New-look EiG makes it mark on gaming calendar

LONDON -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- "A big chance to catch-up with everyone, see new products coming and really get in touch and on top of the industry” is how Lucinda Kelly, Mobile Games Manager at Paddy Power described last week’s EiG in Barcelona which was officially opened by six time tennis Grand Slam champion and Youwin brand ambassador Boris Becker.

Lucinda Kelly’s upbeat take on EiG was echoed by Michael Probert, Bally Technologies’ General Manager, Interactive – Europe, who said: ”It's basically all the right people, in one place, in a great city” a view endorsed by Nick Gabriel, Head of Online Gaming at SHFL Entertainment who confirmed: "Pretty much everybody (was) in or around Barcelona ... and it (was) most of the decision makers so it's a good way to close business.”

The importance of EiG as a crucial information exchange forum as well as as a business exchange forum was evident in the stellar list of thought leaders who were speaking in Barcelona at what was a new look dual stream learning programme designed to satisfy the needs of both iGaming’s’ Implementers as well as its’ Strategists. Kate Chambers, Portfolio Director responsible for EiG said: “The new format was designed to address the needs of iGaming’s senior executives who are responsible for applying the strategic vision as well as those who create the vision in the first place. In response to requests for smaller, targeted learning sessions, EiG 2013 featured 11 specialist Workshops and Networking Groups at which attendance was capped in order to encourage participation and interaction. We also had the EiG Tutorials, our Breakfast With... Sessions, the EiG Power Talks and the CEO Debate – the latter two providing an opportunity for delegates to receive inspirational insight from eminent thought leaders in the business.”

Geoff Freeman, the recently appointed President and Chief Executive of the American Gaming Association used EiG to make his first key note speech outside of the United States. Addressing an influential audience of delegates on the opening day of EiG, he questioned the gaming industry’s ability to communicate its story effectively. Using a sporting analogy to illustrate his argument he said: “Historically the AGA has operated from a defensive position in order to prevent harm, much like a goalkeeper. However, I want us to move from being a Petr Cech (Chelsea goalkeeper) to be much more like Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and adopt a more creative and attacking role in our dealings.”

One of the most popular and talked about sessions at EiG came from Tony Sales, a convicted fraudster who provided a compelling insight to the motivations, mindset and methodology of credit card fraud and the implications for the iGaming sector. Interviewed by David Pope, European Marketing Director at Jumio, workshop attendees were given an alarming insight to the crimes committed by Tony Sales, the techniques he used to successfully defraud gaming sites and the steps that operators can take to help combat it.

Reflecting on the 12th edition of EiG, Kate Chambers said: “I’m pleased to confirm the attendance of 1,504 is in line with our forecasts and EiG’S 2012 attendance (1,508). Ensuring that the brand meets the needs of its stakeholders is our central objective and to that end we are currently processing the really important feedback and commentary from our customers. We made some important changes to the format and delivery of EiG and we are committed to the ongoing programme of continuous improvement in what is gaming’s fastest moving sector. Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our many supporters, in particular EiG’s lead sponsor Playtech and supporting sponsors Amaya and Bally.”