The European Casino Association agrees to welcome UK operators back

The European Casino Association announced last Wednesday the return of UK casino operators as members of the association. The measure was taken at the ECA General Assembly and Casino Industry Forum, held at Casino Baden in Austria on September 28 and 29.

ECA members agreed on the official induction of eight casino operators from the UK. These include Aspers Group, Crown Aspinalls, Genting Casinos UK, the Hippodrome Casino, Les Ambassadeurs, Mayfair Casino, Rank Group and Metropolitan Gaming.

Per Jaldung, Chairman of the ECA, commented: “It was a great disappointment when the UK left the ECA in 2020, and from the outset we have been working to bring them back. The UK has a thriving land-based gaming industry, and we are extremely proud that our joint efforts have led to the successful re-entry of the UK as a full member of the ECA.”

According to Jaldung, UK casino operators “have a lot to offer to the network of continental European operators,” and the European Casino Association is “thrilled” to extend its membership to include them.

Simon Thomas

Simon Thomas, Chief Executive of the Hippodrome Casino, worked to formalize the induction of UK casino operators jointly with the ECA Board. The eight casino operators have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ECA for the UK to become a full association member, a press announcement explains.

Simon Thomas stated: “I am delighted to be back in the fold of the European Casino Association. As the representative for the eight UK casino operators within the ECA, we are stronger together through shared experiences.”

“As a full member, we will be capitalizing on the knowledge base of the European land-based sector and the incredible value it creates for its members,” Thomas added. “I’m delighted to be back as a member of the ECA and look forward to the next General Assembly at ICE London on February 7th.”

The ECA’s General Assembly saw Austria’s Casino Baden play host to over 60 guests during this year’s edition, which also marked the return of the ECA Casino Industry Forum after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. European casino operators reunited to discuss the challenges, opportunities, trends and developments in land-based and online casino gaming.