actually behave and build around that. Everything begins with a mobile-first approach. The experience has to be fast and reliable as performance directly impacts retention. Sports betting plays a central role across LatAm markets, with local nuances depending on the country. The product needs to reflect this through real-time betting, relevant content, and a structure aligned with how users follow sports. Speed is equally important across the entire journey. Onboarding, deposits, and withdrawals need to be smooth and immediate. Any friction will result in a drop in user retention. Scalability comes from embedding these elements at the core of the product.
While digital payment methods in the Latin American gaming sector are advancing, there are still jurisdictions on the continent where cash is preferred, as well as a personal relationship with the betting agent (especially in inland cities). How can this current limitation be overcome to expand the business and promote a wider range of payment methods?
This is not a limitation, but more the reflection of how the market currently operates. In many areas, especially outside major cities, cash and agent relationships remain central to the betting experience. Removing them too quickly reduces conversion and creates unnecessary friction. The approach is to evolve the system gradually. This includes integrating local payment methods such as wallets, instant transfers, and vouchers, while also creating connections between cash and digital through retail networks or prepaid systems. In this reality, we will soon release our retail module to help close the gap. Agent networks also play an important role as a distribution channel. They support onboarding and build trust, particularly in less digitized environments. The transition toward digital behavior works best when it is progressive and aligned with existing user habits.
Following its huge success in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last March, the Blokotech Padel Tournament is gearing up for its second stage on April 28th in Malta. The competition will then continue with stops in Miami (June) and Rome (November). How is the industry responding to this initiative, and why are these networking events essential for branding and business growth?
What we’ve seen is that the industry responds very well to this kind of initiative as it breaks away from the standard conference format. Most business in iGaming still runs on relationships. Traditional events are useful, but they’re also transactional and often crowded. Something like the Bloko Padel Tour creates a completely different dynamic in an environment where connections develop more easily. That has a direct impact on business. Conversations flow more naturally, trust builds faster, and partnerships progress more efficiently. From a branding perspective, it positions Blokotech as an active contributor to the ecosystem, extending its role beyond a mere technology provider, to create value beyond the product itself. The multi city format adds another layer. Moving from Buenos Aires to Malta, then Miami and Rome, connects different parts of the industry and reinforces both regional relevance and international reach. We are already cooking for a stellar 2027!