Leaders from across Europe debated Gen Z engagement, online expansion, public health activism and cross-border enforcement at the Birmingham event.
The European Casino Association (ECA) brought together around 100 industry leaders at the beginning of September at Genting Resort World Birmingham for its 2025 Casino Industry Forum. Delegates explored the evolution of the European casino sector through keynote addresses, panel discussions and expert presentations covering regulation, consumer behaviour and operational innovation.
Paul Willcock, President & COO of Genting UK, opened the forum with a candid assessment of Genting’s operations in Malaysia, the US and the UK. He outlined the company’s plans to expand slot capacity, develop new content through its BOOM initiative, and pursue projects in London and Cairo, while stressing the importance of a supportive regulatory environment.
Consumer insights were provided by Joeri van den Bergh of Human8, who examined how Gen Z is reshaping leisure habits. He argued that younger audiences favour social, event-led formats over traditional late-night gambling, and expect transparent safeguards and responsible play.
The ECA panel, moderated by Groupe JOA CEO Laurent Lassiaz, featured executives from Casino Gran Madrid, Holland Casino Online and win2day Austria. Speakers highlighted the challenges of balancing land-based and digital operations under strict regulation, high compliance costs and persistent offshore competition.
Legal expert Philippe Vlaemminck addressed cross-border enforcement, warning that Malta’s Bill 55 faces likely conflict with EU law, while Dr. Brett Abarbanel from UNLV urged operators to adapt lessons from the “edges” where gambling overlaps with gaming, AI and digital media.
Further sessions examined public health activism, with Prof. David Forrest calling for targeted safeguards to maintain gambling’s social licence, and security expert Kris van Limbergen stressing staff training as the key to tackling rising in-venue aggression.
ECA Chairman Erwin van Lambaart commented: “The Industry Forum once again underlined the importance of bringing Europe’s casino leaders together to share insights, debate challenges and exchange best practices. The diversity of perspectives presented in Birmingham highlights the strength of our community and reinforces the value of working collectively to shape a sustainable future for our industry.”
The ECA Forum concluded with a forward-looking discussion on innovation, responsibility and sustainable growth in the European casino sector.
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Leaders from across Europe debated Gen Z engagement, online expansion, public health activism and cross-border enforcement at the Birmingham event. The European Casino Association (ECA) brought together around 100 industry leaders at the beginning of September at Genting Resort World Birmingham for its 2025 Casino Industry Forum. Delegates explored the evolution of the European casino…
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