Ahead of the annual congregation in the UK’s capital (for the foreseeable future), CasinoBeats, in the first of a two-part ICE London special, took to its 100 Club members ahead of the ExCel’s doors opening tomorrow morning to get a flavour of what excites them most about the event, which has returned to its pre-pandemic slot in February. 

We asked: What are you most excited for at ICE 2023?

Claudia Heiling, Golden Whale: The Golden Whale Productions team can’t wait to make a splash at ICE London and showcase the power and prowess of our technologies. 

As a next-generation infrastructure supplier, we bring data science and machine learning  applications into practical use for online gaming operators and suppliers. Our software systems allow for the integration, modelling and orchestration of large data sets for industrial machine-learning tasks. 

While the industry has started to experiment with both data science and ML, our solutions take this to the next level – the advances we have made are so significant that there is already a tangible gap between companies using systems such as ours to accelerate product development with a focus on user experience and lifetime optimisation and those that are not. 

Helen Walton, G.Games: A new bout of COVID? Seeing what new ways all my plans for the stand can go wrong? Forgetting the enormously expensive gifts I have bought? Failing to remember an important customer’s name? Wondering if my body can take another five day combo of alcohol, sleep deprivation and work? Realising two competitors are launching a similar game theme to our hero product in the same month? The enormous relief on Thursday lunchtime when I start to believe I will survive for another year?

Oh go on then! The wonderful thing about ICE, for me, is that I can chart our progress as a company as I think about how far we’ve come. From the first year when we turned up to win Pitch ICE to having mini piglets on our stand and a competitor grumpily telling us that five different customers had said we were the ‘ones to watch’. 

So… however hard it is (and I genuinely fear it will kill me!), all the past ICEs make up a unique photo album of our journey and success.

Philip Parry, Iforium: I am most excited about seeing everyone in person! We returned to event travel last year but ICE is the big one where all our valued partners will be in attendance. 

It’s sounding like ICE 2023 is going to be the busiest one yet, our diary is already full weeks out from the event!

In-between the meetings, this year I would also like to attend the Pitch ICE presentations and see what’s new.

Michael Pedersen, Livespins: ICE is absolutely the biggest event on the conference calendar, attracting delegates from across the world, and this year’s event will undoubtedly set a record for attendance. 

I’m really looking forward to connecting with attendees and chatting about the role of streaming within the online gambling space. Since Twitch took the decision to ban a handful of casinos from its platform, operators have been nervous about casino and slot streaming and exploring the incredible opportunities it presents in terms of acquisition and retention.

Livespins has been designed to allow operators to do just that, but in a way that is responsible and compliant. Because the Livespins experience sits within the casino lobby, players are afforded the exact same responsible gambling protections as when playing standard casino games. 

Most delegates will yet to have enjoyed the Livespins experience for themselves, so ICE is a great opportunity to showcase our platform and the entirely new way to play online casino that it offers. I’m also looking forward to offering a sneak peek of our new ambassador product which really is a game-changer when it comes to player acquisition.

Shane Cotter, Real Dealer Studios: Since our focus is on breaking ground with non-traditional casino content, we’re particularly interested in seeing what other innovation is happening in the non-traditional content space and how far the boundaries are being pushed. 

We’ve been hearing whispers about some new game types, new features and crossover games that are giving the familiar slots and traditional table games a run for their money, so naturally this is something we’re watching with interest.  

So far, we’re still the only studio making Cinematic RNG games, that is, games made from recorded video created by film-industry pros. We unveiled the concept at ICE 2020, just before the pandemic hit. In the three years between, has anyone started to emulate us? This year’s ICE will be the place to find out, and frankly, we’re dead curious.

Christophe Casanova, Honore Gaming: Most people in our industry will be heading to ICE this year which is a really exciting proposition. It will undoubtedly be very well attended, with the event back in ‘full mode’.

I’m personally, really interested to find out how betting companies are using AI. Indeed, everybody is talking about ChatGPT and similar applications, but I am yet to see any concrete, direct usage in the gaming industry outside of the obvious marketing applications such as SEO and virtual assistants (chat bots).

I’m sure that in coming months/years, AI will be widely used to help bookmakers with odds compiling, and helping operators detect suspicious patterns on sports betting, poker and casino, however, I’m not sure if this is something that is necessarily pertinent right now.

