The European Casino Association (ECA) successfully concluded its Casino Industry Forum 2024, hosted by HIT Universe of Fun in Nova Gorica, Slovenia.
The event brought together casino CEOs, experts, partners and friends for a series of enlightening presentations and discussions on the future of the European casino industry.
AI in casino operations: a game-changing perspective
Dr. Aleksandra Przegalińska-Skierkowska, university professor and author, delivered a keynote speech on AI in Strategy, a comprehensive overview of AI’s current capabilities and potential applications in casino operations, with valuable insights into how AI could revolutionise aspects of the industry.
Navigating the legal landscape
The forum also featured discussions on the legal framework affecting the casino industry, with Philippe Vlaemminck and Beata Guzik presenting a detailed analysis of the EU AI Act and AI Ethical Rules, focused on how these regulations aim to balance technological innovation with ethical standards in the gambling sector.
Philipp Gaggl, Director for ESG & Climate Change at PwC Consulting, gave a deep dive into the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), explaining how from 2025 onwards, this will require obliged companies to disclose detailed social, environmental and governance impact information, with implications for transparency and stakeholder trust in the casino industry.
Technological advancements and industry future
John Purcell, CEO of DigiWheel, presented The Land Based Casino of Tomorrow: Embracing Technology to Thrive, sharing insights on how casinos can leverage emerging technologies to enhance their operations and customer experience.
Purcell captivated the audience with the provocative question Will casinos be dead in 10 years?, challenging current practices, highlighting new trends and encouraging leaders to rethink their strategies and embrace innovation to remain competitive in an evolving landscape.
Supplier Panel: next-generation technologies
A panel of suppliers, including representatives from Novomatic, IGT, Tronius, Light & Wonder and Video Tracking Solutions, discussed Innovating the Casino Floor, exploring the integration of AI, machine learning and data analytics into casino products, highlighting advancements in player engagement, operational optimisation and responsible gaming initiatives.
The fun economy and casino operations
Bo Bernhard, VP of Economic Development at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, delivered a virtual keynote on The (Top) Secrets of the Fun Economy, exploring how the future economic landscape is increasingly favouring entertainment and leisure sectors, providing actionable insights for casino operators to align with these trends.
The forum concluded with a CEO panel featuring leaders, with the discussion focused on topics raised during the day, and how AI and technological advancements are reshaping the traditional casino experience. The panel also delved into the regulatory hurdles that hamper the implementation of innovative solutions and the delivery of first-class guest service.
And at the accompanying ECA General Assembly, members discussed the association’s strategic direction towards the stakeholders in Brussels and its member countries, reinforcing the ECA’s role as a unifying voice for the European casino industry.
HIT Casinos’ 40th anniversary
Coinciding with the ECA Casino Industry Forum, HIT Casinos celebrated its 40th anniversary, adding a festive atmosphere to the event and highlighting the enduring legacy of casino entertainment in the region.
Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the ECA, said: “The ECA Casino Industry Forum 2024 has again proven to be an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
“The insights shared here, particularly regarding AI, regulatory developments and the challenges faced by our industry, will undoubtedly shape the future of European casinos.
“We are grateful to HIT Universe of Fun for hosting this milestone event and for their exceptional hospitality at the Perla and Park Entertainment Centres.”
Sandi Brataševec, President of the Board of HIT Company, added: “It was an honour for the HIT Company to host this prestigious event as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in the gaming industry.”
