ECA welcomes back British casino operators as members

Aspers Group, Crown Aspinalls, Genting Casinos UK, the Hippodrome Casino, Rank Group, Mayfair Casino, Metropolitan Gaming and Les Ambassadeurs all had their memberships approved at the ECA General Assembly during the Casino Industry Forum at Casino Baden in Austria from 28-29 September.

All eight operators, which were previously members of the ECA but left the organisation in 2020, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ECA for the UK to become a full association member.

“The UK has a thriving land-based gaming industry, and we are extremely proud that our joint efforts have led to the successful re-entry of the UK as a full member of the ECA,” ECA chairman Per Jaldung said.

“UK casino operators have a lot to offer to the network of continental European operators, and we are thrilled to extend our membership to include the UK.”

Hippodrome Casino chief executive Simon Thomas, who worked with the ECA to formalise the induction of UK operators jointly with the ECA board, added: “As the representative for the eight UK casino operators within the ECA, we are stronger together through shared experiences. As a full member, we will be capitalising on the knowledge base of the European land-based sector and the incredible value it creates for its members.

“I’m delighted to be back as a member of the ECA and look forward to the next General Assembly at ICE London on 7 February.”

Earlier this year, the ECA and Clarion Gaming, parent company of iGB, announced details of a new initiative whereby casino operators and industry suppliers will come together in advance of ICE London 2023.

The Innovation Symposia programme will consist of a series of digital roundtables staged across Europe. These were followed by an in-person gathering in Brussels in June.

The 2023 edition of ICE London will take place on 7-9 February.