Presented at ICE Barcelona by Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter, the Award has been created in memory of respected gambling industry writer David Orrick who passed in September 2024 aged 75.

Making the presentation, Stuart Hunter said: “Last year the industry sadly lost one of its most ardent and articulate supporters with the passing of David Orrick., who worked in the industry first as a journalist editing trade title EuroSlot and then heading-up PR and media relations for a raft of internationally recognised gambling brands.

“From the moment he joined the industry in 1995 he participated in our events first as a journalist and then as an exhibitor handling comms for many of the land-based sector’s best known manufacturers. 

“David was a formidable personality steeped in the industry, highly knowledgeable and internationally respected. When David shared his opinion you listened and took note of his insights. He was a true ‘critical friend’ and made important contributions to the success of our brands not least ICE which he supported with a passion. He is greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

“In David’s honour and having consulted with his family we decided to launch a special award which carries his name. The David Orrick Journalist Of The Year Award recognises the talent and dedication which exists within the community of writers who report on the industry. Often overlooked, they provide an essential service helping to bring together games creators and providers with consumer-facing brands. 

“To launch the David Orrick Award we invited publishers to nominate one of their star writers.  From what was an extremely high quality short list a judging panel comprising members of the Clarion team identified our inaugural winner. Described by our judges as being extremely talented, diligent, easy to build a rapport with incisive and knowledgeable. I am delighted to confirm G3’s Will Bolton as the winner of the inaugural David Orrick Journalist of the Year.”

David’s son James Davidson reflected: “David lived and breathed the industry with everything that he had. It wasn’t a job , it was a way of life and something that he cherished dearly. David is hugely missed but he would be undoubtedly proud of the fact that his work and commitment to the industry has been valued. This Award would be something he would have hugely endorsed and shared avidly with the winners. Thank you for creating an award that shares and recognises David’s work.”