European Casino Association confirms support for ICE London's rearranged edition

The European Casino Association (ECA), a not-for-profit organization representing the interest of casinos across Europe, has confirmed its support for April’s rearranged edition of ICE London -to be held 12/13/14 April at ExCel London-, describing the event as “an opportunity to bring together the land-based casino sector after a prolonged period of absence.”

The ECA, which represents approximately 900 casinos and over 70,000 employees in 28 countries across the continent, is the latest high-profile organization that has confirmed its support to ICE London which along with iGB Affiliate London are set to feature more than 700 industry exhibitors in total.

The European Casino Association joins the support shown by Las Vegas-based Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), a non-profit international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers for the industry; and the Gambling Business Group, whose members account for the overwhelming majority of the UK’s land-based GGY.

"The European Casino Association supports the decision of Clarion Events to postpone the London show to April in order to ensure that it is everything we expect from an ICE expo,” ECA Chairman Per Jaldung said in a statement.

ICE London and iGB Affiliate London, originally scheduled to run on 1-3 February and 2-5 February, were postponed from their initial date amid growing uncertainty and concern regarding the spread of the Omicron variant.

"ICE London 2022 is an opportunity to reunite the gaming industry after two years apart and we respect the flexibility and responsible decision making shown by Clarion in moving forward the show to avoid yet another wave of Covid uncertainty,” added Per Jaldung, who said the ECA trusted event host Clarion Events “to deliver another successful edition” in Spring.

"ICE London is an opportunity to bring together the land-based casino sector after a prolonged period of absence,” added Hermann Pamminger, ECA Secretary General. “The members of the ECA support a strong event, one that reflects the vibrance and vitality of this industry.”

Pamminger further called the response of Clarion Events to the rising tide of new Covid infections “both sensible and practical” in the face of the logistical challenges visitors and exhibitors would face in February. “We applaud the clarity and early decision making and look forward to celebrating the return of the show," he stated.

Stuart Hunter, Managing Director at Clarion Gaming, thanked the support shown by the ECA, claiming that the positive reception shown by leading organizations in the gaming industry is indicative of “a wider desire” for the sector to come together at ICE London and the co-located iGB Affiliate London.

"Our primary aim has always been to provide a safe and secure environment for our customers to meet and to do business,” Hunter said. “When it became clear that February did not provide the confidence the industry required in terms of Omicron we worked through the Christmas break in partnership with the team at ExCeL London to secure new dates.”

"Whilst we have been really encouraged by the feedback that we have received we also appreciate that the new dates will not suit everyone,” the Managing Director added. “However, rescheduling events the size of ICE London and iGB Affiliate London is a complex logistical and operational challenge.”

Given the circumstances, Hunter further promised that the Clarion Gaming team will continue to work “through any remaining challenges” with its clients, while supporting them with their preparations and planning “for what is the world’s biggest and most influential gaming industry gathering.”

The B2B gambling industry event is set to embrace “every aspect of the gambling ecosystem,” from games creators, distributors, operators and retailers, to trade associations, strategic bodies and regulators. Registering is now open through the event’s site.