Many of the gaming industry's leading names were in attendance at the third Gaming Expo Belgrade, Serbia, held from February 17-19.
Braving the wintery conditions in Belgrade, companies including Alfastreet, Apex, Aristocrat, Atronic, Novomatic and WMS demonstrated their commitment to the Balkan market, proving once again the growing importance of the Serbian show.
Although the recent launch of exhibitions in Bulgaria and Romania may have to some degree diminished its ‘pull’ across eastern Europe, the Belgrade show continues to position itself as the leading expo serving the developing Balkan marketplace.
As in previous years, the Belgrade Fair hall played host to a relatively quiet show, but, as many of the exhibitors were keen to stress, the show is not merely about the number of visitors passing through its doors. Regional shows, such as this, provide an opportunity for companies to reinforce their presence in the market, while continuing to offer support to their local partners.
Johannes Weissengruber of Apex Gaming Technologies, which hosted the official opening of the show at its large booth, said he expected the expo to become a significant date on the calendar.
"I think in the future the Belgrade show will become the main show for the Balkans," he commented.
Despite uncertainty surrounding the future legislative direction of the Serbian Government, the opening of Grand Casino Beograd and the promise of additional casino licences in the future has certainly raised expectations and shown that the gaming market in this particular corner of Europe still has great potential.
