Event

ENADA 2011

Rome – Italy

Event Information

ENADA Rome got off to an impressive start with visitor numbers really picking up by the second day of the event.

Split over two halls rather than the traditional three, the reduction in booked exhibition space could be a reflection of the market or it could have more to do with the fact Italy plays host to an ENADA show twice a year. Many exhibitors InterGame spoke with during the show prefer the Rimini show as it attracts operators from all parts of Italy, where as the show in Rome is much more localised.

Dominant player in the industry, Lottomatica, naturally had one of the biggest and busiest gaming stands but companies from outside of Italy were also keen to make their presence in the market known with large stands taken by Merkur Gaming and Novomatic to name just a couple.

There was talk throughout the show on the continued presence of VLTs in Italy and arguments as to whether the machines have had a negative affect on the AWP market or not. There are now approximately 27,000 VLTs in the Italian market and arguments came from both sides. Novomatic also reached a landmark achievement while at the show, installing its 10,000 VLT machine in the country. There was also mention of a new legislation Comma 6A+, which will see the introduction of bill acceptance into the AWP market. This however, is in very early stages and as well all know with Italy, it will be some time before final guidelines and standards are set out by officials – one to watch though.

While the show had a strong presence from the gaming industry, the coin-op amusement side of the market also had a strong presence, with major distributors Elmac, Tecnoplay and Faro Games all presenting the very latest titles being introduced to market. Italy continues to hold a tight grip on the amusement sector, with out-of-date legislation and long homologation processes making life difficult for the operators, many of them missing the key seasons with new product. Elmac’s Tiziano Tredesse told InterGame, that along with others in the industry, he continues to fight for more realistic legislation and was due to go into discussions with officials this week.

Overall, while the show was smaller the visitor numbers still appeared to be there and the exhibitors InterGame spoke to were all relatively happy with the way the show had gone. Whether the order books reflect this air of positivity is another matter, but sometimes it is a case of being seen to be seen at these events more than the actual sales themselves.

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