As the 8th annual FADJA exhibition drew to a close yesterday, organizer José Anibal Aguirre could claim another success. The growth of the gaming industry in Colombia is not only due to the technological advances in gaming, which have operators renewing their equipment, but also to the amount of new investment coming into the country. A great deal of business was conducted during the course of the show, including a contract worth over US$1 million for computerised horseracing systems for two casinos in Bogotá. The deal for two 30-terminal systems was struck between Omni Korea Gaming & Entertainment Systems, with offices in Colombia, Korea and the USA, and ACE A&G of Korea.

On Wednesday and Thursday the general public came to see up close the world of gaming displayed in Corferias, Bogotá. From playing cards to electronic roulettes, and from investment companies to machine manufacturers, there was plenty to see and learn. Regulators from around Latin America outlined gaming law, and hoteliers were much in evidence at the show. Colombia is experiencing a rapid expansion in the hotel industry and many of the hotels have, or will have, casinos or slots parlours. FADJA 2006 brought together in one place the investors in gaming, the manufacturers and the local regulatory bodies.

At present the average annual spend on gaming by Colombians is just 191 pesos (US$0.08), even though by tradition they are gamblers. According to data from Etesa, the government organization that controls the sector, around US$284 million is bet annually in the 3,169 gaming establishments, including 300 casino games, 53,406 slot machines and 34,600 bingo seats. The gaming industry in Colombia is modernising rapidly, and the FADJA exhibitions play an important part in promoting the very best equipment and services available. (E-03.31.06)

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