The UK-based EAG Expo has recruited gaming machine specialist Nick Harding as an "international ambassador" and one of his first tasks is to help create a casino section at the EAG Expo, held in London.
Harding and the EAG team, led by show director Nicola Lazenby and headed up by Bacta’s Martin Burlin, are already canvassing potential exhibitors for what may be an expanded EAG Expo.
“We would like to take the show back to what it was in the old ATEI days,” said Harding, who has had a long career in the AGC sector and latterly was CEO at Praesepe (now Merkur UK). “There was a clearly defined separation between the amusement sector and the gambling, or gaming sector.”
He said that there would be no physical separation of the two elements beyond an aisle between, and certainly no separate entrances.
The decision by Clarion Gaming to move the ICE trade show from London’s ExCeL to Barcelona in 2025 certainly influenced the decision, said Harding.
“We are not running a pure casino show,” he said. “But we have received clear feedback that there are elements in the UK and European casino sector that have not been totally enthusiastic about Barcelona. Barcelona has many attractions, but it isn’t as appealing as London in many ways. Or there could simply be logistical or financial reasons that might lead them to prefer a smaller, London-based event. Either way, we are keen to provide a second element to EAG that will cater for the Euroepan land-based gaming sector.
“We will work hard to provide that for them,” said Harding, “and at the same time also work hard at improving and increasing the participation for the international amusement sector.”
He said that the division between amusements and gambling at the show would clearly define those elements of payout machines popular in the UK amusements sector, such as Category D machines and pushers and position them into the amusement sector which would be more appropriate for them.
“We have the ability at ExCeL to expand the space the EAG currently occupies, and build on the success of the 2024 show, which showed record revenues for Bacta. I am delighted to work with Martin and the EAG team to strengthen and develop the EAG show. It is going to be an exciting project and I intend, as always, to hit the ground running.”
On behalf of Bacta, Martin Burlin said: “I am delighted that Nick has agreed to join the EAG Expo board in this new role. He brings a lifetime’s experience in our industry.
"This will meet the requirements of land-based casinos and will strengthen EAG’s plans to make EAG Expo the premiere show for the land-based gaming and amusements industries.”
