ICE London 2023, 7th – 9th February, ExCeL London, is the biggest b2b gambling industry event in the world and features games creators, distributors, operators, retailers, innovators, trade associations, strategic bodies and regulators – representing every gaming vertical.
Our magazine, Casino Life & Business Magazine is the only media partner from Central and Eastern Europe of this mega-important gambling industry event.
ICE can help address diversity in all of its forms states Tiina Siltanen Vice Chair of the European Casino Association.
Tiina Siltanen, recently appointed Vice Chair of the European Casino Association and General Manager, Casino Helsinki and Tampere is the latest industry thought leader to focus on the importance of February’s full-scale edition of ICE London, underlining its importance to the development of the international industry post-Covid.
Focussing on the power of adopting a collective response to the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities that face the industry she said: “The 2023 creative of ‘Stronger Together’ really captures the industry mood certainly from my perspective and that of colleagues. February’s ICE will mark the return of the major supplier brands that we missed in April and that sense of solidarity and togetherness is both profound and really powerful.”
She added: “As a global industry we are stronger when we are together sharing challenges, solutions, ideas, inspiration, energy and the infectious ‘can do’ spirit that underpins our industry.
“I also believe this mindset goes beyond product. We are also ‘stronger together’ when we are addressing diversity in all of its forms, safer gambling and protection of the vulnerable. In this respect the Consumer Protection Zone at ICE represents a stand-out feature on the show floor. Safer gambling has moved centre stage at ICE and the industry is much stronger when we collectively address consumer protection.”
Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming stated: “In the research that we undertake with stakeholders on a regular basis the primary reason quoted for attending ICE is the calibre of the exhibitors and the access their presence provides to the very latest innovations, and technology solutions.
However it’s clear that that when so many of the industry’s influencers and strategic bodies come together in one place it’s also possible to address broader issues. The award-winning ICE Consumer Protection Zone has been and will continue to be the focus for discussions regarding the industry’s safer gambling undertakings and there will also be events and debates regarding diversity and inclusion in the gambling industry.
I think it’s fascinating to reflect on how the hundreds of thousands of conversations that will take place on and off the show floor at ICE will help to fashion the direction of the industry.
The common denominator whether you are an operator from South America, a machine developer from Europe, a regulator from Australia or a safer gambling charity working out of London is the power that ICE has to help stakeholders make the ‘connections’ that power the industry which is why the return of a full-sized ICE in February is so exciting and so compelling.”
Gambling Commission to feature in biggest ever ICE Consumer Protection Zone
The central importance attached by the industry to safer gambling has been underlined with confirmation that the 2023 Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ) at ICE London, will comprise a record 20 stands, up from the 2022 figure of 14.
The CPZ, which has become one of the highest profile features on the ICE show floor will comprise a blend of providers of responsible gambling tools and solutions alongside leading not for profit organisations which have been gifted space. Brands featured on the 2023 CPZ include the Gambling Commission, Focal Research, Casino Guru, Future Anthem, Department of Trust, Mindway AI, Intuita Consulting, Rightlander, IGT, SG:Certified, W2, Crucial Compliance, LexisNexis, GamCare, YGAM, Gordon Moody, Gamstop, BetKnowmore, Responsible Gaming Council and the National Center for Responsible Gaming.
Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming’s Director of Industry Insight and Engagement and the person responsible for overseeing the development of the Consumer Protection Zone stated: “The CPZ, which was recognised by the industry at the recent Global Regulatory Awards where it won the Responsible Approach to Advertising/Marketing category is one of the many success stories to have originated at ICE.
The brain child of the Gambling Commission’s Tim Miller the CPZ has grown from its launch at ICE London 2018 when it featured eight pioneer exhibitors to its current size and prominent location which is adjacent to the main boulevard at ExCeL London.
Thanks to the generosity of industry supporters and sponsors the CPZ has succeeded in raising £146,000 for gambling industry charities over the last three editions of ICE London and we are looking to build on that really impressive total.
With the return of the major supplier brands to the land-based sector and the prospect of a record-breaking edition of the world’s most popular b2b gaming expo our aim with the help of the industry is to take the total to close to £200,000.”
Safer gambling organisations GamCare (£20,000), the Responsible Gaming Council (£20,000) and Better Change (£6,000) were the recipients of the 2022 fund which was made-up of £6,000 donations from bet365, Kindred, Entain, Videoslots, Sky Betting and Gaming and IMG Arena a figure which was enhanced by a £10,000 contribution from Ambassadeurs Group.
Clarion confirm shortlist for 2023 iGB Affiliate Awards
The industry’s outstanding individuals, brands, games, networks, tech and campaigns have been recognised in the iGB Affiliate Awards shortlist which has been released by events media business Clarion Gaming.
The Awards, which take place on Thursday 9 February and are an integral part of the iGB Affiliate London experience, highlight the ‘best of the best’ across a broad range of categories comprising Best Poker Affiliate; Best Sports Betting Affiliate; Best Casino Affiliate; Best Bingo Affiliate; Best Crypto Affiliate; Best Affiliate Manager; Best Affiliate Programme; Best Affiliate Network; Best Tech for Affiliates; Best Tech for Affiliate Programmes; Best Digital Agency; Marketing Campaign of the Year; Rising Star; Best Newcomer; Innovation Award; Affiliate Employer of the Year; Safer Gambling Initiative of the Year and Game of the Year.
The Awards are being held at The Troxy, London’s iconic art deco venue. The theme, ‘Made in NYC’, will form the backdrop to the black-tie event which comprises a three-course sit-down dinner and an entertainment-packed after party.
iGB Portfolio Director Naomi Barton, believes the Awards serve to shine a light on the success and achievements of the affiliate world. She stated: “Elaine Gardiner, who has a distinguished career in the affiliate world described the iGB Affiliate Awards as being a celebration of the outstanding talent that exists in the industry and an opportunity for smaller organisations and individuals new to the business to be recognised for their contribution.
