The traditional London exhibition reopened in person after a 26-month absence forced by the pandemic, and we were there. On our arrival, without having to wait long there were people everywhere, which showed us how much people were looking forward to ICE LONDON 2022 to meet again and see the advances in technology in the industry.
We were among more than 30,000 attendees who discovered the latest in gambling innovation across all sectors from 450 of the industry's most cutting-edge suppliers from 54 different countries.
However, we must say that this was a different edition of the fair, with a different vision, among those hundreds of suppliers we were able to see only 6 slot machines in the whole fair.
And that reduced exhibition of slot machines was to present advances in their online system, specifically multilevel progressives applying it to multiple games within the same machine. This seeks to impact the player's tendency to play more jackpot machines, which is becoming more frequent and wider.
A DIFFICULT YEAR
This year, the organizers of the fair had to resort to a series of measures that will help them to economically secure next year's fair, since after two years of not being held, many of the traditional exhibitors did not invest in ostentatious stands or even did not buy space to set up their booth. Therefore, the measures included a price freeze for 2023, discounts on technology-related aspects of the show, elimination of various historical charges that have been applied to the construction of two-story stands, and the formation of an internal working group, aimed at helping to get the best rates in London hotels.
These measures seek to mitigate the impact that the pandemic has had on the fair, as this year there were many empty spaces due to the lack of attendees who wanted to exhibit their products, something that is not common in this world-class event. These were adapted as meeting spaces for the sector's actors.
Even half of the pavilion that could not be used as an exhibition space due to lack of attendees, had to be adapted as a space where people could safely store their belongings.
The trade show for this year was dominated by a myriad of payment methods including many cryptocurrency payment possibilities. And online gambling, such as sports betting, online casinos, among others.
In addition, there was a special space for eSports, which are increasingly taking up more and more space in the industry. With live competitions throughout the course of the fair and some panels while the competition was held in parallel.
Startups a new bet
Globally, investment in emerging markets has increased exponentially, especially in high potential companies, well known as Startups. And ICE LONDON was no exception. Fourteen entrepreneurs from all corners of the gambling industry will share their ideas with potential investors and partners at Pitch ICE, a unique space for entrepreneurs. These were chosen after passing a series of filters and competitions prior to the fair, a space that increasingly makes more sense to encourage constant innovation within the industry to create competent casinos and gambling establishments for the player.
This year, the finalists not only had the opportunity to stand on the podium, but also had their own booths to meet with the industry during the three-day event.
What happened to slot machines and why did they go out of business?
As a consequence of the Brexit, the laws between the countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom, which previously allowed a greater free movement of both people and economy, made temporary imports for the ICE London 2022 fair very complicated, with very high taxes to import and export the product for the temporality of the 3 days of the fair. To this, we must add the global logistics crisis caused by the pandemic of COVID-19 and reason for many cost overruns in various industries around the world.
For this reason, the manufacturers of slot machines did not see viable the presentation of slot machines in the fair, since these temporary imports charge taxes according to the value of the article and as it is well known they are elements of game of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of Euros. Making the temporary importation of slot machines unfeasible for the companies.
The companies have been in a process of financial recovery and this is reflected in the sector, through this type of behavior where, like Mundo, Mundo Video Corp. has not participated in any fair in the region for a long time, focusing their efforts on incorporating technology that will propel the industry to the next level.
At the end of our coverage of the fair, we were invited to experience the Bustronome, a unique tour in the world, a luxury restaurant bus. Where we enjoyed touring the great city of London in a bus suitable for passengers to eat comfortably. A 360° panoramic view perfect for taking pictures from the table and the aisles; passing in front of the most important monuments of the city, while enjoying a wonderful lunch.
In this way, the fair said goodbye to all the attendees until next year accompanied by an imposing moon at sunset... Can you find it?
For now it is whispered that the fair will move to Holland in 2023 due to the same conditions that the Brexit imposes on the exhibitors of the fair, however, the organizers have not yet confirmed anything.
Here there are the best images of the fair.
