London,
16th November, 2001

    Organisers of January’s International Casino Exhibition have announced a further expansion of the leading business-to-business event with the launch of the International Betting Zone (IBZ), an area aimed at technology-focussed suppliers of betting services and equipment. The IBZ is the fourth specialist area at ICE 2002, joining zones dedicated to internet gaming, machine
components and recruitment.

    Explaining the rationale for this latest addition to what is already the largest event in the history of ICE, Marketing & Commercial Director Julian Graves said: “Significant changes are taking place as the demarcation lines between betting and casino-style gambling become increasingly blurred. The introduction of the IBZ reflects these changes as leading players in the betting sector recognise the potential of this convergence.”

    To help develop the IBZ, ICE has secured the services of Pan Presentations Ltd, organisers of the UK-based Betting Shop Show. Managing Director, Paul Webster believes that betting is a natural and logical addition to the portfolio of products/services available to buyers at ICE: “There’s certainly a synchronicity here, particularly with the growth of internet and telephone betting. The strong exhibitor and visitor profile ICE delivers provides an ideal marketing opportunity,” he said. “Leading players in betting are looking very carefully at the whole gaming sector. Essentially the decision to launch the IBZ at ICE 2002 has been driven by the market.”

    As of 22 October, three months ahead of the show opening, a total of 104 companies from 28 nations had booked a record 5,632 square metres of stand space, underlining ICE’s reputation as a ‘must do’ event. For a comprehensive preview of ICE 2002 and on-line fast track ticket registration, visit www.ice-london.co.uk
 

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