Novomatic used its usual pre-ICE press conference to make what it regarded as a 'significant announcement'.

Director of communications David Orrick said: “We are about to reach one of our major targets - achieving parity between operations and manufacturing.” He added that the company now has 55,000 machines in operation in 700.

In a second major announcement, the company also heralded its involvement in the Gran Scala project in Spain. “We will apply for a casino licence within the development,” said Orrick.

“This project will completely change casino gaming in Spain and will have synergy with the situation in Macau. The site is Europe’s only desert area, so it is also reminiscent of the beginnings of Las Vegas.”