Importance of unity underlined at ECA Summer Meeting

On June 28-29, European Casino Association (ECA) members and associate members convened at the Casinò di Venezia in Venice, Italy, for the association’s annual Summer Meeting.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he two-day event brought together more than 40 representatives from all key branches of the European casino sector. Maurizio Salvalaio, president of the historic Casinò di Venezia, welcomed delegates to the meeting and said in his welcome address that it was “a great occasion for the representatives of the European casino industry not only to get to know each other better but also to help each other better understand the depth of the challenges inherent” to the industry.

“This event takes place at a historic time, not least in face of the newest challenge: Brexit,” Salvalaio said. “The outcome of this referendum has had an impact on all sectors, not least the gambling sector.”

Per Jaldung, chair of the ECA, added: “This is a time where not only the gaming industry, but Europe as a whole, needs to show unity. We should not forget how important the gaming sector is for all of Europe, in driving business, tourism and work opportunities. As the ECA, we have the opportunity to bring the casino community together and discuss the important questions of tomorrow.”

In addition to the UK’s forthcoming exit from the EU, topics and issues discussed during the ECA meeting included the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals issued by the United Nations, along with the latest developments in EU directives and their possible impact on the licensed European casino industry.

The Summer Meeting also set the scene for a new Associate Member to join the ECA. The General Assembly voted unanimously on welcoming Aristocrat Leisure as an Associated Members to the ever-growing community under the ECA umbrella.