Rhodes will open CPZ on 6 February – the first day of ICE – at 11.30am.
This will follow the reveal of a £41,000 donation to a safer gambling charity chosen by CPZ supporters and donors. The donation, made up of contributions from brands including Light & Wonder, Flutter and Neccton, takes the total raised by CPZ to £238,000 over the previous four years.
ICE London 2024 will take place from 6-8 February. The exhibition will move to Fira de Barcelona from 2025 onwards.
Ewa Bakun, director of industry insight and engagement at Clarion Gaming, said it makes sense for Rhodes to open this year’s edition of CPZ.
“The CPZ was created at the suggestion of the Gambling Commission’s Tim Miller and it is therefore totally appropriate that the 2024 edition, the last to be held in London prior to our relocation to Barcelona next year should be opened by the Commission’s chief executive, Andrew Rhodes,” said Bakun.
Biggest edition of CPZ on record
Bakun also confirmed that this year’s edition of CPZ is the largest on record, with 20 booths participating.
“ICE became the first B2B gambling exhibition to include an area on the show floor dedicated to safer gambling,” Bakun continued. “Since its launch in 2018 the CPZ has grown in both size and status to the extent that post-show research has confirmed it as the most popular ICE feature by show visitors.”
Tracy Skenandore, vice-president of corporate social responsibility at Light & Wonder, said the company chose to support CPZ in order to support responsible gaming and sustainability initiatives.
“With the best interest of our employees, players and communities at the forefront of our work, we are dedicated to investing in charities that support our communities, foster sustainability, support responsible gaming for our players, and which build a diverse and inclusive culture where equity and belonging can thrive,” said Skenandore.
“It’s for all of these reasons we have chosen to support the Consumer Protection Zone as a donor, alongside our industry partners, to support worthy charities in both the UK and internationally that will make a lasting impact.”
Dr Michael Auer, managing director of OpenBet’s Neccton, added that donations to CPZ positively impact charities addressing gambling-related harm.
“The CPZ has the latest developments in player protection and safer gaming at its core and its donations make a significant difference to charities supporting positive play and tackling gambling-related harm each year,” he said.
“The last year has been pivotal in the global regulatory landscape and we expect the zone to be a major focal point for many ICE attendees.
Click here to register for ICE 2024.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/strategy/andrew-rhodes-to-open-consumer-protection-zone-at-ice/
