ICE London's Consumer Protection Zone inches closer to reaching fund-raising target

ICE London’s Consumer Protection Zone is moving closer to achieving its fund-raising target, organizer Clarion Gaming announced Tuesday. Industry supporters of the CPZ have raised a total of £40,000 for safer gambling charities, with the 2023 fund just £6,000 short of its target figure established last year.

Industry donors comprising Kindred Group, Flutter, IGT, Betsson and Greentube have each pledged in excess of £5,000, with Les Ambassadeurs donating £10,000 in respect of its two brands. As it currently stands, CPZ sponsors have raised £186,000 over the last four editions of ICE, with the funds being distributed among non-profit safer gambling organizations.

Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming’s Director of Industry Insight and Engagement, says she has seen the Consumer Protection Zone grow in both presence and prestige. She stated: “The CPZ first appeared on the ICE London show floor in 2018 when it hosted eight exhibitors comprising a mix of technology providers and safer gambling charities.” 

“In February an expanded CPZ in its high profile position adjacent to the boulevard will feature 20 exhibitors populated by the charities, treatment facilities and not-for-profit organizations that we give the space to alongside commercial organizations, including providers of Responsible Gambling tools, solutions and technology,” she pointed out.

Ewa Bakun

Brands featured on the 2023 CPZ include the Gambling Commission, Focal Research, Casino Guru, Future Anthem, Department of Trust, Mindway AI, Epic Gaming, LexisNexis, Rightlander, IGT, SG:Certified, W2, Crucial Compliance, GamCare, YGAM, Gordon Moody, Gamstop, BetKnowmore, Responsible Gaming Council and the National Center Problem Gaming. 

The CPZ was recognized by the industry at the 2022 Global Regulatory Awards, where it won the Responsible Approach to Advertising/Marketing category. Jonna Danlund, Head of Sustainability, Betsson Group stated: “The Consumer Protection Zone has become a central platform to raise awareness and educate the industry on the importance of responsible gaming, and Betsson is proud to be part of this initiative.”

“We believe that it is essential for the industry to work together to promote responsible gaming and showcase the work that is being done as it is fundamental for the long-term sustainability of the industry and the well-being of our customers,” Danlund added. “We look forward to participating in the upcoming event and to the opportunity to share ideas with other industry leaders and regulators.”

Lisa O’Connor, Head of Safer Gambling Strategy at Flutter UK&I, added: “Flutter are very proud to be supporting the Consumer Protection Zone again this year. The dedicated zone allows for a real focus on developments, opportunities and innovations in the area of Safer Gambling to be openly shared during the ICE conference.”

O’Connor further called the ICE Consumer Protection Zone “a real focal point for many guests attending the event.” For her, the continued success demonstrates “how important Safer Gambling is to colleagues in the industry.”