ICE London organizer Clarion Gaming announced some of the industry’s most influential personalities and best-known commercial organizations will be honored at the ICE Landmark Awards, to be presented in the ICE Lounge on February 8, at 4 p.m.
The lineup of Landmark recipients comprises Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman and national spokesperson for the Indian Gaming Association, whose leadership during COVID helped to protect and preserve tribal gaming and secure the vital funding needed to keep tribal casinos solvent through the worst of the pandemic.
Ernie Stevens is joined by US industry stalwart Roy Student, who in a 50-year career founded and was President of both Gaming Systems International and Cyberview Technology.
Ernie Stevens, Jr.
European-based Landmark recipients include veteran industry journalist David Snook, who first reported on the exhibition, then known as ATEI, in 1968; and Per Jaldung, who has served as Chair of the European Casino Association since 2015.
The posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award is in honor of Jimmy Thomas, who passed away on July 30, 2022, at the age of 88. He was a pioneer, innovator and philanthropist whose creative spark "changed the face of the UK gambling industry," says Clarion. Simon Thomas, who is Executive Chairman of The Hippodrome Casino, will accept the ICE Landmark in his father’s honor.
Five commercial organizations will also be recognized: Les Ambassadeurs will receive a recognition for its undertakings with respect to corporate philanthropy and community engagement.
Betsson Group, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary; TCS John Huxley (its 50th anniversary); Continent 8 (25th anniversary) and Nanocosmos (25th as wel); will all receive an ICE Landmark as well.
Stuart Hunter
Speaking ahead of the presentations, Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, said: “The Landmark Awards serve as recognition of the extraordinary achievements of the individuals and organizations that make up this extraordinary industry.”
“Many of the progressive initiatives, game-changing products and influential personalities that have shaped the industry have had strong connections with ICE and its predecessor ATEI and I am delighted that the show continues to play such an important role in helping to create opportunity and prosperity for the global business," he added.
Hunter explained that the recipients of these Awards have all been nominated from within the industry and labeled it an honor "to have them with us at this historic edition of what is the world's most influential and international b2b gambling exhibition."