Fraser Linkleter, Slots Temple: Being able to meet up with our partners and contacts is always so important to us as a business. Relationships are critical to being able to work well together and we are excited about being able to meet people face to face again. ICE always gives us a good opportunity to reconnect with existing partners as well as keep up to date with the most recent developments in the industry.

To become a member of the CasinoBeats 100 Club and be eligible to contribute to the monthly question, along with other exclusive member features, click here.

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Fiona Hickey, Director of New Business and Markets at Push Gaming, is in the hot seat this time around as she tells us about her company’s roadmap for expansion in 2023, before walking us through her plans for ICE.

With the event returning to its full size and February slot following last year’s slightly muted April affair, what are you looking forward to most at this year’s ICE?

It’s the first time in a few years that everybody is going to be back in London at ICE, all together and back to its traditional, favourite slot. There were a lot of big suppliers and operators missing in 2022 with the clash of times over Easter being a contributing factor. I think having the whole industry back together, with our European, Asian and stateside operators and suppliers all coming together is going to make for an incredible event. 

Having everyone under one roof fostering strong connections, good relationships and great business opportunities is a really exciting thing to have to kick off the industry’s start to the year.

Do you think the industry is in better shape now because of the challenges previously faced?

The industry has been through a lot in the last three years however companies have learned to evolve the manner in which they operate, how they engage with their staff and how they communicate and do business to meet these challenges. 

What these conditions have done is shown that we’re adaptable, agile and a very strong industry that knows how to change. I think it has also made us examine how we look at things and change our perceptions as well. Hopefully, we’ve also learned a little bit more kindness and patience in the last three years.  

What do you intend to showcase at ICE London 2023?

We’ve got a fantastic roadmap for Q1 and Q2 with some exciting games coming out. A couple of them are sequels or what you might call additions to our catalogue in terms of some of the mechanics, characters and features present within them and others that are completely new too. 

We’re also really excited about the new markets that we’re moving into this year – we’re looking at Italy, Greece and Switzerland very soon but obviously the big one for us this year is launching in the US. So we’ll be continuing to grow the relationships we have with our partners for that and planning the launches for those markets too.

We’ve got some additional performance tools that we’re working on in the background that should hopefully appear towards the end of the year and I’m sure we’ll be having some sneaky conversations around that! It’s exciting times for Push at the moment and we can’t wait to reveal the great products and roadmap that we have upcoming to our partners at ICE.

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Announcing the news after its debut appearance at ICE London, the company’s entry into the country will see its catalogue of slot titles become available to players within Montenegro. 

“The launch of our games in the regulated market in Montenegro is another step into expansion in the year 2022,” explained Marga Fernandez, Business Development Manager at Amigo. “We are thrilled with many upcoming projects, such as soon-to-be-announced business alliances.”

Amigo’s portfolio includes 20 titles with different characteristics for every market. The offering contains classic fruit games such as Blazing Crown and thematic slots, such as MiamiX.

The expansion of the supplier’s igaming portfolio follows on from its cooperation partnership with BlueOcean Gaming inked in January. 

The agreement, which was hailed as a “fine basis for both companies to prosper”, saw Amigo make its content available to operators throughout the BlueOcean network. 

Amigo Gaming’s titles include a variety of features, unique mechanics and styles, which will become accessible to BlueOcean end-users, through its GameHub aggregation platforms that offers more than 7,000 online casino games through a single API integration and a wide range of additional functionalities such as FreeRound and GameHistory API, unified jackpot feed and a fully automated game catalogue.

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We asked: What are you most looking forward to at ICE?

Martin Hodges, Director of Marketing, Vivo Gaming

It’s safe to say that we are looking forward to showcasing and discussing our solutions in real life. Live casino is a visual medium and seeing these set-ups and games up close is the only way to appreciate the detail that goes into making them appealing. 
 
Over the past year, we have really focused on increasing the quality of our products with high-quality streaming and improved camera angles, not to mention the new casino games. So it’s fair to say that we are all looking forward to announcing what we have come up with in that time.

Helen Walton, CCO at G.Games

That buzz of a big crowd of people who care about what they are making, looking at each other’s work and feeling inspired. That’s what happens when ICE is at its best and that’s what we’re hoping for. 

Also we’re hoping to have lots of fun and slightly silly photo opps on our stand, because… why not?

