Daniel Magariños - Senior Director Gaming Latam at BMM Testlabs
Daniel Magariños – Senior Director Gaming Latam, BMM Testlabs
His professional journey began far from the casino lights, forging an analytical and structured mindset during more than 16 years at Citibank, where he specialized in technology and cash management. This financial foundation served as the perfect springboard for his successful foray into the entertainment sector, where he led the representation of giants such as EGT, LG Electronics, and TransAct through Pallana S.A. This versatility, blending banking precision with a commercial vision for hardware and strategic consulting, allows him to understand the challenges of operators and regulators from a comprehensive perspective. From afternoon bike rides in the Carrasco neighborhood and childhood dreams of becoming a bank manager, to leading the strategy of one of the world's most influential laboratories at 69.
In this new edition of More than a Game, Daniel opens the doors to his story to tell us about his transition from the financial sector to gaming, the importance of being hired at age 61 by a leader like Marzia Turrini, and his genuine concern regarding minors' access to gambling. Between "milanesas con fritas," his passion for audio, and the frustrated dream of being an orchestra conductor, we discover a leader who maintains that responsibility is never delegated and that recognition is the true engine of a job well done.
The Origin
Where were you born?
Montevideo.
If you could walk through the neighborhood where you grew up as a child today, what would you remember?
Carrasco, as a neighborhood, was spectacular at that time: quiet, fun, everyone knew each other and met in the same places, like Las Delicias Ice Cream Shop, the fantastic burgers at Brasserie at night, and places like La Mascota, Bar Arocena, the Bungalow Suizo (only for celebrations and once a year). Coffee in the Tea Room of the Hotel Carrasco, eternal bike rides through Plaza Thais, and of course, the beach from November to March.
If you could go back in time to those years, what would you like to be doing?
Playing "cuadrado" in the street with bikes, and spending afternoons on the porch at home with my family having great talks.
What part of that child is still present in your life?
Almost everything; indelible memories of a fantastic childhood.
What did that child dream of working as when they grew up?
Being a Bank Manager… (and I was), but I imagined it differently, haha, I didn't think I’d have to work so hard….
Career Path
What was your first paid job?
At the Faculty of Engineering, working in the registrar's office assisting students. I made many friends there, some of whom I still keep in touch with.
What was your first job in the world of betting/gambling?
In a company called Famostar, now closed; we were representatives of several brands (Atronic, Ainsworth, Magic Dreams) and performed technical maintenance for some of them.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
Besides the business, obviously, the relationship with people and being able to visit many countries with different realities that I always try to learn from. But above all, the human group that exists; I feel very proud to be part of it.
What trends will mark the future of betting in the next 5 years?
It is a continuous change and growth. AI will open new paths quickly, and the market will have to adapt to these new trends.
What concerns you most about gambling addiction?
How little the issue of underage gambling and access is being resolved. I don't see a general concern about the topic, and it is rarely discussed at the events and fairs we attend. Measures taken should be broadcast more forcefully and applied jointly across all jurisdictions. I think we all know what is happening today in schools and high schools, and it is truly very worrying.
If you had to choose a boss who marked your professional career, who would it be?
During the Citibank stage, Mr. Jorge Gelsi, a great boss who marked me and taught me much about corporate life. In the gaming stage, undoubtedly Mrs. Marzia Turrini—an excellent person and professional. She brought me into BMM at age 61…, taught me, advised me, directed my tasks, and managed to empower me in a way I never imagined. Truly a unique person in the field.
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
Once I had a serious problem with someone in one of my jobs, someone in a higher position than mine, and another person saw how distressed I was and told me: "Daniel, the world is round; the one who unfairly complicates things for you today, you will see them walk out the company door never to return." And that’s exactly what happened.
If you had to summarize your leadership philosophy in a single phrase, what would it be?
You have to play across the entire field; above all, tasks are delegated, but responsibility remains with the leader.
What do you value most in a job, beyond the salary?
Recognition.
If you hadn't worked in this industry, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
I would have loved to be an Orchestra Conductor, but I don’t have the ear for it—I can’t even ring a doorbell in tune.
Q&A Ping-Pong
A book you would recommend?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
A movie that marked you?
The Godfather.
A favorite food?
Milanesa with fries.
Wine or beer?
Wine.
A place in the world to live?
Phew, several. Southern Chile/Argentina, anywhere with mountains, a lake, and fishing.
A pending dream?
Traveling through Southern Italy. Not long now.
A hobby or passion outside of work?
Audio and music.
A personality you admire?
My Mother.
Working in the office or at home?
Combined, 80% at home and 20% in the office.
A day at the beach or in the countryside?
In the mountains.
Employee or entrepreneur?
I have been both. At this stage, an employee.
Are leaders born or made?
They are made and improved. They are born and then empowered.
Family & Friends
If your parents had to describe you without mentioning your title or achievements, what would they say (or have said) about you?
They always told me they hoped they’d have children like me (because I drove them crazy as a kid). Luckily, my children are much better than me.
How would your friends describe you?
They tell me that when I die, the best tribute they’ll give me is to host a massive barbecue and play great music. I always tell them to do it the day before so I can join in and not miss it.
Who is the person who still dares to tell you "you are wrong" when everyone else says yes?
My four childhood friends. And they haven't been wrong.
How much has your family influenced you to be where you are today?
They have always supported and advised me.
To which person who is far away or no longer physically present would you like to give a hug? What would you say to them?
Several. To wait for me up there.
Successes and Failures
What would you say to your younger self who was suffering or about to give up at some point?
Look inside yourself; the strength and solutions are there.
What was the most difficult decision you made in your career and what did you learn from it?
To be honest, there weren't difficult decisions, though there were important ones. I’ve been lucky in that sense.
What has been your greatest achievement and what did it mean to you?
Continuing to be active and working. Continuing to learn and grow in every sense.
The Legacy
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Now at 69, the timeframes are different, haha. I see myself doing well and moving forward. No end date.
How would you like to be remembered?
Seeing me well and happy.
If you had to give life advice to someone, what would it be?
Know yourself well, and from there, it’s all forward.
What question have you never been asked in an interview and would like to answer?
In which century I would have liked to be born. I think the one I got.
Which colleague from the industry would you like to see answering this?
Andriele Diaz from Pragmatic.