SBC Summit Latinoamerica unveils Wplay's CEO Julio Cesar Tamayo to deliver keynote session

With just days to go before the start of SBC Summit Latinoamérica 2023, the event's organizers have released details of the keynote session that will be presented by Julio Cesar Tamayo, the CEO of Wplay, alongside Evert Montero Cárdenas, President of Colombia's trade association Fecoljuegos. The experts will present their viewpoints on the Latin American gaming and betting sector 

Recognizing that the industry plays "a vital role in the prosperity of nations and communities," while also being significantly influenced by political and financial dynamics on a global scale, the keynote aims to reframe the industry’s narrative by positioning it within the broader context of the global economy and highlighting opportunities for the sector to enhance its value to communities, according to the organizers. 

Hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Miami, the 'Industry In the World Economy: Beyond Betting and Gaming' session adds to the Leaders track, taking place on the first core day, Wednesday, November 1, of the event.

During the keynote, Tamayo and Cárdenas will be drawing from their extensive experience in the Colombian market. Discussions will evolve around Latin America’s impact on the wider industry, the complexities of navigating political and financial regulations of the region, and how brands can successfully implement social responsibility and player protection initiatives. 

Julio Cesar Tamayo

Tamayo has been at the helm of Wplay since its inception in 2017. Under his leadership, the company entered a partnership with the regulatory body Coljuegos, becoming the first Colombian operator authorized to offer online betting in the region. "Since then, Wplay has emerged as an advocate of legal gambling and player safeguards, committing substantial resources to community welfare initiatives," the news release stated. 

The organizers further noted that "Wplay’s rise in the industry places them as one of the largest operators in Colombia," and added that the company "solidified itself as a regional powerhouse, becoming the official partner to some of the most high-profile sports organizations in Colombia", including Primera A-League football teams and the Colombian Olympic football team.

“Wplay has always facilitated an environment of innovation and player safety, and therefore this keynote panel resonates very deeply with me. This will be a tremendous opportunity to explore Latin America’s role in the global economy, whilst also exploring how brands can bring value to the local communities they operate in," Tamayo said.

 Evert Montero Cárdenas

Cárdenas has over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in health management, social organizations, and management development. In 2014, Cárdenas was announced as the president of Fecoljuegos, a non-profit, union-based entity that brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers of games of luck and chance. 

During his time at Fecoljuegos, Cárdenas has been the driving force for promoting modernization, growth, and social responsibility within the sector, collaborating closely with the Colombian government to achieve this. His significant contributions include the implementation of instrumental policies such as the Code of Good Self-Regulation Practices, a policy focused on maintaining professionalism in the industry.

Cárdenas has also worked closely alongside organizations such as the International Betting Integrity Association, spearheading a multitude of initiatives aimed at benefiting both players and the industry at large.

"I am extremely excited to be a keynote speaker at this year’s SBC Summit Latinoamérica," Cárdenas noted. "As someone who has worked so closely with government bodies and local communities, I hope to equip delegates with useful insights to not only flourish in the region but also give back to the community."

Tamayo and Cárdenas will offer a thought-provoking and unique insight into the operations of the Latin American region. With both industry leaders promoting a focus on player protection, growth, and community welfare, the keynote discussion will "prove invaluable to any delegate wishing to make an impactful and sustainable entrance into the market."

Rasmus Sojmark 

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, added: "It is an honor to have two distinguished titans of the industry opening the conference at SBC Summit Latinoamérica. As the region continues to grow, there is so much for delegates to learn, including regulatory issues, player safety, and brand perception."

"I urge all delegates seeking operations in Latin America to immerse themselves in the teachings of such informative leaders, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity," he concluded.

Delegates will have the opportunity to further their discussions on a variety of panels taking place on the first core day of the event. Alongside the Leaders track, delegates will be able to partake in sessions as part of the Sports Betting Product track and the Affiliates and Advertising conference track.