Paul Crisp, CMO at Symplify

It may sound a little odd, but human interaction. After two years of being completely separated from the industry physically, the sense of reunion is almost palpable. We at Symplify relish the opportunity of meeting face to face with new, existing and potential customers.

Lisa Karran, COO at Eminence

I’m looking forward to continuing my education in blockchain and cryptocurrency and, as always, meeting old friends and making new ones.

Nadiya Attard, CCO of Relax Gaming

A return to ICE will be the ultimate return to normality. I think that is what everyone is looking forward to. Particularly, we will be prioritising connecting with UK-facing operators. 

But, of course, this is the world’s biggest igaming event, so it’ll be an amazing opportunity to connect with our international customers who we weren’t able to visit due to the restrictions over the past two years.

Naturally, we are excited about sharing a couple of announcements that Relax Gaming has been working on but that’s all I’ll say for the moment.

Alberto Alfieri, Jada Gaming CEO and Co-Founder 

Although Jada and Symplify only began working together a few months ago, we advanced quickly and produced a lot of new and cool features that we cannot wait to show to our partners and ICE visitors.

Teams from both companies will be at the stand, and will be looking forward to showing and explaining the new opportunities generated by the artificial intelligence of Jada Brain and the ecosystem of Symplify.

Lahcene Merzoug, Chief Executive Officer at PressEnter

One of the best things about attending ICE is having the opportunity to meet and interact with existing and potential new partners face to face, which will add that extra personal touch. 

We also pride ourselves on offering the most exciting casino content to our players, and ICE is a great platform to discover new trends that are emerging and new games coming to market to ensure we are always offering the most engaging content possible. 

Discussion amongst our peers is also crucial as we share the opportunities and challenges we’re facing in the industry and ICE is the perfect venue to enable these meetings.

Tom Wood, Chief Executive Officer from RAW iGaming

Outside of meeting up with old industry friends, we are looking forward to receiving feedback on our new games and innovations along with seeing what our competitors and partners are up to, as well as finally showing off what RAW has been cooking up over the last year. 

RAW is all about standing out or standing down and for those who have been invited to see the more secretive stuff, boy are they in for a surprise.

Victor Pronk, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games

Whilst the pandemic has shown that working remotely is very much possible, making new connections over Zoom or Skype is just not the same as in a face-to-face meeting. 

So, we are looking forward to seeing more than just a face and shoulders of the new relations we have made over the past 18 months. 

Finding out what our clients, partners and suppliers are like outside of work and sharing personal experiences with them that hopefully create long and lasting relationships.

Suzanne Jiggens-Johnson, Marketing Director from Slots Temple

Being able to physically be in the same place as others from the industry is massively exciting for us. It’s been a long time since we can all come together and share ideas and new innovations. 

Being able to speak with people face to face is really important in helping us build and develop existing and new relationships.

Oliver Niner, Head of Sales at PandaScore

We have so much to share at ICE, including new products to showcase including our bet builder and expanded customer engagement tools. 

We’re looking forward to seeing all our global partners and prospects, as well as sharing a comprehensive whitepaper that will serve as a north star for operators wanting to build a successful esports product.

Kevin McGinnigle, Founder of Positively Distinctive Media

Being able to put ourselves out there amongst the crowd. We’ve grown organically by adding value to those we’ve worked with and decided it was time to finally let the world know about us. 

In addition to this, we’ve got a special guest joining us at the show. He’s someone close to my heart and is rather entertaining. I’ll bet I’m not the only one looking forward to seeing him in action either! You best come to our stand if you want to find out more

Sarah Blackburn, Founder at GameOn

Seeing as many clients as possible. Over the last couple of years, we’ve started working with people that we’ve only met via Zoom, Teams and Skype etc. 

We’ve forged some really strong bonds with our clients and I’m so excited about meeting face to face and just building on those relationships further. You can’t beat a “face to face” meeting and I’m really looking forward to whatever ICE has to bring.

Abby Kimber, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Digital IOM

It will be such fantastic experience to get the sector together again under one roof on the scale of ICE – at Digital Isle of Man we’re really looking forward to meeting new and existing contacts to talk about how licensing in the Isle of Man and having a base of operations located here can benefit your business and support growth.

