Mancala Gaming to Discuss the Evolution of LATAM Players at SAGSE Central America & Caribbean 2026

June 3, 2026, at the Sortis Hotel Casino

Emiliano Sánchez, CCO of Mancala Gaming, will participate in SAGSE Central America & Caribbean 2026, taking place on June 3 at the Sortis Hotel Casino & Convention Center in Panama City. In this interview, the executive shares his perspective on how player behavior is evolving across Latin America, what type of content is delivering the best results in the region, and the main opportunities currently emerging in developing markets. He also highlights the growing importance of gamification, mobile-first experiences, and retention strategies as key factors for the sustained growth of the gaming industry.

What type of content is performing best in LATAM?

In LATAM, the best-performing content is the one that combines clarity, rhythm, and entertainment. Players respond very well to slots with simple-to-understand mechanics, strong pacing, and bonus experiences that feel rewarding without being overly complex.

Themes matter, but the “how” matters more than the “what.” We’ve seen consistent performance from titles that offer a clear loop: a base game that doesn’t feel slow, features that hit frequently, and bonuses that are easy to follow. In many LATAM markets, players want to understand what’s happening quickly and feel a sense of progression or payoff within a reasonable timeframe.

From the operator side, content performs best when it can be supported with gamification layers. It’s not just about placing a game in the lobby. Operators who run tournaments, missions, triggers, and structured promotions around content see much stronger results. This is one of the reasons we’ve invested heavily in gamification tools: they allow our partners in LATAM to actively “work” the content and build repeat behavior without relying solely on standard bonuses.

How is the behavior of regional players changing?

LATAM players are evolving rapidly, driven mainly by mobile-first habits and exposure to global entertainment trends. We see three major shifts:

• Shorter attention spans and higher expectations: players want quicker satisfaction, better UX, and content that feels modern. If the experience is slow, unclear, or visually outdated, they drop it quickly.
• Higher sensitivity to progression and rewards: players are increasingly drawn to experiences that let them feel they are building something. That’s why progression elements, collect mechanics, and gamification structures have become more relevant than ever.
• More discovery through communities and creators: streaming and influencer marketing are impacting which games get visibility. The content that creates “moments” (big wins, suspense, memorable bonuses) travels better and stays top of mind.

Overall, LATAM players are becoming more sophisticated. They still appreciate simplicity, but they expect more variety, better presentation, and stronger value per session.

What opportunities do you see in emerging markets?

The biggest opportunity is that emerging markets are still defining their long-term player habits, which means providers and operators can build strong brands early if they execute well. But execution is the keyword.

Emerging markets offer growth through:

• Mobile scale: large player bases and constant smartphone adoption.
• Product differentiation: operators who use gamification and structured retention tools can stand out more quickly, even in competitive lobbies.
• Market adaptability: the ability to tailor content and promotions to local realities (connectivity, device variety, player rhythm) creates a real advantage.

For us, the opportunity is to bring a mix of strong slot content plus gamification capabilities that operators can activate without operational pain. Markets like LATAM, and also Africa, reward providers that understand that performance is not only game quality; it’s the combination of content, tools, and real-world conditions such as connectivity and device constraints.

Emerging markets are not “easy markets.” They are high-potential markets where the winners are the ones who invest in product, stability, and long-term relationships.