Reaction has been positive to Clarion Gaming’s decision to move its ICE and iGB Affiliate events to Barcelona, Spain beginning in 2025.
Yogonet August 4 reported that the European Casino Association (ECA) has endorsed the move, saying that it was in line with ECA’s “commitment to fostering growth and dynamism within the gaming industry.”
ECA’s press release praised Barcelona as a perfect host for the events because of its world-class facilities and hospitality. ECA Chairman Erwin van Lambaart declared, “We are pleased by Clarion Gaming’s bold decision to continue the ICE show at a new location starting from 2025.” He added, “This move aligns well with our longstanding partnership with Clarion Gaming, which we highly value and believe will further enhance the interests of the European casino industry.”
Zitro International President Sebastian Salat added his kudos for the change, Casino News Daily reported.
“We fully support Clarion’s announcement to relocate ICE to the vibrant City of Barcelona, a destination we firmly believe is perfectly equipped to host the future editions of ICE,” said Salat. “We believe this move will be a major step helping both ICE and the Industry to grow in partnership with the European gaming market. It will also increase the global dimension of ICE, as moving ICE to Spain will undoubtedly draw a higher number of Latin American operators, due to emotional and cultural links between Spain and Latin American countries.”
Clarion made the selection after a six-month bidding process that also included Madrid, Paris and the longtime host city, London in the shortlist.
In July Clarion Gaming and the ECA extended their strategic partnership for at least another five years, to 2029. They have worked together formally since 2008.
ICE began in 1999 and evolved from an event limited to land-based gaming to all sectors of gaming, including online, sports betting and the lottery.
According to Salat, although London was a great host city originally, many exhibitors, including Zitro found that there was insufficient space for future growth, logistical complications and very high costs. The vendors passed these concerns onto Clarion, which led to the decision to relocate.
Spain is one of the largest regulated gaming markets in Europe, with both brick-and-mortar and online sectors. It is also a very important tourist destination and has world-class facilities, said Salat.
