Birmingham to Host the ECA Casino Industry Forum 2025 from August 31 to September 2

This flagship event will bring together leading executives, experts, and suppliers from across the sector to discuss and shape the future of gaming in Europe under the theme "Innovation Horizons: Shaping the Future of European Casino Gaming."

The event kicks off on August 31 with the arrival of participants in the afternoon. At 18:00, the Lake Lounge will open for guest registration and welcoming, followed by an informal buffet dinner at 19:00. The day will conclude with a guided tour of the host casino, providing attendees with a relaxed and exclusive networking opportunity.

On September 1, the full-day programme begins at 09:30 with an opening address from Erwin van Lambaart, ECA Chair, and a welcome speech by Paul Willcock, President and COO of Genting UK. Willcock will highlight the company's heritage, UK presence, and its international footprint in gaming and entertainment.

The forum features keynote presentations from experts such as Joeri van den Bergh (Human8), who will provide insights on connecting with Generation Z; Simon Lidzén (Fast Track), who will explore the role of AI in transforming casino operations; and legal expert Philippe Vlamminck, who will analyze the implications of Malta's controversial "Bill 55" and its impact on European cross-border gaming regulation.

A major afternoon highlight will be the Supplier Panel, featuring leaders from Novomatic, IGT, Aristocrat, and Light & Wonder, offering exclusive perspectives on market trends, key products, and future investment priorities. Additional focus keynotes from Brett Abarbanel (UNLV), David Forrest (University of Liverpool), and Kris van Limbergen (Crime Control) will address convergence with digital gaming, public health challenges, and evolving security threats in modern casinos.

The day will close with a Closing Panel of top industry CEOs reflecting on the forum’s key takeaways and offering forward-looking strategies for the European casino sector. That evening, ECA partners will present product updates and corporate developments, followed by a Gala Dinner at the Lake Lounge.

On September 2, internal ECA sessions will take place, including a hybrid ECA Board Meeting and the 2nd ECA General Assembly, where member country representatives will review regulatory milestones, enforcement against illegal gambling, the implementation of the 2025–2029 Manifesto, and preparations for the incoming European AML Authority. The forum will close with a group lunch at 12:00, marking the official conclusion of ECA Forum 2025.