INSIGHT EUROPEAN CASINO ASSOCIATION
Erwin, you became ECA Chairman in February 2023. What was your mandate and what are the issues you’re most passionate about addressing?
I approached my role as the new ECA Chairman with a mindset of collaboration and innovation, recognising the diverse landscape of the European casino industry. As a former board member, I came into the role of Chairman with the intention of uniting our members around a set of common goals, which provide a platform for sharing best practices and expertise. I plan to drive initiatives that would not only adhere to the regulatory environment, but also reflect both industry and ESG trends and targets. I am also fully committed to enhancing ECA’s activities towards the institutions in Brussels and beyond, and with a clear understanding of the legislative landscape on the national and EU level, we can formulate compelling policy proposals. Tese proposals are targeted to meet exceptionally high standards, but at the same time are effective and practically possible to implement. My ambition is to present these proposals effectively, monitor their progress and adapt our efforts as necessary - aiming to shape a prosperous and transparent future for the licensed European casino industry, which will enable the ECA to fight all illegal non-licensed operators as they present a serious danger to consumer health, they’re bad for business and our industry’s reputation.
What have been the key takeaways post- pandemic for the European land-based sector?
Te health of European casinos post-pandemic appears robust, with performances surpassing the pre-2020 levels in some countries. Tis rebound is largely due to the backlog in demand for leisure and entertainment activities, the adaptability of the casino industry to incorporate online and digital platforms - where this was possible, as well as the successful implementation of safety and hygiene measures instilling confidence in patrons. To maintain this trend, casinos should focus on three key areas. First, they should continue to invest in innovations, be it games, entertainment or digital solutions, as consumers appreciate and expect new offers. Second, they should prioritise the full customer experience, ensuring that all their efforts place this focus at their centre. Tird, they should actively engage with regulatory bodies and stakeholders for effective standards and policies, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive. Finally, casinos must reinforce the reputation of our professional and well-regulated industry.
What role do land-based casinos play in a country’s tourism offer and does this aspect of the industry garner the recognition it deserves?
Casinos can indeed be a crucial tourist attraction for the territory that hosts them. Europe's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning architecture can provide a unique backdrop for casino tourism unlike any other. Cities such as Monte-Carlo in Monaco, Baden Baden in Germany or Venice in Italy, for instance, have long attracted tourists with their glamorous casinos. Tese cities, among others
Cities such as Monte-Carlo in Monaco, Baden Baden in
Germany or Venice in Italy, for instance, have long attracted tourists with their glamorous casinos. These cities, among
others in Europe, demonstrate that casinos can coexist and partner with cultural and
historical attractions, offering a different type of leisure for
tourists who also enjoy visiting a casino. However, the development and success of casino tourism in Europe is dependant upon balanced
regulatory frameworks and an ability to integrate casinos within local culture and tourism offerings.
in Europe, demonstrate that casinos can coexist and partner with cultural and historical attractions, offering a different type of leisure for tourists who also enjoy visiting a casino. However, the development and success of casino tourism in Europe is dependant upon balanced regulatory frameworks and an ability to integrate casinos within local culture and tourism offerings.
What are the big commitments currently on the ECA’s agenda?
Te European Casino Association is deeply committed to ensuring responsible gaming, combating illegality, and promoting gender equality and inclusion within the casino industry. We advocate for stringent regulations and practices that prioritise player protections and responsible gambling and close the door to any unlicensed offers from abroad. We recognise the importance of equality in the gaming industry and work relentlessly to foster diversity and inclusion; providing equal opportunities for everyone is critically important. Te ECA runs its own Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship programme together with the Universities of Las Vegas and Reno. Such commitments reflect the ECA's dedication to creating a sustainable, responsible, and inclusive industry, which recognises and encourages talents from all backgrounds.
How do you see the interactions and connections between of land-based casinos and online casinos playing out?
Te current trend in the casino industry is a fusion of traditional land-based and online operations, which is also reflected with the operations of our ECA members. Tis combination is driven by customer preferences, technological advancements, and the need for operational sustainability during unprecedented
WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS P81
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