With over three months yet to go before the Latin-America Gaming Fair (ELA) opens in Mexico, not one single space remains free. According to its organizers, absolutely all the big international companies with an interest in the Mexican gaming sector have taken large stands.

The largest, occupying over 500 m2, will be held by Spanish-Brazilian company EIBE, followed by IGT, Metronia, Novomatic, Bally and Zitro.

The countries sending the most exhibitors to the fair include Spain, the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Slovenia. All the forecasts indicate that this second edition, to be held in the Banamex exhibition centre in Mexico City, on 14-15 May, will greatly surpass the excellent results of the first edition, held in Monterrey in 2008.

An added bonus for ELA 2009 is the support of the Mexican Gaming Licensees Association (APJSAC), with its own stand.

Politically, grounded rumors that Class III slots are about to be authorized have greatly revolutionized the international gaming sector, and manufacturers of Class III slots who are not exhibiting in Mexico because they do not make Class II slots have confirmed that they will be attending as visitors.

Executives from these companies will have the chance to meet with APJSAC representatives at the Association’s stand, to discuss this and other aspects of the gaming situation in Mexico. The excellent professional and political work being carried out by APJSAC in favor of a logical regularization of gaming and in combating illegal gambling is creating an optimistic outlook for Mexico for the coming months.

“In this context, ELA 2009 will be an occasion not only for the signing of important business deals, but also to clarify the situation for businesses contemplating entering the country,” commented the event’s organizers. “ELA 2009 was extended three times to make room for everybody interested in taking part, and the Mexico City venue will be 35% larger than the 2008 edition in Monterrey. The number of online registrations has also risen: 400% on last year,” they added.

The probable authorization of Class III slots will mark a watershed for ELA, and the organizers have already booked double this year’s exhibition area for 2010. “If the Mexico Fair continues to make these giant strides, it will very shortly take its place as the third most important gaming fair in the world, after Las Vegas and London,” the organizers concluded.

All the information on the fair can be found at www.expoazar.com.