4 min read February 21, 2024
Lauren Walsh

A Look Back at ICE London 2024: SG:certified’s Stand for Sustainability

As the dust settles on ICE London 2024, SG:certified emerges from the energetic event with a sense of accomplishment and renewed commitment to shaping a sustainable future for the gambling industry. Welcoming 632 exhibitors across 76 nations and over 45,000 industry players from all corners of the globe, ICE 2024 was a hub of innovation and learning, uniting the global gambling industry for three days of meaningful interaction and engagement. Looking back, we wanted to reflect on some of the key highlights, impactful moments and valuable connections formed during the event. 

The Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ) at ICE provided the perfect backdrop for the SG:certified team to reconnect with customers, partners, and industry peers. Our stand at the CPZ stood shoulder to shoulder with industry leaders such as The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Crucial Compliance, and Focal Research, collectively championing the cause of making the industry safer and more sustainable. Over three action-packed days, attendees from various sectors of the gambling industry dropped by the CPZ to explore the latest innovations and solutions in the realms of sustainability, compliance, and safer gambling. 

SG:certified’s presence at the CPZ highlighted another year of growth and innovation. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the event, our dedicated team fully immersed themselves in a range of activities, including back-to-back meetings, participating in insightful discussions, and conducting live product demonstrations at our stand to illustrate to visitors how our platform simplifies the certification process, and empowers regulators, auditors and operators in achieving their certification and sustainability goals seamlessly. The enthusiastic interest and engagement with our platform during the event was truly encouraging.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, SG:certified facilitated several insightful discussions and panels at the Consumer Protection Zone theatre during the event. This provided a tremendous learning opportunity and platform to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues facing the industry and how the industry can move forward in sustainability. Reflecting on SG:certified’s participation, our Senior Safer Gambling Consultant, Dr. Maris Catania, joined several thought-provoking panels, delving into essential topics for advancing sustainability ranging from consumer protection to compliance. These sessions not only provided profound insights but also sparked impactful dialogues among industry leaders, innovators, and members of the audience. They also served as a reminder of the importance of prioritising sustainability and consumer protection, and creating safe and responsible environments within our industry. 

On day 2 of ICE, Maris moderated a panel called “From detection to effective interactions and interventions - research and best practice”, which featured distinguished voices including Mindway AI’s CEO Rasmus Kjaergaard, Flutter UK’s Head of Safer Gambling Identification and Interventions Emma Heatley, and Playtech’s Chief Policy Officer Francesco Rodano. This discussion focused on changing the language around safer gambling for maximum effectiveness and minimum stigma, technology and chatbots versus human-led tools, the role of AI in detection versus intervention, and other available technology innovations to modernise interaction with players. 

On the final day of ICE, Maris presented insights on the subject “Standardisation of global approaches to safer gambling and sustainability: What drives standardisation efforts?” alongside Casino Guru’s Sustainable and Safer Gambling Lead Simon Vincze, Assissa’s CEO Pieter Remmers, and Betblocker’s Chief of SG Partnerships Pedro Romero. Here the panelists focused on how standards, rules and requirements differ, the differences in approaches, and markers of harm and global self-exclusion case studies. 

In the days leading up to ICE, we hosted an exclusive webinar, providing attendees with a glimpse into the innovative sustainability initiatives of 16 distinguished CPZ exhibitors, and how they are contributing to a more sustainable and responsible gambling environment. The webinar saw industry experts, including NCPG’s Problem Gambling Expert Jaime Costello, Focal Research’s Director of Safer Gambling and Stakeholder Engagement Jay Robinson Crucial Compliance’s CEO Paul Foster, share valuable insights and perspectives on a range of important topics including compliance, consumer protection and sustainability. Here the exhibitors showed that by leveraging innovative technologies, research, collaborative partnerships and industry wide initiatives, stakeholders can create a safer and more sustainable gambling environment that prioritises the well-being of players and communities.

The recording of the webinar is available to SG:certified members only. To get access, please email [email protected] or book a quick demo here: www.calendly.com/sgcertified/15min.

As the curtains draw on ICE London 2024, we would like to thank everyone that visited our stand, took the time to listen to one of our panels and joined the meaningful conversations and discussions around sustainability in gambling. We cherish these chances to come together and brainstorm with people who share our vision. Together, we can forge a future where sustainability and responsibility are at the heart of the gambling industry. If you couldn’t meet us in London we are always available for personalised remote demonstrations and consultations. Book an appointment to learn more about what we can do to help your organisation achieve its sustainability and compliance goals. We hope to meet many more of you at the next expo!