Interest in the 2002 International Casino Exhibition (ICE) – in part stimulated by Sir Alan Budd's review of UK gambling legislation – continues to grow.
Recent developments have seen four exhibitors – Aristocrat Technologies Europe, Bally Gaming and Systems, Cashcode and Next Generation Gaming – all expand their stand space. Bally has increased its presence at ICE 2002 from 145 to 172 square metres (+18%), Aristocrat from 100 to 118 sq.m (+18%), Cashcode from 49 to 96 sq.m (+96%) with Next Generation Gaming, part of the i-Gaming zone, moving from 18 to 46 sq.m (+156%).
Explaining the decision to increase their stand space, George Steiner MD of Bally Gaming, said: "The main reason is that it allows us to position ourselves in the forefront of the exhibition. We will have released some new product lines which we will want to give maximum exposure to and ICE is where we get the greatest number of customers." He added: "Of course the development of the UK market following the Budd Report is very promising. Although at the time of the exhibition there will be no fundamental changes, the Budd Report may well generate more interest in the sector which should mean more visitors to the show."
David Orrick, Communications Director of Unidesa Gaming, believes that in 2002 the show will continue to expand its importance. "For Unidesa Gaming ICE is always an important time in our annual marketing strategy," he said. "The findings of the UK Gambling Review, the Budd Report, of course mean that next year much of the industry will have a direct focus on developments in the UK and ICE will play a pivotal role in bringing interested parties together."
At the time of going to press a total of 104 exhibitors from 28 nations have reserved stands occupying almost 6,000 square metres of space. ICE is being held at Earls Court exhibition centre, London on 22/23/24 January 2002. Ticket applications via
www.ice-london.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 207 713 0302.
