SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
This year’s ICE London event will feature a dedicated floor focused on regulated street gaming, catering to both operators and suppliers active in the space.
Dubbed the GBG High Street Hub, the project has been jointly developed by the Gambling Business Group (GBG),ICE organisers Clarion Gaming, and feature brands such as Novomatic UK, Entain, Buzz Bingo, Merkur UK and GameNation.
It will be located adjacent to the Pillar Hall Casino – a networking space and bar for the land-based industry – within the ExCeL London conference space, where ICE will be held between 7-9 February.
Stuart Hunter, Managing Director at Clarion Gaming, said: “ICE London 2023 will be the biggest edition on record and I am delighted that this will include a section of the show floor dedicated to the street gaming sector of the business.
“Our strategy and remit is to work in partnership with the industry that we serve and our collaboration with the Gambling Business Group in delivering the Hub is an example of moving from theory to practice. I am confident that it will be another stand-out reason for industry professionals to be a part of the ICE London experience.”
Meanwhile, Peter Hannibal, GBG Chief Executive and Co-Founder, explained that the section will centre around key issues regarding responsible gaming operators, enhancing the customer journey using contemporary retailing disciplines and ‘practical issues’ relating to licensing and laws.
Additionally, the use of technology in street betting business will also be discussed – including deployment of facial recognition, recruitment, retention and staff development – and there will also be a networking element.
“Licensed street operators continue to make a huge contribution to local and regional economies throughout the world,” Hannibal commented.
“The emphasis is firmly on the community with operators employing local people, providing socially responsible gambling entertainment to local populations and supporting local businesses through the supply chain.
“Our aim is to reflect these important credentials and stimulate lively, topical and informed debate surrounding a sector which contributes so much to the economic and social vitality of towns and cities where street-based gambling entertainment is regulated.”
