The European Casino Association (ECA) which represents the interests of 700 casinos with over 60,000 employees in 29 countries is preparing for what it anticipates will be a record attendance of casino industry professionals when ICE 2025 launches in Barcelona (20 – 22 January).

ECA Secretary General Hermann Pamminger, who has worked in the industry since joining Casinos Austria International in 1991 confirmed the growing sense of anticipation surrounding the relocation to Barcelona. He stated: “Whether it has been held at London Olympia, Earls Court London or most recently ExCeL London,  ICE has served the industry superbly well with ECA members contributing  to the show’s success story helping it to achieve its status as the world-leading business event for the global industry.

“2025 will be the first time that ICE and its predecessor ATE will have been staged outside the UK since launching nine decades ago and the momentous decision to relocate to a new and much bigger venue in an exciting vibrant city on mainland Europe has captured the imagination of the ECA and its members.

“The ECA’s elected Board of Directors which consists of senior and experienced representatives of the European licensed and land-based casino industry is planning the presence in Barcelona in line with our core aims to address and promote issues related to casino operations and increase awareness of the industry amongst EU policy makers and stakeholders.

“The feedback that we are receiving from ECA members who are based in 29 countries suggest that more casino industry executives than ever before will be at ICE meeting with colleagues, participating in the world-leading content programme and being inspired by the innovations presented by the largest collection of exhibitors, curated for all sectors and verticals of the industry. This includes our UK members who are excited to explore this new location to engage with the wider European industry.

“I believe that the move to Barcelona will accelerate the number of casino executives and buyers from across Europe attending. Every successful brand needs to evolve and  the relocation will dawn a new era of opportunity for Europe’s land-based casino industry. ICE 2025 promises to be a landmark celebration and the excitement amongst our members is palpable. We are also looking to maintain and possibly increase the number of our formal meetings and events that take place during ‘ICE’ week such as our Board Meeting and General Assembly as well as the traditional CEO dinner – to cater to this increased need”

The first edition of ICE to be held outside the UK will feature a record 1,000 exhibitors comprising world leading innovators representing every sector and from every jurisdiction. ICE and the co-located iGB Affiliate – which will occupy 120,000 square metres of The Gran Via, Barcelona compared to the 100,000 sqm used in London – connect the entire global industry and provide access to the very latest cutting-edge innovations, technological solutions, regulatory updates, and insights which assist entrepreneurial businesses to enter new jurisdictions and build market share. The Convention Centre which is located in Hall 8 comprises a modular and versatile space with seating for between 3,000 and 12,000 people.

Zitro has made its mark at the Feria Internacional del Juego de Madrid (FIJMA 24), presenting an exciting range of products designed to captivate Spanish players. Under the slogan “Each Game, A Story”, Zitro has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in the gaming industry in Spain.

At the recent edition of the Madrid show, Zitro once again surprised attendees with a large display of games. Up to 13 new slot titles were presented, with mechanics never seen before by players in Spanish gaming halls, all compatible with the Mega y Más system.

Among the most outstanding products presented by Zitro at the Madrid Show was Fu Frog, a captivating title for the Allure Glare cabinet, which leaps onto the scene with up to 7 bonus links. These are powered by a trio of exclusive features, each represented by three colored frogs: the green frog multiplies prizes, the orange one doubles the bonus, and the yellow one grants extra lives.

Epic Kingdom, showcased brightly on the Altius Glare cabinet, features an innovative “3-level Link” bonus. As link symbols appear, players will unlock three extra levels of thrilling gameplay on the bonus screen, until reaching the Mega Zone, where they can win the MEGA jackpot with just one symbol.

Another of Zitro’s stars at the show was Energy Link, presented on the Fusion Glare cabinet, and featuring up to 4 different bonus links, Energy Link is the perfect evolution of Zitro’s popular games, Link King and Link Me, which are well-known to Spanish players and operators, including the player favorite, Link Up feature, allowing them to enhance each of the bonus links by raising their bet.

Games such as Billy the Pig, which features a super dynamic bonus never seen before in Spanish gaming halls, and many other games such as Drum Dynasty, Epic Empires, Boost Link King, or Boost Link Me also stood out at the show.

As for video bingo, a market segment in which the company is the leader, Zitro has showcased a variety of new and captivating titles, such as The Great Wealth or Fratelli Pizza, which feature free games, as well as Stravaganzza Da Vinci and Stravaganzza Double Bonus, which significantly enhance access to the bonus rounds in these popular games.

In addition, Zitro is taking a step forward in its online gaming universe with a diverse range of Zitro Digital games, adapting the company’s most successful games to the Digital market and including new and improved tools and features that will captivate players.

Zitro’s founder, Johnny Ortiz, stated: “We are thrilled to share our latest gaming products for the Spanish market. Fu Frog has undeniably stolen the spotlight at the show and is already a sure bet. Our award-winning portfolio boasts innovative game mechanics, recognized, across the globe, from America to Europe, and delivers fantastic results in Spanish gaming halls where they’ve already been installed. We do not doubt that these new additions, alongside upcoming releases this year, will redefine the entertainment landscape in Spain and set the bar for future trends.”

Manuela Jiménez, Zitro’s vice president, also stated: “We would like to thank everyone who visited our booth at the Madrid show. The support from customers, authorities, and visitors alike is fundamental for us, and it drives us to continue innovating and offering high-quality gaming experiences”.

Mirroring the excitement, Zitro’s Commercial Director, Vicente Fernández, expressed his satisfaction with the customer response. “The feedback we’ve received at the show has been exceptional,” he remarked. “The strong interest from operators and players highlights our games’ impact on the market”.

The United Kingdom is one of the countries represented in the largest video game competition between universities across Europe. Students from University of Roehampton, Nottingham Trent University, and Staffordshire University will fight to qualify for the Grand Final and become champions of UNIVERSITY Esports Masters (UE Masters).

After demonstrating a high level in the previous qualifiers, the British universities will have four teams participating in the UE Masters Playoffs, which will be played on the following dates: Rocket League (May 11 and 12) and VALORANT (May 25 and 26). In addition to the players from the UK, opponents representing Croatia, Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands will also take part. The matches can be followed on the competition’s official Twitch channel (twitch.tv/uemasters).

Two teams of University of Roehampton will seek victory in Rocket League Playoffs this weekend. On the other hand, students from Nottingham Trent University and Staffordshire University will try to be the winners in the VALORANT Playoffs in the coming weeks.

The 2023/24 edition of the UE Masters, which will distribute a total prize pool of 14,000 euros, has counted with the participation of university teams from 17 European countries and the support of Riot Games, one of the world’s leading video game developers (publishers).

Beyond of a video game competition

UNIVERSITY Esports Masters is a video game competition integrated within UNIVERSITY Esports, a global esports, gaming and technology project that is present in 26 countries on four continents and has the participation of more than 100,000 students.

The main objectives of UNIVERSITY Esports Masters are to create a sense of community among players from all over Europe, to give them the opportunity to compete in high quality international tournaments and to provide avenues for young people to develop a career within the esports world, as well as to find a place to learn and enhance their skills.

The potential of esports and gaming in the UK

Gaming and video game competitions are positioned as one of the fastest growing sectors of the entertainment industry year on year globally. According to the statistics portal Statista, “the United Kingdom is experiencing a surge in Esports popularity, with a growing number of tournaments, teams, and dedicated arenas.”

The same source forecasts that the domestic esports market in the UK will reach revenues of £183.3 million in 2024, with a penetration rate of 27.9%. By 2028, it estimates revenues of £234 million and a market share of 33.1%.