NEWS
ICE and iGB Affiliate to set new world record attendance
Clarion Gaming has confirmed that the 2025 Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate is likely to be recorded as the largest ever gathering of
gambling industry professionals.
Ahead of the final analysis being completed, Clarion Gaming managing
director Stuart Hunter stated: “Whilst we are in the process of undertaking all of the forensic checks and data interrogations I can confirm that the combined attendance for both shows will set a new world attendance record for any gambling event.
“We are confidently predicting an attendance of at least 56,000 industry professionals, which exceeds the previous high of 52,345 set 12-months ago in London. We have taken the unprecedented step of announcing these figures due to the level of interest generated by what were two historic events.”
Reflecting on the delivery of ICE and iGB Affiliate 2025, Hunter added: “We will commence a comprehensive company-wide debrief, but all of the feedback published across every media channel and the comments that have been sent direct to me have been hugely positive.
“The decision to relocate to Barcelona was driven by our customers and I am delighted that we have been able to bring their vision to life.”
Novomatic to acquire French Vikings Casinos Group
Novomatic has signed an agreement to acquire the French casino group Vikings Casinos SAS, subject to certain conditions such as regulatory approvals. With this strategic move,
Novomatic aims to
continue its international growth
strategy in the French market and significantly expand its portfolio in one of the largest gaming regions in Europe.
The Vikings Casinos Group, based in Falaise, is one of the leading French casino chains, operating more than 10 live gaming casinos throughout France, including on the Côte d’Azur.
“With the acquisition of Vikings Casinos, we are consistently pursuing our international growth strategy and strengthening our position as a leading provider in the European gaming market. With this step, we have successfully laid the foundation for further sustainable growth in France,” explained Stefan Krenn, executive board member of Novomatic AG. “The acquisition by Novomatic opens up new opportunities for growth and further development. We are confident that the integration into such an experienced and successful company as Novomatic will help us to further strengthen our position on the French market. This change will enable us to work even more efficiently and benefit from the resources and expertise of the new owner,” emphasised Luc Le Borgne, CEO of Vikings Casinos SAS.
Merkur Group celebrates successful debut at ICE Barcelona
The gaming giant from Germany travelled to the Spanish trade fair with eleven subsidiaries and two strategic partners to showcase its diverse portfolio as one of the largest exhibitors at ICE. The diverse content creations of the international Merkur Gaming brand attracted a lot of attention. Another highlight was the M-Prime
Multigame Package, sparking curiosity thanks to its advanced player interface and extensive portfolio
4 FEBRUARY 2025
of games. Providing the perfect showcase for the modern Merkur content was the Mod Ex cabinet family. Beyond its minimalist design, its modularity stood out, allowing customisation of the monitor, body, and base according to customer needs. Among the various cabinet models, the Mod Ex J55 emerged as a crowd favourite, impressing visitors with its expansive curved display. In addition to Merkur Gaming, numerous other subsidiaries demonstrated their product ranges, underscoring the Merkur Group’s diversity. While adp Merkur showcased the German land-based portfolio, Blueprint Operations and Blueprint Gaming presented their cutting-edge cabinets and game innovations for the UK market.
Visitors to Zitro’s booth at ICE experienced first-hand the progress the company has made in expanding and diversifying its product range. At the forefront of the showcase was the all-new Concept cabinet line featuring Concept Prime, Concept Prime-J, and Concept Deluxe. The event also marked the European debut of Zitro’s latest game line-up for both the Concept and Glare cabinet lines.
Zitro’s Mega Lounge has demonstrated impressive performance in key markets such as Portugal, Italy, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Greece, and, more recently, Guatemala. At ICE, the company unveiled the Grand Mega Lounge that incorporates the Concept cabinet line, featuring existing and new games with both Grand Mega and Mega jackpots.
Zitro also highlighted the success of its Wide Area Progressive (WAP) product line. Recent launches in Panama, Costa Rica, and Peru have generated great enthusiasm, while Argentina saw the debut of Zitro’s first WAP in December. Commenting on the success of ICE, Sebastian Salat, president – international at Zitro, stated: “Zitro’s participation at ICE focused on reinforcing its commitment to becoming a global leader, capable of meeting the needs of casino operators anywhere in the world.”
Aristidis Tsikouras honoured with ICE Landmark Award
Aristidis Tsikouras from the Merkur Group was presented with the ‘ICE Landmark Award 2025’ at ICE Barcelona. The CEO of GeWeTe received the award for his 25 years of service with the Merkur Group and his professional achievements. The award recognises the influence he has had on the global gaming industry. Every
year at the ICE, companies, associations and individuals are honoured for their achievements in the gaming industry. The awards are presented by trade fair organiser, Clarion Gaming. “I feel honoured and would like to thank you very much for the award. It is both an incentive and an obligation for me to continue making my contribution to the success of the industry in the future,” said Tsikouras.
Zitro makes an impact at ICE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
