Event Focusing on Consumer Safeguarding at ICE 2024: Networking Opportunities for Player Advocacy and Initial Victories in Fundraising
At the forthcoming iGaming event, ICE 2024, set to occur in London from February 6 to 8, there will yet again be a section known as the Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ). This area will not only feature discussions and presentations on innovative approaches to safeguarding players, but also fundraising initiatives for concrete initiatives.
20 Spaces in the CPZ Area
As per the official announcement on the ICE website [English version], the CPZ is a designated space for 20 entities actively working towards gambling addiction prevention and combating illegal gambling. All spots have already been snapped up, including by AI startup Mindway AI, player protection organization GamCare, and the UK Gambling Commission. This indicates a varied program with numerous viewpoints for attendees.
Besides exhibitor booths, there will be a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and lectures, all at no cost for attendees.
Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Insight and Engagement at Clarion Gaming, the ICE organizers, emphasized the importance of the CPZ:
I'm incredibly proud that ICE was the first industry event to acknowledge the vital role of safe gambling and include a dedicated area in the program. – Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Insight and Engagement at Clarion Gaming, Source: Clarion Gaming
Approaching the 2024 Fundraising Goal
The CPZ concept, awarded the Vixio Global Regulatory Award in 2022, involves annual fundraising to support charitable organizations.
In 2023, a sum of 52,800 GBP (approximately 61,726 EUR) was raised through donations from various gaming companies. Organizations like AGOG (Netherlands), National Council on Problem Gambling (USA), Better Change, and Betknowmore (both UK) equally benefited from this.
This year, organizers expect to accumulate a five-figure sum. The target of at least 40,000 GBP has already been surpassed by over 75% [English article], as reported to the press by the organizers.
Interesting Facts about ICE 2024
The ICE is recognized as one of the largest gaming exhibitions globally and is expected to attract individuals from 160 countries. Estimated attendees number around 40,000.
Admission to the exhibition is free, but a specific ticket is required for most professional events. Even for free admission, a registered name is necessary.
Representatives from the German-speaking region, specifically Gauselmann and Novomatic, will be present. Novomatic has already given their support to the CPZ.
Will CPZ 2024 Set New Records?
Since its debut in 2018, the CPZ has steadily grown in size and significance at the ICE. The total amount donated over the past four years amounts to 228,000 GBP.
While this year's fundraising target of 40,000 GBP may appear lower than recent averages and less than last year's total, it's a possibility that this amount will be surpassed.
Ewa Bakun has confirmed that the CPZ will also be featured at ICE 2025, which will be held for the first time in Barcelona. Exhibitors can already join the waitlist.
During the ICE 2024 event in London, online casinos from Germany might be interested to learn about the positive initiatives taking place in the Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ). This zone, dedicated to gambling addiction prevention and combating illegal gambling, has already secured spots for 20 entities, including AI startup Mindway AI and player protection organization GamCare.
Considering the success of the CPZ in previous years, such as raising 52,800 GBP in 2023 for charitable organizations, online casinos from Germany should take note of the opportunity to contribute to these fundraising efforts and be part of this significant event in the gaming industry.
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