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ITALIAN GAMING EXPO & CONFERENCE THE FUTURE HAS ALREADY BEGUN AND LOOKS AT SUSTAINABILITY
Over 60 speakers, coming from several countries in Europe and the world. More than 35 sessions of content. Over 30 companies involved, including partners and exhibitors. And more than 10 institutions represented, including: Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, Coni, Agcom, Ministry of Home Affairs, Masaf (Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests), State Police, Italian Finance Police, Europol, Interpol, as well as the Italian Government and Parliament, with a strong presence of representatives of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Foreign regulators -such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Mga, Malta Gaming Authoriry – and various international entities (such as Easg, G4, Imgl – International master of gaming law, Iagr – International association of gaming regulators, Ulis – United Lotteries for integrity in sports) must be added to them.
These are the numbers of the very first edition of IGE – Italian Gaming Expo & Conference, which we have talked about in the past and which is now preparing to go on stage, celebrating its long-awaited debut. The appointment, as is known, is on the two days of April, 18th and 19th, at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Rome, when the real excellences characterizing the Italian gaming market will gather, some of which are presented in the following pages, dedicated to the event and its actors.
Perhaps only a few, outside of those who work there, have the perception of what the gaming industry represents, as a real hotbed of talent and cradle of true excellence: especially in Italy. And lge was born for this very reason, as a new entirely ‘B2B’ event dedicated to this very particular industry in Italy. An initiative focused on content, which offers a unique opportunity to analyze the main subjects that will lead the gaming world in the coming years, to define the approach guidelines for companies that want to look to the future, to innovation, to sustainability. The event offers two days of in-depth analysis on all aspects that interest the stackholders of one of the most important gaming markets in Europe and in the world. Two days dedicated to C-levels who, together with institutions, experts, scholars, influencers, will discuss to stimulate dialogue on the main subjects that will lead the global gaming market. Right about the time in which the Government and Parliament started the reform process that will lead to the birth of a new sector, through the rewriting of the rules governing it, and the issuing of tenders for the renewal of all concessions. In fact, 2024 has already stood out as a strategic year for the sector and the event will therefore be strategic for the entire gaming ecosystem: IGE therefore looks to the future of gaming in Italy: a future that wants and must be fully sustainable. This is in fact the challenge that concerns all the stakeholders in the sector reform process. So, the event meets a double need: on the one hand, that of giving proper emphasis to a sector which, despite its indisputable capabilities and peculiarities, continues not to be considered a ‘real’ industry, while on the other offers a moment of training and information for professionals, dealing with a historic transition, between new regulations and a technological transition which in itself represents a non-trivial challenge, for everyone.
After twenty years of gradual regulation, Italian gaming has become a sector of the highest level and an innovation in the global system, to the point of being imitated by other jurisdictions. Where risks, such as that of pathological drift or illegality, are not hidden at all nor underestimated: on the contrary, they are just the basis of the daily work of the regulator but also of the industry itself, both engaged in research and not only in implementation of increasingly innovative solutions to fight against these events. “This is why Ige talks about a sustainable future: because at the heart of every development there is consumer protection and the role that technology is able to play in this sense today. All topics widely addressed in these two days”, Simona Clarizio, event manager, explains.
The event can rely on an exceptional Scientific Committee able to bring together experts, scholars and professionals internationally renowned. Like:
– Lucio Lamberti, Professor of Marketing Analytics and Analytics for Business Lab at Politecnico di Milano, coordinator of the Interdepartmental Physiology, Emotion and Experience Lab (Pheel) of the Politecnico, as well as scientific director of the Metaverse Marketing Lab and of the Automotive Experience Design Lab;
– Francesco Rodano, Chief Policy Officer Playtech and Former Online Gaming Regulator;
– Quirino Mancini, President of IMGL, Global Head of the Gaming and Gambling Practice Group and Partner of Tonucci&Partners;
– Ludovico Calvi, Honorary President United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports – ULIS;
– Gianluca Comandini, Italian entrepreneur, university professor and technology communicator expert in fintech and new media.
– Matteo Caroli, Professor of International business management – Luiss Guido Carli University.
AN EVENT WITHIN THE EVENT: THE ITALIAN GAMING AWARDS
As is known, Ige won’t be the only debut on the Italian gaming market. The first edition of the Italian Gaming Awards (IGA) will further enrich the event: a special evening to reward the excellence of Italian gaming and the best practices in the sector, in an exceptional location, full of charm, such as Spazio Novecento. Between music, entertainment, good food. And lots of networking. The votes were carried out by a jury of experts who brought together international sector professionals, scholars from different sectors and from the information world, for a total of 18 judges who selected the best realities out of a total of 86 applications received in a total of 20 categories. The award ceremony will take place during a Gala evening, which will bring IGE’s guests at the end of the first day of work. And it is interesting to note how the categories that recorded the highest number of nominations are those relating to Product Innovation and Sustainability: confirming the values and trends we were talking about before.
The post ITALIAN GAMING EXPO & CONFERENCE THE FUTURE HAS ALREADY BEGUN AND LOOKS AT SUSTAINABILITY appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: This is a classic “Cross-Sell” play. Meridianbet has already spent seven years building a sports betting database in Belgium. By securing this B+ license, they can now monetize those same users with higher-margin casino products (slots, table games) without needing to acquire new traffic from scratch. With the Belgian casino sector growing at 20% year-over-year, this is a significant revenue unlock for the GMGI portfolio.
