During the ECA Casino Industry Forum, hosted by HIT universe of fun in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, the European Casino Association (ECA) announced the establishment of the ECA Strategic Supplier Partnership, an initiative to foster collaboration between the association and select partners supplying the land-based casino sector. This exclusive partnership aims to enhance industry cooperation and facilitate dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders on matters of mutual interest.

The ECA welcomed four major suppliers as its inaugural Strategic Supplier Partners: Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder and Novomatic. This partnership marks a new era of cooperation within the European gaming landscape.

The partnership aims to advance responsible practices within the licensed gaming sector while fostering a collaborative environment for industry stakeholders. By facilitating dialogue with European authorities, the members seek to address crucial issues and promote fair regulatory frameworks.

This initiative will explore various aspects of the industry, including equipment standardisation, enhanced security measures, and strategies to combat illegal gambling. Additionally, the partnership will serve as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, connecting suppliers with operators and promoting responsible gaming practices alongside compliance. Through these efforts, the ECA Strategic Supplier Partnership strives to contribute to the sustainable growth and integrity of the European casino landscape.

Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association, said: “We are pleased to welcome Aristocrat Gaming, IGT, Light & Wonder and Novomatic as the founding members of the ECA’s Strategic Supplier Partnership. This collaboration allows us to share diverse perspectives and work towards solutions that benefit the entire gaming community, while respecting the distinct roles of operators and suppliers.”

“Light and Wonder are honoured to be collaborating with the ECA on this strategic partnership. We have long considered that casino operators, trade bodies and suppliers need to work closely together on issues that impact the future of our industry and this partnership represents a great opportunity to actively address those challenges together,” said Jon Lancaster, Vice President of Sales, EMEA.

“As Europe´s largest gaming technology group, NOVOMATIC is pleased to join other major suppliers in laying the foundation for the ECA Strategic Supplier Partnership. In this exclusive collaboration, we look forward to shaping the future of European gaming in a responsible and sustainable way, fostering collaboration across the industry and upholding the highest standards of compliance and player protection. We are excited to partner with the European Casino Association and firmly believe that together we can promote the long-term success of the industry,” Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board NOVOMATIC AG.

“Aristocrat Gaming is pleased to be a part of the newly formed ECA partnership. Our aim is to work alongside the ECA and other suppliers to expand our collective influence in the region when it comes to regulatory reform and the evolution of gaming in EMEA,” said Marcel Heutmekers, vice president of sales and operations EMEA for Aristocrat Gaming.

“IGT is pleased to join the European Casino Association’s Strategic Partnership Alliance and collaborate with other global gaming suppliers to help drive growth opportunities for our customers and to shape a positive framework for the future of casino gaming across Europe,” said David Flinn, IGT SVP EMEA, Canada and LatAm Gaming Sales.