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Gambling Commission to feature in biggest ever ICE Consumer Protection Zone

Published

4 years ago

December 20, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The central importance attached by the industry to safer gambling has been underlined with confirmation that the 2023 Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ) at ICE London, will comprise a record 20 stands, up from the 2022 figure of 14.

The CPZ, which has become one of the highest profile features on the ICE show floor will comprise a blend of providers of responsible gambling tools and solutions alongside leading not for profit organisations which have been gifted space. Brands featured on the 2023 CPZ include the Gambling Commission, Focal Research, Casino Guru, Future Anthem, Department of Trust, Mindway AI, Intuita Consulting, Rightlander, IGT, SG:Certified, W2, Crucial Compliance, LexisNexis, GamCare, YGAM, Gordon Moody, Gamstop, BetKnowmore, Responsible Gaming Council and the National Center for Problem Gaming.

Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming’s Director of Industry Insight and Engagement and the person responsible for overseeing the development of the Consumer Protection Zone stated: “The CPZ, which was recognised by the industry at the recent Global Regulatory Awards where it won the Responsible Approach to Advertising/Marketing category is one of the many success stories to have originated at ICE.

“The brain child of the Gambling Commission’s Tim Miller the CPZ has grown from its launch at ICE London 2018 when it featured eight pioneer exhibitors to its current size and prominent location which is adjacent to the main boulevard at ExCeL London.

“Thanks to the generosity of industry supporters and sponsors the CPZ has succeeded in raising £146,000 for gambling industry charities over the last three editions of ICE London and we are looking to build on that really impressive total.

“With the return of the major supplier brands to the land-based sector and the prospect of a record-breaking edition of the world’s most popular b2b gaming expo our aim with the help of the industry is to take the total to close to £200,000.”

Safer gambling organisations GamCare (£20,000), the Responsible Gaming Council (£20,000) and Better Change (£6,000) were the recipients of the 2022 fund which was made-up of £6,000 donations from bet365, Kindred, Entain, Videoslots, Sky Betting and Gaming and IMG Arena a figure which was enhanced by a £10,000 contribution from Ambassadeurs Group.

Alona Shevtsova

Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderates Global Gaming Expansion panel in Riyadh

Published

5 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

sends-ceo-alona-shevtsova-moderates-global-gaming-expansion-panel-in-riyadh

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, will moderate a panel at The Blockchain show on 29^th June, bringing together experts from entertainment, location-based gaming, and content localisation to examine what it takes to build sustainable gaming ecosystems across emerging markets.

The panel, titled “Global Gaming Expansion: Lessons from Untapped Markets,” will structure its discussion across four themes: the growth dynamics reshaping emerging gaming markets; the role of localisation in creating experiences that genuinely connect with new audiences; the infrastructure and communities needed to build gaming ecosystems beyond the game itself; and the lessons and opportunities that will define successful expansion in the years ahead.

Alona Shevtsova plans to frame the discussion around the central challenge for companies looking to expand globally: entering a new market requires far more than bringing an existing product to a new audience. Understanding local cultures, building communities, adapting experiences, and creating ecosystems that allow gaming to grow sustainably are all as important as the product itself.

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, said:

“The future growth of gaming will come not only from new technologies, but from understanding people — their cultures, communities, and the experiences they want to be part of. Successful expansion will belong to those who can combine global ambition with local understanding.”

The first segment will examine why regions including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are becoming increasingly significant for developers, operators, and investors — driven by young audiences, accelerating digital adoption, and new entertainment models creating substantial growth potential. Panellists will explore how consumer preferences differ across markets and what trends among younger audiences are shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.

The third segment will broaden the lens beyond the game itself, exploring the role of location-based entertainment, gaming centres, esports, and experiential destinations in attracting new audiences and building long-term communities. Panellists plan to address how entertainment ecosystems — spanning physical venues, events, and community infrastructure — accelerate gaming adoption in markets where the category is still establishing itself.

Earlier this month, Alona Shevtsova was shortlisted for the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category. Her team is also preparing for the Fintech Connect conference in London later this year. Sends will be a leading sponsor of this event.

*Sends is a trade name of SMARTFLOW PAYMENTS LIMITED, registered in England and Wales (Company No.11070048). For more information, visit sends.co .

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