ICE will ‘still be the world’s biggest gambling exhibition’

The principals behind ICE London went on record today guaranteeing that the 2022 event on its new dates would “still be the world’s biggest gambling exhibition and a super spectacle.”

Clarion Gaming’s group managing director Alex Pratt and colleague Stuart Hunter, managing director, in an interview with InterGame, said also that some spaces vacated by some of the land-based exhibitors had already been taken up by others. But they also emphasised that those companies that felt it necessary to withdraw from this year’s event, would have their spaces back for 2023.

They said that they “totally understood” why some of the land-based exhibitors had decided to withdraw.

“The dates (April 12-14) are a matter that was beyond our control. The location – ExCeL in London’s Docklands – only had those dates available after we had to postpone from the original February dates.” 

The proximity to the Easter holidays is quoted by most of the withdrawing exhibitors as the principal reason for withdrawal.

“Some of the land-based contingent are taking the option to back away from the show this year. We fully understand it and we can say straight away that those who have felt it necessary to withdraw, will have their spaces back in 2023,” said Hunter (pictured).

“Also, it is worth adding that we continue to be committed to the whole of the industry including many of the smaller suppliers in the sector, many of whom are relying on ICE for business and have been affected by the show’s cancellation last year.”

They said, however, that the opening up of the exhibition floor, created by the vacating of those stands had presented other exhibitors with the opportunity that they had previously sought – to expand. It has also meant that other companies seeking space, could now exhibit. “We have taken on another 15 companies as exhibitors in the past couple of weeks,” said Hunter.

Alex Pratt said that other reasons commonly quoted, including the pandemic situation and protocols for entering the UK, were considerations that were diminishing daily, as the UK government reduces lockdown measures.

A recent survey of buyers – yet to be officially released by Clarion – showed that only 10 per cent had indicated that they would not travel to London. Of those, 30 per cent said that their main consideration was the pandemic; 30 per cent were put off by entry restrictions into the UK; and another 30 per cent cited the proximity to Easter. “Those percentages were altering the closer we get to the show dates,” said Pratt.

He added: “We will still have an exhibition with over 450 brands on the floor – 600 if you include those taking part in iGB Affiliates. That still makes our exhibition the largest gambling show in the world and it will still be a remarkable spectacle, occupying pretty well all of the same space at ExCeL as it did in 2020.”

Pratt added: “The European industry needs ICE London. The business has been two years without meeting face-to-face. Even those withdrawing this year have told us that it is vital for the business that ICE London is a success and most of them will have their key personnel in London for the show.”