Athos Poulos and Elizabeth Leiva, creators of the project ‘SAGAS’ – South Africa Gaming Show – are a great team that is back together! Together they bring an innovative casino industry event to be held in Johannesburg next June 16-17, 2011. In fact, the great sales team that years ago started a new era with the video slot games and planted seeds everywhere in Latin America, is back together again leading the project SAGAS.

Joining Elizabeth´s experience in trade shows, their international gaming contacts and Athos´ knowledge of the South African market, they will bring the perfect formula to launch a new Conference and Exhibition in one of the greatest gaming jurisdictions of the world. Chris Poulos is also cooperating in this new venture. A few weeks ago, at a small and private cocktail party in Santiago de Chile, these two entrepreneurs launched their project and found the necessary support to continue their development.

Elizabeth Leiva commented, “South Africa is a new reference for other gambling jurisdictions. 14 years after the new gambling framework, the South African casino industry keeps moving forward with stability. With 8 operating groups, the most important being Sun International with 33% of the market, the country’s responsible gambling commitment and fight against illegal gambling has meant great improvements in all gaming areas. The National Gambling Board (NGB) really was a catalyst in creating a credible and reputable gaming environment for South Africa.

Organizations such as CASA, GRAF, SARGT, SAACREG and others have reinforced NGB work by supporting several activities that bring the industry together, initiating major changes and policies that make South Africa one of the most important gaming jurisdictions of the world. The NGB also organizes a biennial conference that makes the market stronger and ensures it is heading in the right direction. South Africa has established itself as a world leader in the management and mitigation of problem gambling.”

Chris Poulos, General Manager of the South Africa Gaming Show commented, “For the first time we will provide the African gaming industry with a complete gaming convention, counting on the support of the most important gaming brands of the world. 34 casinos regulated by the National Gambling Board and 9 gaming jurisdictions have marked a global benchmark, specifically on how to unite and legalize the different gaming lines. One great goal achieved in 2009 was the increased gross win for the operators. The South African gaming industry has things it could teach the global gaming market. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) is a resource that integrates research and monitoring, public education and awareness, training, treatment and counselling. It was specifically devised to address the challenges posed by South Africa’s developing national gambling from the mid-1990s. There is a high degree of accountability and transparency in terms of financial management, and reports on the activities of the programme are published regularly.”

While Athos Poulos is going to take care of the public relations and government coordination, both Elizabeth and Chris will develop the project from their offices in Santiago de Chile. Leiva concluded, “The Minister undertook to pursue the NGB’s recommendation that it is an opportune time that the gambling sector is reviewed, with the prospect of forming gambling policy for the future. This will direct the focus and future decisions regarding new forms of gambling and the impact of technology on gambling. The South Africa Gaming Show will be held at the Emperors Palace , having the logistical support of local companies such as Complete Exhibitions, Peermont Hotels and important manufacturers that are being invited. This is a great opportunity for us and for the market. We all are expecting to have a great worldwide response, and we are sure South Africa Gaming Show will have an important place in the international gaming calendar. (E-05.05.10)

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