ECA to recognize casino workforce through Slot Floor Excellence Awards at ICE 2026

The European Casino Association (ECA) is teaming up with Clarion Gaming to introduce the ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards during ICE Barcelona 2026, creating a new platform that celebrates operational talent and professionalism across Europe’s casino sector.

The awards ceremony will take place on Day Two of ICE (20 January 2026) at 5:00 PM on the Enterprise Stage at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. The awards recognise the hospitality, professionalism, and team spirit of the casino industry, celebrating both rising and established talent.

The collaboration between ECA and Clarion Gaming builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organizations. Clarion manages ICE, one of the world’s largest gaming industry events, while ECA represents land-based casinos and their online operations in 29 countries.

“ICE has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the European Casino Association, whose members have made a significant contribution to the success of what has grown to be the world's leading gaming industry event,” said ICE Portfolio Director Margaret Dunn. “The ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards sit perfectly with our values, and it is an honour to host them.”

The creation of the Slot Floor Excellence Awards follows the presentation of the Slot Team of the Year Award during the European Dealer Championship in Bregenz, Austria. The event received strong feedback from the industry, with the slot team of Casino de Monte-Carlo named as the first recipients of the honor.

The 2026 edition will feature three award categories:

• Outstanding Slot Team of the Year – recognizing collaboration, customer service, initiative, and measurable success in slot floor operations.
• Slot Floor Employee of the Year – acknowledging an employee whose leadership and professionalism contribute to guest satisfaction.
• Slot Floor Rising Star of the Year – honoring professionals with up to three years of experience who show potential for leadership and innovation in slot floor roles.

Entries will be reviewed by an independent judging panel made up of ECA representatives and international slot manufacturers. The process will be overseen by ECA Honorary President Ron Goudsmit. Finalists are scheduled to be announced in December 2025, and full nomination details will be available on the ECA website by the end of October 2025.

“Excellence in slot operations depends above all on the human qualities of the individuals and teams on the slot floor of casinos, whose professionalism, technical skill, and world-class hospitality are the foundation stones of the European casino experience,” said ECA CEO Erwin van Lambaart. “Ours is a people business, and the awards are a powerful recognition of the contribution of the slot floor staff to the overall success of a casino operation.”

“I am delighted that the ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards will be presented at ICE Barcelona together with our partner Clarion Gaming – the perfect showcase event for our members and a brand that shares our commitment to excellence,” Lambaart added.

The ECA represents the interests of 700 casinos throughout 29 European countries, focusing on professional development, operational standards, and collaboration among casino operators. The Slot Floor Excellence Awards aim to provide a formal avenue to recognize employees and teams that contribute to the performance and reputation of the European casino industry.