European Casino Association Announces 2025 EDP Scholarship Recipients
The European Casino Association (ECA) is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2025 scholarships to the Executive Development Programme (EDP) at the Universities of Las Vegas and Reno in Lake Tahoe. This year's scholarship winners are Nataša Košnjek Jug from HIT, Slovenia, and Edith Idriss from the JOA Group, France.
The ECA Leadership Excellence Scholarship Programme, now in its eighth year, represents the association's ongoing commitment to developing exceptional talent across the European casino industry. Both recipients will participate in this distinguished leadership development programme with all expenses fully covered, including travel, accommodation, and tuition fees.
Programme Details
The Executive Development Programme will take place from November 8-15, 2025, at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino. This intensive programme is specifically designed for gaming industry executives, focusing on advanced leadership skills, strategic management, and industry best practices.
Selection Process and Quality of Applications
The selection jury was particularly impressed by the exceptional caliber of applications received this year, making the decision-making process especially challenging. The breadth of talent and potential demonstrated by candidates across Europe reflects the strength and depth of leadership within the continental gaming industry.
Ron Goudsmit, ECA Honorary President and Jury Speaker, commented on this year's selection process: "The caliber of applications we received was truly outstanding. Every single applicant demonstrated the qualities and potential worthy of attending the Executive Development Programme. While we believe all candidates deserve this opportunity, we unfortunately have only two scholarships available. Our congratulations go to Nataša and Edith, who stood out in an incredibly competitive field."
Tiina Siltanen, Senior Vice Chair of the ECA, who oversees the association's events and education initiatives, added: "The ECA Leadership Excellence Scholarship Programme exemplifies our dedication to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. The exceptional quality of this year's applications reinforces our belief that the European casino industry possesses remarkable talent. These scholarships represent not just an investment in individual careers, but in the future of our entire sector. We are confident that Nataša and Edith will return from this transformative experience as even stronger leaders, equipped to drive innovation and excellence in their respective organizations."
The Executive Development Programme at the Universities of Las Vegas and Reno is recognized as one of the premier executive education opportunities in the global gaming industry. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering areas such as strategic leadership, regulatory environments, responsible gaming practices, and emerging industry trends.
This intensive programme provides participants with access to leading academic experts, industry practitioners, and a network of international gaming professionals that lasts a lifetime. The educational experience is designed to enhance strategic thinking capabilities, broaden industry perspectives, and develop the skills necessary for senior leadership roles in the evolving casino sector.
Partnership and Collaboration
The ECA Leadership Excellence Scholarship Programme continues to benefit from the invaluable support of its partners, including Clarion Events, AGEM (Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers), and the Universities of Las Vegas and Reno. This collaborative approach ensures the programme maintains its high standards and delivers maximum value to participants and the broader industry.