Certainly the iGB Affiliate Awards categories reflect the talent which underpins the industry and which is driving its development. We have had huge interest across the categories and the quality of the shortlist and the newcomers this year alongside our current customer base reflect an industry which is continually raising the bar in terms of creativity, standards and professionalism. The Awards are purely for the igaming affiliate world and are a central part of the iGB Affiliate London experience.”
Looking ahead to February’s show she added: “Occupying a total of 11,800 square metres of floor space the show will be 22% bigger than the 2022 edition which was held in April. The great news for the igaming affiliate community is that we will eclipse the success of iGB Affiliate London 2022 both in terms of its physical size as well as the number of exhibiting and sponsoring organisations. We are on track to exceed April’s total of 176 participating companies, a strong indicator of how much this event is needed and wanted. Our purpose is to champion fresh new thinking with iGB Affiliate London delivering access to new strategies, new partnerships and new sectors, all culminating in new business opportunities.”
Clarion Gaming and Gambling Business Group deliver first street gaming hub at ICE London.
ICE London’s status as the global meeting place for all sectors of the international gambling industry has been underlined following confirmation of a dynamic new show floor feature dedicated exclusively to licensed street gaming. Developed in partnership with strategic body the Gambling Business Group, the GBG High Street Hub will feature contributions and insight from leading brands including Novomatic UK, Entain, Buzz Bingo, Merkur UK and GameNation. The High Street Hub will be situated adjacent to the Pillar Hall Casino – a networking space and bar for the land-based industry.
Peter Hannibal, chief executive and co-founder of the Gambling Business Group believes the first High Street Hub will provide a focus for international street gaming operators as well as suppliers to the sector. Hannibal said: “First of all I would like to thank Stuart Hunter and his team at Clarion Gaming for providing us with the space and for having the vision to provide a focus for what is an integral component part of the gambling ecosystem.
Licensed street operators continue to make a huge contribution to local and regional economies throughout the world. The emphasis is firmly on the community with operators employing local people, providing socially responsible gambling entertainment to local populations and supporting local businesses through the supply chain. Our aim is to reflect these important credentials and stimulate lively, topical and informed debate surrounding a sector which contributes so much to the economic and social vitality of towns and cities where street-based gambling entertainment is regulated.”
He continued: “In collaboration with GBG members we have created a programme of activities dealing with key issues including the far-reaching work that’s being undertaken by operators on the delivery of responsible gambling, the use of technology in street operations including digital payments and the deployment of facial recognition, recruitment, retention and staff development, the use of contemporary retailing disciplines to enhance the customer journey as well as practical issues relating to licensing and the law.
The Hub also provides an invaluable opportunity to meet with the governmental agencies which engage with the industry and we will be inviting the many international regulators who attend ICE London to spend some time with us and meet with business leaders active in the street sector.”
Stuart Hunter, Managing Director at Clarion Gaming added: “ICE London 2023 will be the biggest edition on record and I am delighted that this will include a section of the show floor dedicated to the street gaming sector of the business.
Our strategy and remit is to work in partnership with the industry that we serve and our collaboration with the Gambling Business Group in delivering the Hub is an example of moving from theory to practice. I am confident that it will be another stand-out reason for industry professionals to be a part of the ICE London experience.”
YGAM named as ICE London charity partner.
YGAM, the award winning charity whose social purpose is to inform, educate and safeguard young people against gaming and gambling harms has been named as the official charity partner of ICE London 2023. The partnership will also see YGAM become the charity partner at the black tie iGB Affiliate London Awards taking place on Thursday February 9th at The Troxy, London’s iconic art deco venue.
Confirming the partnership, Stuart Hunter, Managing Director, Clarion Gaming stated: “We are delighted to welcome YGAM as our official charity partner. YGAM is a progressive organisation which is well-known to and highly respected by many of the ICE London exhibitors and stakeholders.
In all of the many conversations that we have with the industry safer gambling is at the top of their agenda and we are delighted to be able to use the power of the ICE brand and the platform provided by ICE London to promote safer gambling and raise awareness of the outstanding work undertaken on a daily basis by the team at YGAM.”
He added: “Our commitment to safer gambling is probably best known as a result of the award winning Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ) which we introduced to the ICE show floor in 2018. Each year the CPZ has grown in size and status with the 2023 edition hosting a record 20 stands an increase on the 14 present at the 2022 edition of ICE.
The CPZ was recognised by the industry at the Global Regulatory Awards and has grown to become arguably the most visible manifestation of safer gambling at any industry trade show. YGAM is one of the charities that we gift space to on the CPZ and will also receive high profile branding on the CPZ theatre and on other high footfall areas of the ICE show floor.”
Ian Shanahan, Director of Business Development and Fundraising at YGAM added: “We are pleased to be working closely with Clarion Gaming again this year. ICE London is the biggest event of its kind, so its profile provides our charity with a valuable platform to raise awareness of the important work that we do to help prevent gaming and gambling harms.
We’re looking forward to joining colleagues from across the third sector in the Consumer Protection Zone in its prominent location. YGAM will be launching our ambitious new strategy and refreshed brand in 2023 so we’re looking to showcase this at ICE ahead of an exciting year for the charity!”
The charity partnership will also see YGAM confirmed as an ICE Ambassador, receive branding around the show, be part of the official exhibition opening, attend as guests at the Casino Awards and the WRA reception and have fundraising visibility via POS leaflets and QR codes including in the ICE Show Daily newspaper.
To join the global gaming community and gather ideas, connect with like-minded industry peers and identify new opportunities visit: www.icelondon.uk.com.
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