A contingent of US slot manufacturers is once again staying away from the ELA show in Mexico.

Despite this news, space at the event, which will be taking place in Mexico City on May 16-17, has sold out thanks to interest from European and Latin American companies.

“Once more, a series of US slots manufacturers have decided not to take part at ELA,” said the show’s managing director, Pablo Jara. “The excuse put forward by some does not stand up: there are too many fairs in Latin America.”

There are just six trade shows held in Latin America, including ELA, he said.

“Of these, only ours and the Buenos Aires exhibition are of any importance, while in the US almost 50 gaming events are held annually. I believe that they are uncomfortable with the strong competition that ELA means for certain US interests, though not, fortunately, all of them.”

Last year there was speculation surrounding the show that the decision not to exhibit taken by some major international companies was motivated by a desire to exert greater influence over the organisation of the event. Other attendees, meanwhile, suggested that the uncertainty over Mexico’s gaming laws made exhibiting at the show inappropriate.

Last August’s tragic casino arson attack in Monterrey posed new questions about the stability and safety of the market.

The 2012 event is once again likely to be dominated by Spanish companies, with Global Zitro taking the largest booth, followed closely by Ortiz Gaming-Eibe Games and R Franco.  

Other companies that have chosen to return to ELA include FBM Gaming, Shock Machine, Amusgo, Bemex-Metronia, Zest Gaming-Ludicus and Shuffle Master.