Well-known gambling industry journalist David Orrick, passed suddenly on September 13, we learned this week.
Orrick, who was 75, was a specialist journalist covering gambling machines for over 30 years. A keen rally sport driver, Orrick joined the industry in 1995, heading up trade magazine EuroSlot on behalf of the then Coin Slot owner, World’s Fair.
He went on to handle press and publicity matters for a succession of major slot machine suppliers including periods in Spain with Recreativos Franco and Unidesa, then moving on to Novomatic and eventually spending three years heading up industry relations for Gauselmann Group’s Merkur company.
Orrick, who lived at Newton-in-Furness, near Barrow in Cumbria, lost his wife, Ruth in 2015. He is survived by his stepson, James.
Merkur chief executive, international, Athanasios “Sakis” Isaakidis, worked for some years with David. Sakis commented on the exceptional value that David brought to the Merkur brand.
He said: “With his great experience in gaming and his understanding of market needs, David Orrick fulfilled not just his job description but also played a significant role in many differing decision processes within our group.
"He was a valuable and well-respected person who was always available to give his opinion and bring his insight to bear. David always thought of his professional duties with Merkur as his passion rather than just his job.”
“Only a few were as familiar with the world of gaming and its protagonists as David was. He stood out with a wealth of experience and unmatched expertise in his field, which greatly contributed to strengthening our international market presence,” said Jürgen Stühmeyer, management board member, Merkur sales. “He was a valued and important companion – both within the Merkur Group and especially across the entire international media landscape of the gaming industry."
Merkur put out a statement saying: "The entire Merkur family, as well as the board members of the Merkur Group and the management of adp Merkur GmbH, are united in deep mourning and extend their heartfelt thanks to David Orrick for his extraordinary commitment. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were close to him."
Clarion Gaming's Stuart Hunter added: “David was a formidable personality steeped in the industry, highly knowledgeable and internationally respected. When David shared his opinion, you listened and took note of his insights. He was a font of knowledge and was extremely kind and generous to Clarion and to me personally when I joined this industry.
"He was a true ‘critical friend’ and made important contributions to the success of our brands, not least ICE which he supported with a passion. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”
