Casino Industry Forum 2025

Arrival of Participants

Welcoming of the guests and registration

Guided tour of the Casino

Innovation Horizons: Shaping the Future of European Casino Gaming
Engaging Panels, Keynotes and Networking Opportunities

Opening: Erwin van Lambaart, Chair ECA
Welcome: Paul Willcock, President & COO Genting UK

Paul Willcock, President & Chief Operating Officer of Genting UK, will provide a brief welcome to attendees, followed by an introduction to Genting, highlighting the company’s UK presence and international business activities. His remarks will offer valuable insight into the heritage and ambitions of one of the world’s leading gaming and entertainment brands.

Keynote speech by Joeri van den Bergh, Co-founder and Non-Executive Partner at Human8, a leading human-driven insights and consulting firm specializing in generational and consumer trends

Joeri van den Bergh is recognized internationally as a marketing author and NextGen expert, with a focus on Generations Z, Y (Millennials), and Alpha.

Are You OK, Zoomers?
As casinos across Europe seek to diversify their customer base, Joeri brings invaluable insights into the 20-25-year-old demographic who represent our industry's future. Drawing from his bestselling book 'How Cool Brands Stay Hot' and decades of research, he will reveal what this influential generation expects from premium entertainment experiences, how they balance digital and physical worlds, and—crucially—what casinos must do to attract them without compromising our heritage of excellence and responsibility. This session promises practical strategies for those ready to future-proof their operations and connect authentically with tomorrow's players.

Pannel discussion
Moderator: Laurent Lassiaz, CEO Groupe JOA, ECA Board Member & Leader of the ECA Online Gaming Working Group

Confirmed participants:

• Georg Wawer, Managing Director, win2day Austria
• Nicolas Fleiderman, Manager, Holland Casino Online
• Daniel Ledesma, Customer Experience Director, Casino Gran Madrid

Online Gaming Realities: ECA Member Experiences, Challenges & Lessons from the Frontline

Join us for an exclusive panel discussion at this year’s ECA Industry Forum in Birmingham, where top online gaming experts from Austria, Spain, and The Netherlands come together to share real-life insights into the successes, failures, and lessons learned when building and managing thriving online businesses as ECA members.

The panel will openly discuss the challenges of implementing new products and expanding their portfolios to include live casino offerings, as well as giving honest reflections on regulatory adaptation, technology integration, and customer engagement strategies.

Expect a critical look at the omnichannel concept—exploring whether it stands as a tangible solution or remains more myth than reality—and firsthand stories of what truly worked and what did not. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on false assumptions, innovative approaches, and unfinished bridges between traditional and digital experiences, while our experts dive deep into the daily realities of driving change and achieving long-term success in Europe’s competitive online gaming landscape.

Focus Keynote by Philippe Vlamminck, vlaemminck.law

The Future of Cross-Border Gaming in Europe

In his Focus Keynote Philippe Vlaemminck, renowned legal expert from vlaemminck.law, will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of European gaming regulation. In this 25-minute session, Philippe will provide an up-to-the-minute analysis of “Malta’s Bill 55” — a legislative development at the center of heated debate within the European Commission and the European Court of Justice. He will offer his expert assessment on the future of illegal cross-border online gaming offers originating from Malta and targeting consumers across EU member states and beyond.

Key topics include:

• The latest legal and regulatory responses to Malta’s Bill 55 at the EU level
• Implications for enforcement against unlicensed online gaming operators
• Predictions on how these developments may reshape the European gaming market

Don’t miss this essential session for anyone seeking clarity on the future of gaming regulation and its impact on both online and land-based operators in Europe.

Supplier Panel (Novomatic, IGT, Aristocrat, Light & Wonder)
Moderator: Lewis Pek, Editor, G3 Magazine

Confirmed participants:

• Phil Burke, Managing Director, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK Ltd
• Petko Ivanov, Director Sales - Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), IGT
• Wayne Ellard, Managing Director EMEA, Light & Wonder
• Andrew Sackey Senior Vice President of Commercial – North America, EMEA, LATAM & Asia, Aristocrat

The upcoming Supplier Panel will feature key figures from the most influential suppliers in the European casino industry. This session provides an exclusive opportunity to gain insight into the directions shaping the sector’s evolution.

Industry leaders will share their perspectives on market trends, highlight the most promising products and solutions, and examine the investments operators should focus on to ensure their businesses remain resilient and future-ready. The panel will also address critical issues from the supplier viewpoint, such as navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape and overcoming persistent global supply chain challenges.

Attendees can expect a frank discussion on what matters most to suppliers today and actionable guidance for operators seeking to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Focus Keynote by Brett Abarnabel, Executive Director of the UNLV International Gaming Institute

What's Growing at the Edge?
As casinos across Europe seek new revenue streams and customer segments, Dr. Abarbanel will apply the ecological concept of the "Edge Effect"—where diverse habitats converge—to our rapidly evolving industry landscape and offer practical insights into where gambling meets digital gaming, sports betting, and financial technology. Her presentation cuts through the complexity to show exactly where profitable opportunities are emerging at these intersection points—and how forward-thinking operators globally are already capitalising on them. You'll discover which innovative products are attracting younger players, how regulatory frameworks are responding to these hybrid offerings, and most importantly, what specific steps your casino can take to adapt and thrive. For executives looking to future-proof their operations and identify their next competitive advantage, Dr. Abarbanel's session aims to deliver actionable intelligence.

Focus Keynote by Pr. David Forrest, University of Liverpool

Confronting Public Health Activism – Defending Gambling's Social Licence

Join Professor David Forrest from the University of Liverpool for an analysis of the mounting challenges facing the European gambling industry from public health activism and how operators can effectively respond.

