Ibero-American Corporation of State Lotteries and Betting - CIBELAE
- Founded
- 1988-01-01 in Madrid, Spain
- Headquarters
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
CIBELAE (Ibero-American Corporation of State Lotteries and Betting) is a non-profit international association founded in October 1988 in Madrid, Spain. It unites state-run lottery and betting organizations from the Ibero-American region, which includes Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in the Americas as well as Spain and Portugal. Recognized as an Associate Member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), CIBELAE serves as the primary regional trade body for its members, focusing on political advocacy, advisory services, and training. Its core mission is to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the modernization of state recreational activities while strongly emphasizing responsible gaming, combating illegal gambling, and advocating for homogeneous legislative policies. The organization carries out its work through congresses, seminars, working groups, and international agreements. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, CIBELAE is led by President Javier Milián and Executive Director Rodrigo Cigliutti, who brings nearly three decades of experience in the Argentine lottery industry. The association also partners with bodies such as the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sport (ULIS) to address match-fixing and sports betting manipulation. Its 19th Congress is scheduled for November 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay.
Detailed Review
History and Foundation
CIBELAE was established in October 1988 in Madrid, Spain, under Spanish law as a civil association with unlimited duration. The founding objective was to unite state lotteries across the Ibero-American sphere to facilitate collaboration and information exchange. Over the decades, the organization has grown to include full member lotteries and associate members from the private sector, such as technology providers and payment platforms like PayBrokers.
Objectives and Governance
The fundamental objectives enshrined in CIBELAE's statutes include promoting research and studies for the optimization of state lottery operations, encouraging integration through cooperation agreements, advising on legislative policies, organizing educational events, and promoting international agreements to preserve territorial exploitation rights and combat illegal gambling. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors with a President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President elected from among member organizations. As of the most recent public records, Javier Milián serves as President, Esmeralda Britton as First Vice President, and Alfonso Galiano as Second Vice President. The executive management is led by Executive Director Rodrigo Cigliutti, who oversees day-to-day operations from the Buenos Aires headquarters.
Activities and Events
CIBELAE runs a series of seminars and an annual congress that bring together lottery operators, regulators, and industry partners. The 19th Congress is scheduled for November 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay. The organization also hosts working groups on topics such as marketing, responsible gaming, sports integrity, and technology. These events serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and the development of homogeneous regulatory frameworks across the region.
Partnerships and International Cooperation
CIBELAE works closely with the World Lottery Association (WLA), the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sport (ULIS), and other international bodies to address challenges such as match-fixing and sports betting manipulation. It is recognized as an Associate Member of the WLA, giving it a global outlook while maintaining its regional mandate. The organization also facilitates bilateral agreements among member states and between members and external institutions, strengthening the collective effort to protect state monopolies and promote responsible play.
Leadership and Recent Developments
The current leadership comprises President Javier Milián, First Vice President Esmeralda Britton, Second Vice President Alfonso Galiano, and Executive Director Rodrigo Cigliutti. Cigliutti brings nearly three decades of experience in the Argentine lottery industry, having previously served in leadership roles at the state lottery of Buenos Aires province. The organization has recently expanded its associate membership to include fintech companies like PayBrokers, reflecting a growing focus on digital payment integration and modernization of lottery operations.
Key Products
Research and Publications
Studies, reports and best‑practice guides covering modernization, regulatory harmonization, responsible gaming and anti‑illegal gambling measures.
Annual Ibero‑American Congress
The flagship multi‑day event featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions and networking; typically attracts 100–300 delegates from state lotteries, regulators and industry partners.
Ibero‑American Lottery Marketing Seminar
A specialized training seminar focused on marketing, brand management and customer engagement strategies for lottery organizations.
Sports Betting Integrity Seminar
An event dedicated to preventing match‑fixing and promoting responsible sports betting, conducted in partnership with ULIS and the Council of Europe.
Advisory Services
Direct, consultative support to member lotteries on legislative policy, technological modernization and operational optimization.
Associate Membership Program
A platform for commercial partners (e.g., PayBrokers, EveryMatrix) to collaborate with state lotteries and gain exposure to the Ibero‑American market.
International Cooperation Framework
Facilitates bilateral and multilateral agreements between member states to protect territorial rights and combat cross‑border illegal gambling.
Training and Certification
Periodic online and in‑person courses on topics such as responsible gaming, CRM and digital transformation.
Training and Certification Programs
Seminars on lottery marketing, responsible gambling, sports integrity, and regulatory compliance, often held in collaboration with WLA and other partners.
Ibero-American Congresses
Biennial flagship events for member lotteries, such as the 18th Congress in 2023 and the 19th Congress scheduled for November 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay.
Advisory and Policy Development
Providing policy guidance and best practices to member lotteries on legislation, technology, and operational optimization.
Research and Studies
Commissioned research to support modernization and efficiency improvements for state lotteries.
International Partnerships
Agreements with WLA, ULIS, and other bodies to enhance member services, training, and integrity efforts.
Education & Training
Organizes courses, seminars, congresses, and working groups on topics such as marketing, responsible gaming, sports integrity, and technology.
Policy Advocacy
Advises member states on homogeneous legislative policies for the regulation and control of recreational activities.
International Cooperation
Facilitates agreements between member organizations and with other institutions, including the World Lottery Association and ULIS.
Key Persons
Rodrigo CigliuttiExecutive Director