Joe Hall, Co-Founder / Chief Executive Officer at Gift & Go 

Looking forward to meeting all our industry friends after a two year absence and showing off all of the new features and functionality we have built for the gaming sector.

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins

We cannot wait to meet our industry peers again and show them what Livespins is all about and the mission we are on to socially charge the iGaming industry and create a whole new category of live entertainment while doing so.

As an industry, we have a lot of work to do to offer digital entertainment experiences that match what the consumers experience outside our industry. Livespins solves just that and we are excited to speak to providers, operators and streamers who are curious and wants to know more.

James King, Chief Executive Officer from Flows

I’m looking forward to seeing industry innovation and new products showcased as ICE has always been a hub for product launches. 

Then it’s to catch up with everyone in person from those I’ve known for years within the industry to new ‘virtual’ friends met during the pandemic.

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With the event scheduled to take place on April 12-14, following the cancellation of the event in 2021 due to the pandemic. In the first of two articles, we checked in with our 100 Club members to unveil what their expectations are for the igaming conference. 

We asked: What are you expecting from ICE this year? 

Martin Hodges, Director of Marketing, Vivo Gaming

I’m expecting to see a lot of familiar faces that I haven’t seen in far too long. I’m also excited to meet people I haven’t seen in real life yet but have only interacted with through email or on video calls. It’s going to be interesting to find out how tall everyone actually is! 
 
Of course, reconnecting with our partners and clients will be a huge priority for us throughout the week.

Sarah Blackburn, Founder at GameOn

I’m expecting there to be a huge buzz and for it to be filled with people excited to have meetings and presenting new products and services. 

Although the timing of the event isn’t ideal, I think it will make people more selective as to the meetings they have and taking a more focused approach to their own business development strategy.

Abby Kimber, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Digital IOM

After what feels like a very long time, I’m expecting an exultant atmosphere at ICE this year. Although things are slowly getting back to normal, I think we all recognise that international travel might still be a little tricky depending on where you are located so I’m expecting a little less traffic but that means that we’ll get the chance for some more meaningful, in-depth conversations.

Joe Hall, Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Gift & Go

We’re expecting to show both the online and offline gaming sectors how integrating Gift & Go technology into their player reward programmes and user journeys can increase the key metrics for operators acquisition and retention teams.

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins

I look at ICE 2022 very positively, finally the show is back in action, the wait is over. Will it be a different show this year? “Clearly, however, the fact that some exhibitors have pulled out or morphed into hospitality instead only equals opportunity for the brave and bold and we believe Livespins fits perfectly into that category of companies.

James King, Chief Executive Officer from Flows

For Flows we expect two things, the first is the opportunity to really push brand and product awareness to the largest face to face audience of the year and demonstrate to as many as possible the power of Flows. 

Secondly it’s to meet with current partners as well as those we’re already in talks with in person both on stand as well as at our hosted dinners.

Kevin McGinnigle, Founder of Positively Distinctive Media

I have no expectations for two reasons; 1) I’ve never exhibited at ICE before and have only ever been part of the crowd and 2) having moved the dates, I’ve no idea what to expect in terms of attendance. 

Of those who do attend, I would imagine they’ll be excited to get out of their houses and or/offices and put in some facetime. We’ve all been locked up far too long and it’s nice to be able to get back to some sort of normality. I know I am.

Suzanne Jiggens-Johnson, Marketing Director at Slots Temple 

We’re hopeful ICE will be just as exciting as previous years. It’s an important opportunity for us to reconnect with our partners, as well as discover new technologies and services. 

Being able to fully immerse ourselves in all the exciting developments happening in the industry at the moment is really important for us to be able to stay at the forefront of where the gambling industry is heading.

Oliver Niner, Head of Sales at PandaScore

We’re expecting great things from ICE after it’s long hiatus, particularly how much growth and success esports has experienced since the last conference, including PandaScore’s contribution to this.

Contributing to the ESIC conference running in tandem is a great opportunity to continue building greater integrity in esports and how the gambling sector engages with these competitions.

And seeing the global iGaming community together again and striving for further exciting product innovation is always fantastic.

Victor Pronk, Chief Commercial Officer of Incentive Games

With the event running up to the start of the Easter Holiday period, the ongoing uncertainty with regards to the pandemic, the situation in the Ukraine and the additional and continuously changing travel requirements we have already seen several big exhibitors that have withdrawn. 

