BEGE Expo brings together more than 3000 visitors

The exhibition was put on by Ognemir Mitev - Chairman of the State Commission on Gambling, and Angel Iribozov - Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry (BTAMOGI).

Among exhibiting companies producing traditional casino equipment and gaming machines, peripherals and casino management systems, were  industry leaders such as Abbiati, Casino Technology, AlfaStreet Trade BG, APEX Gaming, Bulgames, Alfastreet Gaming Instruments, Pockaj, Interblock, Intergames, Casino System Production, Novo Invest Bulgaria EOOD - NOVOMATIC Group, Gold Club, Suzo-Happ, StylGame, Casino Game Innovation, Hong Yen Technologics Inc, VNE Srl, Noble Gaming, Vartec, JPL and Rodiz.

New technologies for online and remote betting also found a significant place at the exhibition, presented by companies such as UB Gaming, DBG, Casino Technology Interactive, VNE srl, Hong Yen Technologics, Casino System Production, Aurostar, Vartec and GTECH.

Besides numerous business opportunities, the exhibition offered a rich entertainment program. The beauty contest Miss Gaming BEGE was held for the third consecutive year. Seventeen finalists represented brands of leading Bulgarian casinos and gaming clubs, including  one from Serbia. The winner and runner-ups were announced and awarded at a ceremony during the party of BEGE 2014 organizers held in Playground Paradise Center, Sofia.

The party was attended by young singers Viara Atova who took on the role of hostess, Yoanna Dragneva and the NewX dancers, which further warmed up the atmosphere. Positive vibes  continued with a bowling tournament that included the participation of  teams made up of exhibitors from several countries. First place was won by the company 

Kamenitza, followed by the teams of Advansys (second) and Apex Gaming (third).

After a close vote the representative of Queens club was announced winner of  Miss Gaming BEGE 2014 contest. First runner-up was awarded to the representative of the gambling halls of Sesame. The judging panel  chose Miss Casion Luxor as second runner-up. The prize for Audience's Favorite went to Miss Sesame. The representative of Palms Bet was designated as the Face of Palms Spa, and Miss Eldorado Slot Club, Belgrade was chosen for Face of Fitness and Aerobics Center Gedon.

The traditional BEGE Awards for special achievements in the gaming industry were presented during the second day of the exhibition. With awards for companies with many years of contribution to the development of the gaming industry in Bulgaria were presented Alfastreet Trade BG, Casino Technology, JPL, Casino Game Innovation and Decart, Casino Systems Production, Novo Invest Bulgaria EOOD – NOVOMATIC Group, Mega Fun, 3 Fon Impex, Bulgames, DBG Limited, VNE, UB Gaming, Vartec, Aurostar doo , Hong Yen Technologics, eCasino.bg received awards for companies participating for the first time at BEGE Expo.

Honorary diplomas for companies supporting the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo were presented to AlfaStreet Trade BG, Advansys Doo, Fininvest doo, Future Gaming Europe AB, Interservice Uzunovi AV, BetConstruct. The award for most attractive booth went to BetConstruct and DBG Limited.

A discussion panel of gambling operators with the State Commission on Gambling took place for the third year. Among the main topics were the latest developments in the gaming industry amid recent legislative changes and the rapid introduction of online operators at Bulgarian market.

During the two days of exhibition visitors and guests had the opportunity to try a variety of drinks, gourmet cuisine and free massages. For those looking for entertainment there was a special area with games, simulators and table football.

The exhibition ended with positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors. The seventh edition of BEGE Expo once again confirmed its positions as a very important initiative supporting the development of industry and providing valuable information on the latest innovations in Eastern Europe.

Bulgaria has  serious potential to become a leader in the online gaming industry in Central and Eastern Europe. This opinion was shared by leading experts and representative of international organization at the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS), which was held in Sofia between 20 and 21 October along with BEGE Expo.

The 7th edition of the forum was opened by the chairman of Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry (BTAMOGI) Angel Iribozov and the chairman of the Bulgaria's State Commission on Gambling Ognemir Mitev. In his opening remarks Angel Iribozov pointed out that the aim of the association had been to not only follow the last tends, but also to set the agenda and promote debates on the future of the sector. According to Ognemir Mitev, the conference was a great opportunity to exchange information and practice on the manufacturing, operating and regulations of gaming business.

Harrie Temmink, Deputy Head of Unit Online and Postal Services of the European Commission, provided a synopsis of the activities of the Commission for unification of national standards in the gambling industry. He appealed to national governments to consult with Brussels before adopting gambling laws.

Speakers on the panel on online gaming in Bulgaria pointed out that Bulgaria's regulations could serve as an example for many other countries, creating prerequisites to become a leader in the online gaming across the region. According to Konrad Gill, director iGaming of the Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment and content Casino Technology, the main challenge is to restrict unlicensed online operators, and in the same time to not place unnecessary restrictions on licensed companies.