The steady expansion of the IMA trade show in Germany into the internet gambling arena will be reflected by the 2014 event (January 14-17) at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre – despite the fact that virtually everywhere in Germany i-gaming is yet to be legalised.
Only in the state of Schleswig-Holstein as internet gambling been licensed, but it is widely expected to be ratified in the short term. IMA has for some time been a showcase for the sports betting business, but the expected licensing of i-gaming businesses has led in recent years to growth in this exhibitor base. Petra Lassahn, show director, told iNTERGAMINGi: “Internet gambling remains controversial and it is difficult to make predictions, but Germany will be a very attractive market when it does open.” Lassahn sees the success of sports betting in Germany as providing a natural springboard for full-scale internet gambling and accordingly some of the prime floor space at the exhibition has been given over to this section. “If the trend in previous years continues, both the market – and the number of exhibitors at IMA – will experience a further increase.”
