The European Casino Association (ECA) has established the ECA Strategic Supplier Partnership, a collaboration between the association and land-based casino suppliers.
Revealed during the ECA Casino Industry Forum in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, the ECA has stated that the goal of the partnership is to “enhance industry cooperation and facilitate dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders on matters of mutual interest”.
The companies that are part of the inaugural Strategic Supplier Partnership include Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder and Novomatic.
“We are pleased to welcome Aristocrat Gaming, IGT, Light & Wonder and Novomatic as the founding members of the ECA’s Strategic Supplier Partnership,” commented Erwin van Lambaart, Chair of the ECA.
“This collaboration allows us to share diverse perspectives and work towards solutions that benefit the entire gaming community, while respecting the distinct roles of operators and suppliers.”
The ECA noted that the partnership will aim to “advance responsible practices within the licensed gaming sector while fostering a collaborative environment for industry stakeholders”, in addition to conversations with European authorities “to address crucial issues and promote fair regulatory frameworks”.
“Aristocrat Gaming is pleased to be a part of the newly formed ECA partnership,” stated Marcel Heutmekers, VP of Sales and Operations EMEA for Aristocrat Gaming.
“Our aim is to work alongside the ECA and other suppliers to expand our collective influence in the region when it comes to regulatory reform and the evolution of gaming in EMEA.”
David Flinn, IGT SVP EMEA, Canada and LatAm Gaming Sales, noted: “IGT is pleased to join the European Casino Association’s Strategic Partnership Alliance and collaborate with other global gaming suppliers to help drive growth opportunities for our customers and to shape a positive framework for the future of casino gaming across Europe.”
Contributing to the sustainable growth and integrity of Europe’s casino industry, the partnership will explore several areas including equipment standardisation, enhanced security measures, and strategies to combat illegal gambling.
It will also be a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, connecting suppliers with operators, as well as promoting responsible gaming practices and compliance.
“Light and Wonder are honoured to be collaborating with the ECA on this strategic partnership,” said Jon Lancaster, VP of Sales, EMEA at Light & Wonder.
“We have long considered that casino operators, trade bodies and suppliers need to work closely together on issues that impact the future of our industry and this partnership represents a great opportunity to actively address those challenges together.”
Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member at NOVOMATIC AG, added: “As Europe´s largest gaming technology group, NOVOMATIC is pleased to join other major suppliers in laying the foundation for the ECA Strategic Supplier Partnership.
“In this exclusive collaboration, we look forward to shaping the future of European gaming in a responsible and sustainable way, fostering collaboration across the industry and upholding the highest standards of compliance and player protection.
“We are excited to partner with the European Casino Association and firmly believe that together we can promote the long-term success of the industry.”
