ICE Barcelona Launches Sustainable Gambling Zone with €65,000 Charity Donation

ICE Barcelona Launches Sustainable Gambling Zone with €65,000 Charity Donation

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The 2025 edition of ICE Barcelona will mark a significant milestone with the official launch of its Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ). To commemorate this launch, a €65,000 charity fund has been raised by leading industry sponsors, including Cirsa, Orenes, Betsson Group, Flutter, Acordjoc, ALEA, Novomatic, Playtech, and Novomatic Spain. This generous contribution will be awarded to one or more safer gambling organizations at a special presentation during the opening of the SGZ on the first day of the exhibition.

This donation brings the total amount raised by ICE for safer gambling charities since 2018 to an impressive €385,000.

Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Insight at Clarion Gaming, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: "I am delighted that we will be able to support the vital work of international organizations dedicated to player protection. This funding will directly impact tangible projects that deliver real benefits to those who need it most. For example, last year's recipients, Bet Blocker, effectively utilized their award to develop a Catalan version of their acclaimed consumer app, which will be officially launched at ICE Barcelona."

Bakun emphasized that the commitment of sponsors extends beyond financial contributions. "The Safer Gambling Zone will serve as a central hub for debate, discussion, and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of player protection within the industry," she stated. "Many of the significant advancements in safer gambling that will be implemented throughout 2025 and beyond will undoubtedly stem from the valuable discussions and partnerships forged within this dedicated space."

The launch of the SGZ reflects the industry's evolving approach to player protection, shifting the focus from compliance to proactive measures. "The overarching objective of the Sustainable Gambling Zone is to prioritize the development of healthy play from the very beginning of the player journey," explained Bakun. "This entails integrating safer gambling considerations into every aspect of the player experience, rather than treating it as an afterthought or a mere compliance requirement. Our goal is to foster a more sustainable business model where players can enjoy their gambling entertainment responsibly, while ensuring that those at risk of developing problems receive the necessary support and guidance."

ICE was a pioneer in promoting safer gambling within the industry, establishing the first-ever Consumer Protection Zone at its exhibition seven years ago. This pioneering initiative paved the way for other events to follow suit. The 2025 SGZ, occupying a substantial 490sqm of space within the Fast Forward area of the show floor, underscores the industry's unwavering commitment to player protection and sustainability.

The SGZ will host a diverse range of activities, including three days of educational content dedicated to consumer protection and ESG. Featuring over 26 leading safer gambling bodies, including prominent Spanish organizations such as ASENCAS and FEJAR, the zone will provide a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders.

The launch of the Sustainable Gambling Zone at ICE Barcelona marks a significant step forward in the industry's ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming and ensure a safe and sustainable environment for all players.