Therefore we expect a smaller exhibition, that is more online focused and with a dominant UK/European visitor attendance. This is an opportunity for smaller innovative suppliers to step into the spotlight.

Tom Wood, Chief Executive Officer at RAW iGaming

ICE is an amazing opportunity for RAW iGaming to showcase for the first time our new, patent pending game engine, SuperSlice to a larger audience.  

We will also be revealing our up-and-coming SuperSlice games and new, secretive, patent pending innovations for selected operators. 

Lahcene Merzoug, Chief Executive Officer at PressEnter

There are some great conferences happening throughout the year like the SBC and CasinoBeats Summits and iGaming NEXT to name just a few but ICE is traditionally the biggest event of the year for igaming and where all the latest features and innovations are showcased. 

Although there will be less attendee’s than usual given that it is being held over the Easter holidays, we do anticipate more of the same, as many providers reveal new products for the first time and use ICE as the launchpad for their new offerings. 

We expect it to be a very busy event and our team is really looking forward to attending.

Nadiya Attard, CCO at Relax Gaming

I’m expecting to truly appreciate the value of face-to-face meetings once again. Technology has played a fantastic role in keeping business going over the last couple of years, but a Zoom meeting doesn’t hold a candle to the productivity of a group of like-minded people in a room together.

That being said, the gaming sector thrived in the adversity of the pandemic – innovating its way to success all the way through. This period of necessarily thinking outside the box will lead to some exciting new ideas, which always come to the fore at ICE. I wouldn’t miss this year’s show for the world!

Jeremy Coleman at Commercial Director at PearFiction Studio

A much smaller show with most of the big industry names missing. This is a shame but we cannot be surprised because the Easter/Passover week will be difficult for many attendees.

Lisa Karran, COO at Eminence

I expect it to be a very different event this year with more of a focus on getting together over huge exhibits on the expo floor. 

If people are not required to be manning large stands all day they will have more opportunity to attend educational sessions and networking. I’ve no doubt there will still be good attendance.

Helen Walton, CCO at G.Games

Reconnecting with some operators we haven’t been able to meet in person. We’re hearing a lot of negativity from some people about the event, but I think it will prove very effective still for the online gaming industry.

Paul Crisp, CMO at Symplify

A great event and a chance to get going. Meet face to face. Hear and understand challenges, present our vision in terms of creating solutions.

Gaming for us has always represented one of the most dynamic and fast moving industries, the more we get to speak to the people behind the curtains of the industry, the better.

Alberto Alfieri, Jada Gaming CEO and Co-Founder  

In a very hectic environment, due to the COVID emergency and more recently the international political turmoils, we expect ICE to represent a return to some sort of normality where meeting and getting together with colleagues and peers will be the most welcome novelty.

The post ICE 2022: What do CB100 members expect this year? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

4,000

BOS, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, called on the country’s government to rethink its gaming consumer protection safeguards, after advising against a new deposit limit for online casinos.

This comes following an announcement that a proposal for a newly introduced deposit limit is imminent, with a motion out for consultation ahead of a protracted run time from February 7 to June 30, 2022.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of BOS, says that such a move contravenes “a cornerstone of Swedish consumer protection in the gaming law,” adding that such a fragmented market would make it difficult for gaming companies to capture risky behaviours.

It is stated that the latest design looks to be approximately the same as the deposit limit that prevailed periodically during 2021/22, with the change being that the limit is lowered from the aforementioned figure to SEK 4,000. When gambling at state-owned ATMs in places other than a casino, it is proposed that a corresponding loss limit apply. 

11

René Jansen, chair of the Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, reiterated the importance of “responsible and socially aware behaviour” when it comes to the subject of gambling advertisements within the country.

In the face of mounting pressure being placed on the country’s government to ban such activity, Jansen admits that it has become “clear that political patience when it comes to the subject is very limited”.

Despite this, caution wass nonetheless urged as “some degree of advertising is needed to entice players to switch from illegal to legal providers, but don’t overdo it, I would say. Otherwise the shore turns the ship.”

The Ksa chair stated that such aforementioned socially aware behaviour must be undertaken individually but also as a sector through self-regulation, for example.

Acknowledging that the country’s new cabinet will soon have to adopt a position when it comes to such behaviour, Jansen adds that industry efforts “should perhaps go further than the current advertising code online gaming”.

