The curtain fell over ICE London with a mega event that attracted over 800 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world.
As expected, the latest London edition of ICE attracted all the cream and froth of the global gaming industry in one memorable event.
More than 800 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors attended this latest London show, exceeding the expectations of the organizers and all attendance records ever recorded for an event in the world of gambling.
As in the previous editions, held in the last 10 years, our magazine Casino Life & Business Magazine was present on the spot, being the only media partner in Romania of this extraordinary event that annually brings together, in one place, all the entities that matter in the world contemporary gambling.
Along with it, the Romanian Gambling Directory was exhibited at the event, as usual, the only but also the popular brochure presenting the gambling industry from our country.
FIRST DAY
Gaming professionals from throughout the world were gathering at ExCeL for what Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter described as being an ‘extremely poignant occasion’. He said: “ICE 2024 offers an unparalleled array of ideas, opportunities, product exclusives, education and experiences.”
Referencing the ICE MORE creative campaign he added: “MORE is a pledge to the entire industry to deliver in a way that only ICE can and that’s by connecting the entire gaming community of suppliers, operators, legislators and regulators.
This week our collective focus was on delivering exceptional editions of ICE and sister show iGB Affiliate and saying a huge thank you to ExCeL London for hosting our events so professionally and for being such an important part of their success.”
The first day was notable for the intensity with which visitors flocked to the stands to see the novelties on display, but also to the food kiosks spread on both sides of the main aisle, making it even more difficult to move from one side to the other of the huge ExCel pavilion.
Both the booths of the flagship companies of the industry as well as those of the smallest or new market entrants were stormed by visitors in an unexpected frenzy, eager to see the exhibits or carry out their planned meetings, in order to make the most of their participation in the event.
Obviously, the mascots of the companies or their hostesses were present everywhere, in order to attract as many visitors as possible to the respective stands, delighting the entire audience with their performances.
Day one of ICE 2024 is in the books, and as the highlights of the opening day show, the event has so far well and truly delivered on its promise to offer more connections, more inspiration and more learning.
DAY TWO
On the second day of the exhibition, the number of visitors increased significantly, and with it the crowding on the aisles or at the stands.
A key focus on day two of ICE 2024 was the emergence and growth of new markets with regions such as Africa and LatAm in the spotlight, while the contribution made to the gaming industry by people of colour was also celebrated at the DEI allyship meet-up.
Other aspects to highlight on this day were:
– Bet365’s North American expansion took another step forward as it launched its online sportsbook in Arizona thanks to a partnership with the Ak-Chin Indian Community, extending into its ninth US state.
– Wynn Resorts posted revenue of $6.5bn (£5.2bn/€6.1bn) for its 2023 financial year, a 73.9% increase from its 2022 results, while its adjusted property EBITDAR reached over $2bn, a 191.4% hike and an all-time high.
– BetMGM, the joint venture between Entain and MGM Resorts, has announced it generated almost $2bn in revenue for 2023, reaching the upper end of its guidance and keeping it on track to reach a positive EBITDA of $500m by 2026.
DAY THREE – The swan song
Day 3 marked a record-breaking edition of ICE, which gave the gaming industry MUCH MORE this year 2024. The organizers thank all visitors, exhibitors, speakers, partners and sponsors for the overwhelming support that was beyond incredible.
During the closing celebration of ICE 2024, we took time to reflect on the invaluable contribution London has made and looked ahead to the exciting new home in Barcelona. This move opens doors to new possibilities and opportunities.
Barcelona will be more than a host city it’s a partnership with fira Barcelona and the city of Barcelona. Visitors will have the chance to experience the city’s vibrant culture, culinary delights, and rich heritage, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
The entire film of the event is on the existing Casino Life & Business Magazine TV channel on YouTube and can be viewed right here…
CONCLUSIONS
At ICE VOX, First Maximilian Associates CEO Robert Montgomery and Praxis Consulting managing director Steven Myers spoke on the gaming industry’s need to get ahead in environmental, social and corporate governance to help boost global results.
Corey Plummer, chairman and CEO of Olympic Entertainment and OlyBet Group, spoke to ICE Vox about the black market in Europe and how gambling could be made safer for consumers.
We will return with more info, details and photos in the printed edition of Casino Life & Business Magazine no.171/March.
Until then:
Goodbye, London!
¡Hola Barcelona!
Read also the news from HERE.
