Win Systems to showcase all "key" products, services at ICE

Why is it important to exhibit at ICE 2017?

ICE is the largest conference on the circuit, and provides a huge opportunity for us to showcase our products and services in front of a vast audience. As the show is at the start of the year, it also means we can share our plans and ambitions for the coming 12 months, and show the strides we have taken over the course of the previous year. But it’s not just about putting your business in the spotlight; ICE is ideal for networking and we always look forward to catching up with our industry peers to discuss what factors are impacting the sector, and what key trends will emerge over the course of the year.

How do you analyze the industry's fortunes last year?

The industry had a very good year, with 2017 on track to be even stronger. Operators better understand their customers now more than ever, and are fine-tuning ways to offer them an individual and tailored experience. Omni-channel plays a huge part in this, ensuring brand and product are available seamlessly across all channels. I think last year the industry realized just how important omni-channel would be in shaping business models and strategies, and this year will be about deploying the right systems to make it happen.

What changes and news are you expecting given the continuing growth of online gaming?

Growth in established markets will lead to new jurisdictions licensing and regulating online gambling, which will add even more fuel to the fire and keep the sector on its firm upward trajectory.

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It is our duty as experienced operators and suppliers to ensure we educate key decision makers in these regions and help them bring about a sustainable and successful framework

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They will likely embrace modern technologies faster than more established markets where operators are having to transition from legacy platforms and products to the more innovative tools being developed by suppliers. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this fast-moving industry.

What new solutions are you presenting this year?

We will be showcasing all our key products and services at the event. Our award-winning casino management system, WIGOS™, will be on show having undergone several significant evolutions over the past 12 months. We will also be presenting Intellia™, a business intelligence tool allowing numerous marketing decisions to be made in real time, in addition to our ground-breaking personalized player tracking app WinUp™. Our Gold Club brand will be showcasing the new Lumina Plus LED electronic roulette series with state-of-the-art technology and design based on the 3E principle of ‘Efficiency, Ergonomic, Effectiveness’. Finally, five of Gold Club’s latest cabinet games – Fortune of Ra, Lions Kingdom, Marco Polo, Rhinos Storm and Wild Fest – will also be available on the stand for visitors to try. It’s going to be a busy few days for us.

Are you planning to attend or take part in any of ICE's show-floor seminars?

A few members of our team will be attending some seminars. It’s always good to keep an eye out for the latest developments in the industry.

June 23 will mark a year since the UK decided to leave the European Union. How do you think Brexit has affected the gambling industry?

I don’t think it really has at present. In the immediate aftermath of the vote there was a little uncertainty as to how it would impact operators and suppliers whose businesses stretched across the continent, but those concerns seem to have settled down, at least for the time being. The real impact will become clear when the government begin negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU, but until those discussions begin in earnest it’s very much a case of wait and see. I think there will be some changes, but all in all I think the gambling sector will continue to thrive.

How do you analyze the recent decision by Japan to legalize casinos? Do you consider it an appealing market for potential investments?

I think it is a great decision that throws up plenty of opportunities for operators, suppliers and investors to get in on the action.

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Gambling and entertainment are ingrained in the Japanese culture, and I expect the integrated resort casinos that have been given the green light to be hugely successful

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It is a large and healthy market, and one we are very much keeping an eye on. Of course, it presents some unique and interesting challenges, but that’s all part of the fun when working in and with emerging jurisdictions.

Brazil in South America is also moving closer to gambling legalization. What is your opinion about this?

Gambling is happening in these countries regardless, so it is better to bring the activity out of the shadows and into the light through licensing and regulation. It means operators and suppliers are held accountable, players are better protected, and governments can raise significant tax revenues.

The wider industry needs to work hard to educate decision makers in countries like Brazil so they better understand the industry and how it works. Like Japan, Brazil is potentially a huge market if the right regulatory framework can be put into place.