So far this year, interest in the purchase of video games in the region's markets has clearly picked up, with Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador recording the largest increases in interactions associated with the topic.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
Gafilat has identified the outstanding tasks needed to bring up to date matters relating to financing terrorism, control of casinos and the inclusion of lawyers in the Mandated Persons category.
The ruling was made by the Financial Action Task Force for Latin America (Gafilat), who released the Mutual Evaluation Report, up to the date of the in situ visit made between November 23 and December 4, 2015.
An initiative has been presented to regulate gambling and public events in order to prevent the concealment of illegal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking.
The proposal submitted by the Encuentro por Guatemala back bench group "proposes to create new crimes such as the destruction or disappearance of information related to these activities and the facilitation of drug trafficking, money laundering, financing of terrorism or organized crime," noted an article in PrensaLibre.com.
The regulation of the gaming industry could make the Treasury $132 million in two years.
The bill that was discussed in Congress would "create a monthly tax of 3% on the activity at betting parlors, casinos, video lottery, bingo or games of chance, which could be deducted from the taxable income tax (ISR ) by the taxpayer. " according to an article in Elperiodico.com.gt. by Lorena Alvarez.
Bill being prepared that would legalize gaming rooms in order to collect taxes and control money laundering.
Games of chance are currently prohibited in Guatemala, with the exception of authorized lotteries. However, though prohibited, they are still played and represent approximately $125,000 worth of annual money laundering, says Rosa María de Frade, member of the Guatemalan Economy Committee according to an article by Suseth Casasola in Sigloxxi.com.
The country has become the first candidate for the opening of a luxury resort under the Luxuriant Masterpiece Collection brand.
The Alekson Development Group Corporation, which manages the brand, has decided to expand into Central America because of its proximity to the US and the variety of its landscapes.
Prensalibre.com published: "The hotel company is considering seven geographic regions in the country.
Alekson Development Group signed an agreement with Guatemala to develop six casinos including hotel and golf course services.
The Group is a subsidiary of Fin City Associates, which according to ADG is focusing on economic development in Guatemala. They signed an agreement with the government to develop recreational centers in the capital city, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Barrios and Atitlan Lake over the next ten years.