Former Chilean Casino Regulator Joins New Supplier Association AgruGaming
2026-07-17
Source: Global Gaming Insider
Francisco Javier Leiva Vega, Chile's first Casino Superintendent, has been appointed Director of Institutional Relations at newly formed supplier association AgruGaming, which aims to help technology providers comply with current and future gambling regulations as online gambling legislation is debated in Congress.
A recently established trade body for gambling technology suppliers in Chile has appointed Francisco Javier Leiva Vega, the country's first and longest-serving Casino Superintendent, as its Director of Institutional Relations.
The association, named AgruGaming, was formed last month and brings together companies providing game technology, live casino, sports betting, payments, marketing, and cybersecurity services. Its leadership includes Patricio Broerse as President and David Fica as Director of Development and Coordination, with founding members Haimme, Retina Cibersecurity, and Mixer Gaming & Tech. According to Fica, the group anticipates announcing new members on a weekly basis.
The appointment comes as Chile's legislature continues to debate a bill that would create a regulatory framework for online gambling, a process that has stretched over several years. AgruGaming's primary focus is on helping suppliers navigate both existing and upcoming regulations.
Fica explained: "We want to help the industry navigate regulatory requirements so companies can comply with both existing legislation and the law that is expected to regulate online gambling."
Leiva, who left the Superintendency in 2021 to become Development Manager at Marina del Sol and remained in that post until January 2026, said his motivation for joining AgruGaming stems from a long-standing commitment to industry development. "My goal has always been to support the development of Chile's gaming industry in line with international best practices," he stated. He also noted that "Chile's online gaming industry is lagging behind several other Latin American markets."
Addressing potential concerns about offshore operators with opaque ownership, Leiva emphasised that AgruGaming represents technology suppliers, not operators. He added that most of its members are international firms without a physical presence in Chile, arguing that their expertise could contribute constructively to the ongoing legislative discussion.