The Full Story
Meridianbet, the sports betting and gaming operator owned by Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has successfully expanded its regulatory footprint in Europe by securing a B+ online gaming license in Belgium.
The new license (B+ 4016) authorizes the company to launch a comprehensive online casino platform—featuring slots, table games, and automated live games—starting in January 2026. This move significantly broadens the operator’s capabilities in the country, complementing its existing sports betting operations which have been active in the Belgian market for seven years.
Targeting the Largest Market Segment The strategic rationale behind the license is clear: Casino is now the dominant force in Belgian gambling. According to the Belgian Gaming Commission, the online casino vertical generated €455 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2023, representing a 20.2% year-over-year increase.
By entering this vertical, Meridianbet gains access to the largest and fastest-growing segment of a market that generated a total of €944.6 million last year.
Tech-First Entry Meridianbet plans to deploy its proprietary AI Casino Recommender technology for the Belgian launch. This system analyzes player behavior and preferences in real-time to deliver personalized game suggestions, a crucial differentiator in a highly concentrated market where just ten operators account for 94% of all online wagers.
Regulatory Context Belgium is known for having one of Europe’s strictest regulatory frameworks, characterized by rigorous compliance standards and player protection protocols. Securing this license validates Meridianbet’s operational standards and deepens its foothold in a “mature” market that is notoriously difficult for new entrants to penetrate.
The post Meridianbet Doubles Down on Belgium: New Casino License Unlocks €455m Market Segment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: In the iGaming affiliate space, the five-year mark is a critical survival threshold. Many media startups fade away before reaching it. LinkDataMedia’s decision to rebrand now is a classic “graduation” signal. By shedding their startup skin for a more corporate, “blue-chip” aesthetic (the stability-focused blue triangle), they are telling operators and partners that they are no longer just an affiliate project, but a stable infrastructure partner ready for larger commercial deals.
The Full Story
LinkDataMedia, the parent company behind the popular affiliate portal Gamblers Connect, has announced a comprehensive corporate rebrand to coincide with its fifth anniversary.
The overhaul includes a completely refreshed brand identity, a redesigned logo, and a fully revamped website, all of which are now live. The move is described by the company not as a mere cosmetic update, but as a strategic pivot designed to distance the business from its “startup roots” and reflect its current status as an established player in the competitive iGaming media landscape.
Visualizing Maturity The new visual language features a modernized blue triangular logo, a shape chosen to represent “stability and forward momentum.” The digital user experience has also been streamlined, offering partners a cleaner interface that aligns better with the company’s matured operational capabilities.
Management Commentary Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder and CEO of LinkDataMedia, commented on the significance of hitting the half-decade milestone in such a volatile industry:
“Surviving the first five years in business takes more than luck. It takes belief, resilience, and the right people around you. This milestone, and the rebrand, reflect exactly that.”
Implementation The new branding has already been deployed across the main corporate website and is currently being rolled out across LinkDataMedia’s social media channels and internal communication platforms. As the company enters its sixth year, the refreshed identity aims to set the stage for a new phase of expansion and innovation.
The post LinkDataMedia Drops ‘Startup’ Look with Major 5th Anniversary Rebrand appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: As ICE makes its historic move to Barcelona, established tech providers like Win Systems are under pressure to bring their “A-game” to the larger venue. The focus here isn’t just on cabinets; it’s the ecosystem. By highlighting WIGOS (their CMS) alongside WIN PAY, Win Systems is positioning itself as an infrastructure partner, not just a hardware supplier. The debut of the Gold Club Colors roulette specifically targets the growing demand for visually customizable electronic table games (ETGs).
The Full Story
Win Systems, the global provider of technology for the gaming and entertainment industry, has confirmed its product roadmap for ICE Barcelona 2026, the sector’s most significant international event taking place from January 19 to 21.
Exhibiting at Stand 3M30 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, the company will leverage the new venue to showcase a broad portfolio designed to cover the entire casino floor—from management systems to the gaming floor itself.
Systems and Fintech At the core of the showcase is WIGOS, the company’s flagship Casino Management System (CMS). WIGOS is widely recognized for connecting thousands of machines across multiple countries, and the Barcelona display will focus on advanced tools that streamline daily operations and optimize player retention.
Complementing the CMS, Win Systems will present WIN PAY, its secure transaction platform. As cashless and seamless payment solutions become standard requirements for operators, WIN PAY offers the necessary efficiency and security controls for modern gaming environments.
Hardware: Roulette and Slots On the hardware side, Win Systems is refreshing its electronic table game offering with the new Gold Club Colors electronic roulette. The Gold Club line has long been a staple in the company’s portfolio, known for its compact footprint and reliability; the “Colors” iteration promises to maximize visual impact on the floor.
Alongside the roulette, the company will display its latest slot hardware, including the Sublime and Rhapsody cabinets. These units are designed to house the company’s extensive game library, which has been adapted to suit diverse market profiles from Europe to Latin America.
Strategic Goals Win Systems aims to use the three-day event to reinforce its 30-year legacy in the industry. The company described its participation as a commitment to “continuous innovation,” inviting operators and regulators to explore how their integrated solutions can improve in-room performance.
The post Win Systems to Debut New ‘Gold Club Colors’ and WIGOS Upgrades at ICE Barcelona appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Meridianbet Doubles Down on Belgium: New Casino License Unlocks €455m Market Segment
LinkDataMedia Drops ‘Startup’ Look with Major 5th Anniversary Rebrand
Win Systems to Debut New ‘Gold Club Colors’ and WIGOS Upgrades at ICE Barcelona
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