IGE 2009 set to break records

Due to take place from January 27 to 29 at London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre, IGE 2009 will incorporate the International Casino Exhibition Interactive (ICEi) and see 90 exhibitors from 25 jurisdictions occupying 2,750 square metres of exposition space. Clarion revealed that the global business-to-business event is set to be 40 % larger than its last instalment and 75 % bigger than in 2007.

Charlotte Skinner, Marketing Manager for Clarion, stated that heightened interest in online gaming has increased the event’s attendance figures, which last January attracted 2,861 unique iGaming professionals drawn from 68 jurisdictions. “Online is most certainly the gambling platform of the moment,” said Skinner.

“Respected observers and analysts including the Financial Times, William Hill Chief Executive Ralph Topping and market intelligence provider Key Note have all referred to online gambling as a strong driver of growth. Combined with the Google decision to allow online gambling adverts to be displayed in Britain as well as online’s reputation for being part of the recession-resilient home entertainment package, I would anticipate strong levels of interest in the exhibition and our pre-registration figures are reflecting this. The attendance figure at ICEi 2008 was 21 % up on 2007 and we are looking to build on that.”

Respected firms that have already confirmed their attendance include Playtech, CryptoLogic, Microgaming, Boss Media, WorldMatch, A Bet A, Ongame Network, Synot, Net Entertainment, Chartwell Games, Cyberarts Licensing, Partouche Interactive, Continent 8, Medialivecasino, Orbis Technology and Ivobank while 39 % of the total exhibitor base will consist of debutants.