Juan Ignacio Juanena - Founder & iGaming Consultant at iGaming Latam Consulting
Juan Ignacio Juanena – Founder & iGaming Consultant, iGaming Latam Consulting
As the founder of iGaming Latam Consulting, he has advised online operators and land-based casinos on implementing digital strategies, combining his deep understanding of the Latin American market with a practical vision for building sustainable and profitable businesses.
He is currently working as an independent consultant for various companies in the industry and is the founder of his new venture, iGaming.bet — a project born from a simple yet powerful idea: to unify all iGaming industry information in one place, created from the perspective of those who live and breathe iGaming from within.
We spoke with Juan Ignacio Juanena to learn more about his current projects, his career, and his human side in More than a Game!
Professional Journey
What did you dream of becoming as a child before entering this industry?
As a child, I used to play firefighter or police officer, and a few years later, I dreamed of having my own business — something of my own to dedicate all my effort and passion to.
What was your first paid job?
My first job experience was at 19, working as a salesperson at a computer equipment and accessories store. It was a great experience that I remember fondly — it gave me many commercial skills for the future and the opportunity to work with a CEO I deeply admired, who had a clear commercial strategy focused on customers, products, and problem-solving.
And your first job in the betting/gaming world?
In 2004, at Mediagambling, an affiliation and media company in the industry that managed over 350 content websites in four different languages and sold SEO traffic to major operators entering the Latin American and U.S. markets.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
I believe this industry combines the best of many worlds: technology, product, marketing, customer service, innovation, social responsibility, data analysis — and as a professional, it’s always a great challenge to stay updated across so many areas to offer services and manage operations that can truly compete in the market.
What current trends will shape the future of betting over the next 5 years?
Without a doubt, Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Gaming — but through a human lens.
How do you see the relationship between responsible gaming and sustainable market growth?
Responsible gaming plays a crucial role in the success of the industry. Without it, it’s impossible to have a long-term business. It’s the responsibility of all stakeholders to contribute. Gaming is already part of society — it’s up to us to control it and take the necessary measures, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profit.
If we don’t understand that the industry might need to be less profitable but more sustainable, we’ll end up destroying it ourselves — keeping it in the shadows where it has always struggled to escape.
What concerns you most about gambling addiction?
Identifying behavioral patterns in time — before it’s too late and more people fall ill. Seeing that compulsive behavior, that desperation from someone playing to recover losses, really moves you. We can’t lose our empathy or look the other way. If we ever reach a point where that no longer affects us, we’ll be lost as professionals.
What skills do you consider essential for a leader in this industry?
Long-term business vision, passion for technology, and an agile mindset that allows you to adapt without clinging to outdated solutions or best practices. And empathy — without empathy and human sensitivity, it’s hard to build the commitment that makes the difference in any team or workplace.
To lead a team, you don’t need authority — you need to motivate and respect others so they’ll help you achieve goals with the same passion and dedication.
What was the hardest decision you’ve made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Leaving a company in the industry to move into another sector, thinking I could maintain the same passion and drive. I came back after three months. When you love what you do, it’s hard to walk away. This industry is my passion — it’s my place in the world.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Behind every person’s success lies a lot of invisible effort. It’s up to each of us to decide whether to watch from afar or be part of that journey. Each person is the owner of their destiny — our decisions are what make the difference.
If you had to summarize your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Lead with passion and trust in your team — only valued people commit to achieving exceptional results.
If you hadn’t worked in this industry, what profession would you have chosen?
Agricultural Engineer. I love the countryside, nature, and that feeling of freedom.
Quick-Fire Round
A book you’d recommend?
The Alchemist — one of the first books I read as a teenager — and Hooked, from a professional perspective.
A movie that marked you?
Life is Beautiful.
Favorite food?
Barbecue.
A place in the world to live?
Uruguay.
A dream still pending?
A country house.
A hobby or passion outside work?
Football, jiu-jitsu, and traveling.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Remote work or office?
Remote.
Casino or sports betting?
Casino.
Messi or Cristiano?
Messi.
Sweet or savory?
Sweet.
Netflix or Disney+?
Netflix.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
Beach or mountain?
Beach.
Paper book or e-book?
E-book.
Data or intuition?
Data.
Cold or heat?
Heat.
Formal or casual wear?
Casual.
Window or aisle seat?
Aisle.
Wine or beer?
Wine.
Born or made?
Made.
The Legacy
How would you like to be remembered?
As a great father, a great husband, a great friend, and a professional passionate about his work — always respecting his word and his values above all else.
What question have you never been asked in an interview that you’d like to answer?
What’s your biggest fear in life? Death — not so much for myself, but for the pain it causes others.
Which industry colleague would you like to see answering this interview?
Florencia Brancato, an industry colleague with whom I’ve shared many years across different projects — she’s had an outstanding career in this industry.