MEGA 2026 brings LatAm iGaming leaders to Mexico City
Mexico’s first dedicated iGaming conference lands in February as regulatory modernization gains pace. Chairperson Margarita Cruz breaks down what separates leaders from followers when innovation meets regulation.
Global iGaming operators, suppliers, and investors will gather in Mexico City from February 3–5, 2026, for the inaugural MEGA (Mexico Gaming) conference. The timing coincides with Mexico’s push to modernize gaming regulations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-day event highlights Mexico’s emergence as Latin America’s next major iGaming market, driven by mobile-first consumers, expanding digital infrastructure, and regulatory reforms catching up to market realities. MEGA 2026 offers attendees direct access to local operators, regulators, and strategists shaping the country’s next growth phase.
Margarita Cruz, Founder and Director at Diamond28 Consulting Limited and MEGA 2026 Chairperson, frames the event around a clear shift in Latin America’s gaming landscape: from fragmented markets to a more integrated, mature ecosystem.
Mexico and the broader LatAm region are seeing rapid mobile-driven growth across all verticals, while regulatory evolution and licence liberalisation are opening clearer, more responsible pathways for expansion. As frameworks strengthen and technology advances – from AI to omnichannel experiences and emerging segments like esports – the market is entering a new era of innovation, investment, and collaboration
Cruz said.
Cruz pointed to a specific challenge for operators entering markets where regulation evolves in real time: embedding compliance into product development from the start, not bolting it on later.
Successful leaders embed compliance into innovation from the start, ensuring new products are designed with regulatory expectations in mind. They leverage data and responsible gaming tools to drive both safety and operational efficiency. Above all, they maintain open collaboration with regulators, allowing them to innovate confidently in a fast-evolving LatAm market
she explained.
Regulation, World Cup prep, and investment
The conference agenda tackles Mexico’s immediate regulatory pressure points. One session asks directly whether the country is ready for FIFA World Cup-level regulation – a question that matters as Mexico co-hosts the 2026 tournament and faces scrutiny over licensing standards, player protection frameworks, and enforcement capacity.
Other sessions dig into iLottery and bingo regulation, affiliate marketing strategies tailored to LatAm consumer behavior, and a Women Executive Roundtable featuring leaders reshaping the region’s gaming sector. The format mixes executive roundtables, startup pitches, live demos, and market-focused panels covering payments, player safety, and next-gen technology.
Cruz emphasized this cooperation will shape how quickly markets stabilize.
When these stakeholders work in concert – aligning on regulatory clarity, responsible growth, and innovation pathways – they create the conditions for a stronger, more sustainable market. This unified approach not only elevates industry standards but also strengthens investor confidence and positions the region for long-term global leadership in gaming
she pointed out.
Who’s speaking
The speaker lineup includes operators, legal experts, and marketing strategists working across Mexico and the broader LatAm region: Alejandro Leos (TEAMMEXICO.mx), Alfredo Lazcano (Lazcano Sámano), Andrea Avedillo (Lazcano Sámano), Bruno Veridiano Geraldini (Brazino 777), Edmundo Ariel Izquierdo Delgado (BetVIP.mx), Enrique Romero (GoldenBet), Manuel Hernández Mondragón (Betcris), Martin Lycka (Gaming Industry Expert), René Hidalgo (RCIGaming), and Will Lopes (Mayor of iGaming Brazil), among others.
Cruz outlined the skill sets companies should prioritize as they build teams for the next phase of LatAm expansion.
Future leaders in LatAM gaming will need strong digital fluency, data-driven decision-making, and the agility to adapt to rapid technological change. They must balance innovation with regulatory integrity, ensuring growth is both strategic and responsible. Above all, a collaborative mindset will be essential for building trust and guiding the industry through its next stage of evolution
Cruz explained.
Looking past the event itself, Cruz framed MEGA 2026 as a reputation play for Mexico’s gaming sector – and a chance to show the industry’s maturity.
I hope the event serves as a catalyst for long-term growth, greater professionalism, and stronger international visibility for the Mexican gaming sector. By bringing together regulators, operators, and innovators, MEGA can help establish clearer standards, foster responsible expansion, and showcase the region’s potential to global investors
she highlighted.
Registration details and the full agenda are available at eventus-international.com/mega.
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