Gaming in Africa (almost the whole of Africa) is big business, and set to be even bigger in the future. Thus the reason for ICE Africa, the first time that the globally respected ICE brand has been used outside of the United Kingdom. ICE organisers, Clarion Gaming, seeing the opportunity for their own expansion, committed to assisting the further development of gaming across the African continent, from Egypt in the north to South Africa at the south, and stressed from the outset that ICE Africa was to be an event for all of Africa, irrespective of nationality.

So ICE Africa, held at the Sandton Convention Center from 24th to 25th October, opened its doors to welcome attendees from 25 African nations, part of a pre-registered 90+ countries attracted by the opportunity to open new doors of opportunity.

Merkur Gaming, the first tier one company to commit to exhibiting at ICE Africa, were present in strength, displaying products and gaming solutions for both the casino and LPM (the African equivalent for AWP or street gaming) sectors.

Sales Director, International, Markus Wessler was delighted to be able to report a highly successful show, stating: “Our expectations before ICE Africa opened were relatively modest. In the event, however, we exceeded those expectations and by a long way. We displayed both our casino and LPM product ranges and we benefitted from the expertise of our local ally, MP Gaming. Visitors came not just from South Africa but from many different African nations, including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Uganda. We were also able to conclude, at the show, a significant casino machine trial agreement with one of South Africa’s largest operators, something that was very pleasing indeed.”

Mr. Wessler also stated that the number of show visitors was much higher than anticipated and that the interest in Merkur Gaming products, from both gaming sectors, was at a consistently high level. He also closed by congratulating Clarion Gaming on this first overseas event under the ICE brand. “I think that we all, exhibitors and visitors, should congratulate the ICE Africa organizers on a job very well done. Given this success I can predict that the show will become a feature on the annual calendar and also that many doors of opportunity will open for the expansion of gaming entertainment throughout the African continent.”

The booth of Merkur Gaming on ICE Africa 2018.