In this 25-minute Focus Keynote, Professor Forrest will examine the cyclical nature of gambling regulation and the current shift toward restrictionism across Europe. Drawing on his extensive research and experience as a former member of the UK's Advisory Board for Safer Gambling, he will address how research methodologies can influence policy debates.

Key topics include:

• The public health movement's approach to population-wide restrictions versus targeted harm reduction
• How technology enables better identification and protection of at-risk players
• The role of gambling's social benefits in policy discussions
• Evidence from population studies on gambling and wellbeing

Professor Forrest will address critical issues in public discourse regarding gambling-related harms and provide strategies for how the industry can engage constructively in policy debates. He will emphasise the importance of robust scientific argument in maintaining the sector's social licence to operate while upholding high standards of customer protection.

Keynote speech by Kris van Limbergen, Managing Director of Crime Control

We are proud to present Kris Van Limbergen, Managing Director of Crime Control, who brings cutting-edge insights on "Evolving Security Challenges in the Modern Casino Landscape." As our industry embraces technological innovation, so too must our approach to security evolve. Kris will explore how the post-pandemic environment has dramatically shifted security priorities—with traditional threats like armed robberies declining while new challenges emerge through verbal, physical, and digital aggression. His presentation will offer innovative solutions to protect both assets and guest experiences, balancing heightened security awareness with exceptional service delivery. Drawing on extensive expertise in risk management, Kris will equip operators with forward-thinking strategies to identify, prevent, and manage contemporary security threats while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere crucial to casino success. This session promises invaluable insights for gaming executives seeking to future-proof their security protocols in an increasingly complex operational landscape.

Closing Panel (participants to be confirmed)
Moderator: Lewis Pek, Editor, G3 Magazine

Confirmed participants:

• Erwin van Lambaart, CEO, Casinos Austria & Austrian Lotteries
• Tiina Siltanen, Vice President, Casino Veikkaus
• Laurent Lassiaz, CEO, Groupe JOA
• Petra de Ruiter, CEO, Holland Casino
• Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman, Hippodrome Casino Ltd

Reflections and Outlook for the European Casino Industry
The Closing Panel brings together leading casino CEOs and industry experts to conclude the ECA Casino Industry Forum 2025. In this session, panelists will reflect on the key topics and insights presented throughout the day, including customer engagement strategies for new generations, the operational impact of AI and digital innovation, regulatory developments across Europe, integration of new gaming verticals, and the shifting landscape of social responsibility and security in casinos.

With their combined experience and diverse perspectives, the panel members will discuss how these developments are shaping the future of the European casino sector. Attendees can expect a thorough assessment of the forum’s most important themes, an analysis of the opportunities and challenges ahead, and a forward-looking view on the evolution of the industry. The session aims to consolidate the day’s learning and offer practical perspectives to help guide your own business decisions as the sector continues to adapt and innovate.

Closing: Erwin van Lambaart, Chair ECA

ECA Partner presentations

The ECA’s dedicated Partner Presentations segment offers our partners the opportunity to present relevant topics directly to the audience. This session is designed to highlight new products, recent company developments, or an overview of each partner’s portfolio, reflecting our commitment to supporting and showcasing our valued partners.

If you represent an ECA Partner Company and wish to take part in the Partner Presentations, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express your interest.

Gala Dinner
recommended dress code - business formal

ECA Board Meeting (hybrid) - For ECA Board Members

2nd ECA General Assembly 2025 – For ECA Member Country Representatives only

The ECA General Assembly is the key opportunity for ECA members to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of our association’s latest strategic progress. We will begin with an update on critical developments at the EU level and provide an in-depth look at how our public affairs efforts have evolved since the last General Assembly, with an emphasis on our intensified campaign against illegal gambling and our proactive work to improve regulatory frameworks.

Since our previous meeting, we have achieved major milestones, especially with the launch of our 2025–2029 Manifesto. This pivotal document crystallizes our mission into three pillars—Support, Protect, and Promote—with a special focus on confronting illegal gambling. These illicit operators continue to divert an estimated €80 billion annually in online gaming revenue and an additional €10 billion from illegal land-based operations within the EU, undermining government revenues and consumer protections.

The ECA has deepened its engagement with key stakeholders in the European Commission and Parliament, participating in important consultation processes and pushing for stronger enforcement measures. Our collaboration with Europol has also expanded throughout 2025. On the international stage, we solidified a unified approach to tackling illegal gambling through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the American Gaming Association and the UK Betting & Gaming Council. Another major highlight was the first Regulatory Roundtable we organized in Berlin, bringing together regulators from partner countries—findings from this high-level event will be shared with you during the Assembly.

During the General Assembly, each ECA Working Group will present progress reports, complemented by insights from the workshops and initiatives organized since our last gathering. Members will also receive a forward-looking overview of upcoming ECA events and opportunities for engagement through and beyond 2025.

We will also address pivotal regulatory changes shaping our sector—including the rollout of the Digital Services Act, which directly influences our efforts to stop illegal gambling advertising on social media, and the anticipated Digital Fairness Act, designed to safeguard the digital environment for young people.

Additionally, the evolving landscape for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing will be a priority topic, as we prepare for the arrival of the new European AML Authority and the expected introduction of a harmonized AML rulebook. These developments will require our sector to adopt even more robust due diligence protocols, representing fundamental operational changes.

Your contribution to the General Assembly is essential. This is a unique chance to engage with the ECA Board, discuss the latest industry challenges and opportunities, and ensure your voice helps define our collective priorities and strategies in the ever-changing European regulatory landscape. We look forward to your active participation in shaping the future of our association and the European casino sector.

Lunch and conclusion of Forum 2025 - Everybody still in Birmingham is invited to the lunch

End of ECA Forum 2025

Individual departure of guests