Vienna Calling: ViGE 2017 Launches with a Blast
Published April 9, 2017 by Lee R
Organisers in Vienna were thankful to fuse the wonders of Vienna with the future of Central European iGaming.
Two weeks clear of the closing of the doors at the inaugural Vienna International Gaming Expo ViGE, the thrilled organizers are enthusiastically extending their thanks to all exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and delegates who attended ViGE 2017 March 20-22 at Austria Center Vienna.
Much to Be Thankful For
Organised by EEG Events, the three-day expo successfully united land and online-based gambling professionals to focus on Central Europe.
Exhibition Floor
The massive exhibition floor offered delegates an open networking area with sumptuous on-site catering and palate-cleaning beers sponsored by Lotto Hero in one of the beer capitals of the world.
Day One Highlights
Day One of ViGE examined recent regulatory topics in Central Europe with emphasis on the challenges operators, suppliers and affiliates face in regulated market conditions common to Central European jurisdictions, with legal experts updating attendees on the current status of the online gambling markets of Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Germany and the recently regulated Czech Republic.
Another Day 1 highlight was an exciting IMGL Masterclass special panel covering the risks and challenges faced by affiliates, operators and platforms working in regulated markets.
First Day Speakers
Keynote speakers providing regulatory briefings on Day 1 included Dr. Arthur Stadler of the Austrian Association for Betting and Gaming; Mag. Claus Retschitzegger of the Austrian Association for Betting and Gaming/CEO at Bet-at-home); and Hrvoje Vincetic of Casino Adriatic.
Legendary Network Evening
At night an unforgettable Networking Party sponsored by Prague Gaming Summit overflowed with great music and libations supporting interaction among attendees in a more “informal” atmosphere at a local Vienna hotspot.
Day 2: Responsible Gaming
Day 2 of ViGE 2017 kicked into gear with conversations on the most recent developments regarding the implementation of Responsible Gambling and Innovations projects in the industry.
Challenges to Projects
The discussion later saw Responsible Gambling project experts and leaders identify industry challenges on the horizon, with keynote speakers including Roman Nesshold of the Austria Institute of Gambling and Addiction; Dan Iliovici of Rombet; Malcolm Bruce of Gambling Integrity; and Pieter Remmers of Assissa.
AI Series
Expert AI panels on Virtual Reality VR and Big Data in DFS were joined by AI luminaries such as recently appointed BtoBet CEO Kostandina Zafirovska; Lotto Hero Lottery software designer Angelo Dalli of Bit8; and Valery Bollier of Oulala Games.
Day 3: Regulation
Day 3 was dedicated to all things Austria in focusing on the regulatory climate in Austria.
Forecast
With post-event data indicating a high level of engagement and learning on the part of all attendees, the ViGE conference looks prepared to guide effective integration in Central Europe for years to come, and next year’s event should definitely be even better.