This came in Jansen’s maiden Ksa blog entry of the new year, as it was once again reiterated that the current 11 incumbents of online gaming licenses within the region “is definitely not the final score”.

21

Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments across the Canadian province of Ontario were shuttered once more, after Premier Doug Ford confirmed the reimposition of limited measures.

This saw the region move to a modified step two of its roadmap to reopen, which was implemented from January 5, 2022 at 12:01am for at least 21 days, subject to trends in public health and our health system.

The move was taken after what wass described as a “response to recent trends that show a rapid increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations,” with Ontario looking to blunt transmission and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed as it continues to accelerate its booster dose rollout.

2.7

JKO Play was handed an extended deadline to announce a firm intention to make an offer for Playtech or withdraw its acquisitive interests, after the latter adjourned a shareholder meeting to approve Aristocrat’s £2.7bn transaction.

After it was confirmed this week that the shareholder meetings to approve the offer will be adjourned to February 2, 2022, JKO Play received an extension to the date that was previously set at 5pm on January 5, 2022.

As a result of the adjournment, the UK’s Takeover Panel has ruled that the company now has until 5pm on January 26, 2022, the seventh day prior to the date of the adjourned shareholder meetings, to unveil a firm intention to make an offer or announce that it does not.

This deadline will cease to apply if, before that time, a third party other than JKO rolls-out a firm intention to make an offer for Playtech.

4

The New York State Gaming Commission approved four mobile sports wagering operators, namely Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive, to commence sports wagering operations from no earlier than 9am on Saturday 8 January.

The regulator added that each licensee named had satisfied all statutory and regulatory requirements necessary to accept and process mobile sports betting activity, and had subsequently been approved to commence operations.

After the aforementioned date, each licensee would determine when to accept wagers, which the NYSGC said would be based upon its business capabilities and readiness.

It was added that the remaining five licensees, which encompass BetMGM, Bally’s, Wynn, Resorts World, and PointsBet, would continue to work towards satisfying statutory and regulatory requirements necessary to launch and be approved on a rolling basis when they are met.

Upon issuance of the ten-year licenses, which have a $25m fee attached, in November 2020, regulators deemed that permits would not be granted to Penn National, bet365, theScore Bet, Fox Bet, and Fanatics.

12

Clarion Gaming confirmed that London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre will host ICE London across April 12/13/14, after the company last month issued a postponement from its traditional slot in early February.

Stuart Hunter, managing director of Clarion Gaming, said that the announcement followed consultations undertaken with the group’s customers amid market concern at the uncertainty caused by the Omicron variant.

iGB Affiliate London will take place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14, with ICE Vox, which incorporates the World Regulatory Briefing and the International Casino Conference to be held April 11-12.

100

KaFe Rocks is striving to further empower its employees as well as heighten satisfaction throughout its roster, after announcing the launch of an unlimited paid leave policy.

This is intended to offer added freedom and trust to employees via permitting them to decide when and for how long to take a break. This applies in addition to the local legislation and offers unlimited leave days on top of the national holidays and minimum entitlement.

The igaming affiliate says that this marks another step towards strengthening its people-centred culture, and comes in addition to 100 per cent remote working freedom and flexible schedule.

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Stuart Hunter, managing director of Clarion Gaming, says that the announcement follows consultations undertaken with the group’s customers amid market concern at the uncertainty caused by the Omicron variant.

“What for many buyers and brands is becoming the most influential week in world gaming succeeds in bringing together upwards of 700 exhibitors to the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, and I would like to pay tribute to the ExCeL senior management team which has worked tirelessly alongside us over the Christmas break in order to accommodate events of this magnitude and help us to deliver the best possible solution to our stakeholders,” explained Hunter.

“During all of our intensive discussions we have been resolute in our commitment to avoid a clash with the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (April 19th -22nd) in Anaheim, California, USA and have been in close contact with colleagues at the National Indian Gaming Association who in turn have been extremely sensitive to the circumstances caused by the Omicron variant. 

“Again, I would like to put on the record my thanks for their understanding and support. We will continue to work through any remaining challenges with all of our clients and stakeholders, and support them with their preparations and planning for what is the world’s biggest and most influential gaming industry gathering.“

iGB Affiliate London will take place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14, with ICE Vox, which incorporates the World Regulatory Briefing and the International Casino Conference to be held April 11-12.

Naomi Barton, portfolio director responsible for iGB Affiliate London, explained: “The experience of delivering iGB Live! and iGB Affiliate Amsterdam last autumn demonstrated how vitally important in-person events are and how they provide a focal point for everyone involved in the industry. 

“I’m delighted that we have been able to secure new dates a little more than six months after our Amsterdam events. The focus now for my team is to build on the momentum of what was a record breaking show for the iGB brand, and consolidate its ‘best in class’ brand credentials by delivering the largest global igaming affiliate event this April.”

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Clarion Gaming confirmed that ICE London, which is a three-day event, will commence from June 29 with the co-located iGB Affiliate London taking place on 2 and 3 of July.

Due to the ongoing health crisis and uncertainty within the market, Clarion stated that the decision to move the events into the summer of 2021 has been ‘necessary’ with the decision following a ‘close consultation with the international community of stakeholders’.

Kate Chambers, managing director, Clarion Gaming, noted: “Our initial proposal was to migrate ICE London and iGB Affiliate London from their historical February date to April 2021 due to force majeure. 

“Subsequently, we have taken additional steps to review this in light of the government’s updated measures announced on 22 September 2020 and in the interests of our stakeholders. As a result, we have secured a later date week commencing 28 June.

“This extension provides a number of important advantages compared with April, not least enabling the very best possible space configurations and accessibility at ExCeL London. We believe this is paramount in order to support all of our client’s requirements, whilst underpinning our vision for the 2021 events. 

“As well as the significant logistical benefits, we are also very much aware that it provides additional market recovery time – which we believe will further enhance and support the delivery, outcomes and experiences for all participants.”

iGB Live 2021 will also be moved, now taking place from September 28 to October 1, at the RAI Amsterdam.

According to Chambers, requests were made by the international community of stakeholders due to wanting ‘more time’ for both the industry and the world economy to stabilise – including an easing of regulations covering international business travel.

Clarion Gaming has stated its focus is on introducing a raft of new initiatives to help create a celebration of the gaming and affiliate sectors. 

Stuart Hunter, managing director of events at Clarion Gaming, commented: “Using the extensive experience that we have gained delivering best-in-breed digital conferences over the last six months, we are working hard preparing The Road to ICE and iGB 2021 – a series of digital engagements commencing in February, running through to the live events in June for the market to meet, whilst providing exclusive ICE and IGB previews.

“Looking ahead, our plan is for ICE and IGB to be broadcast live globally for the very first time. There will be a host of new digital features offering in-person attendees an even more dynamic and hybrid experience, whilst extending our global reach and supporting all of our gaming communities digitally. 

“New platforms for networking, learning, entertainment and business development are in planning to ensure that ICE London and iGB Affiliate London continue to support the industry, raise morale and kick-start a global celebration of gaming.” 

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In October 2020 the group confirmed that the events would take place from June 29 – July 3, 2021, due to concerns of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, due to “significant uncertainty about the year ahead” this is now no longer possible.

However, Clarion confirmed the dates for the next editions of both events, with the ExCeL London to play host to ICE London from February 1-3, 2022, alongside iGB Affiliate on February 3-5, 2022.

“Both the ICE London and iGB Affiliate London brands have been successful because they have consistently worked with, and listened to, the needs of their respective customers,” Stuart Hunter, Clarion Gaming managing director, said.

“The soundings we’ve taken and the ongoing conversations we are having with exhibitors of all sizes across both events have shown continued and significant uncertainty about the year ahead.

“Exhibitors have expressed a desire to put the experiences of the last 12 months behind them and instead focus their collective energy and creativity into making the 2022 editions into memorable in-person celebrations.”

An expanded and enhanced edition of iGB Live! will retain its dates of September 28-October 2, 2021, at RAI in Amsterdam.

Clarion says that announcements come in response to requests from the international community of stakeholders, as well as requests from its customer base, as lockdowns and restrictions remain in place across many jurisdictions.

Hunter added: “We are totally focused on helping all sectors of the industry bounce back from what has been an horrendous year. ICE London and sister event IGB Affiliate London both stand shoulder to shoulder with their communities and the team is ready and primed to help our loyal stakeholders wherever they are and in any way possible.

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