The International Casino Exhibition (ICE) is one of the largest and most attended expos held for the global gambling industry. Of particular interest for OCC readers are the happenings that took place within the interactive, iGaming section of ICEi 2007. The two most notable events within the ICEi sector were the unveiling of the largest comprehensive survey of online gamblers prepared by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation Assurance (eCOGRA) and an in-depth round table discussion regarding new innovations and standards in promoting and enforcing responsible online gambling.

Aimed at better understanding the average online gambler, the eCOGRA six-month survey was a massive undertaking. The demographic results were surprising, to say the least, in that the average online casino gambler is not a thirty-something male as some gaming analysts were thought to believe. Rather, the demographics show that middle-aged women are gambling online the most, making up over 54% of casino players. The survey offers priceless information in terms of marketing and strategic planning, and will ultimately help to create a better online gaming experience.

The private round table discussion was hosted by Microgaming CEO, Roger Raatgever, and attended by several high profile gaming executives, player advocates and persons well versed in online gaming regulation. Although specific details of the discussions have not been revealed as of yet, it is known their intent was to discuss international regulation standards, common codes of practice (much like those advocated by eCOGRA) and educational moral campaigns seeking to clarify the notion of what it means to responsibly gamble online.

As for the exhibitors, there were a few faces notably missing. Online casino software and gaming developers, Cryptologic and Real Time Gaming both backed out at the very last moment. Understandably, Real Time Gaming has been faced with some uncertainty of late. There has been some recent speculation they are considering moving their company headquarters from Atlanta, Georgia to the online gambling friendly residence of Costa Rica. As for Cryptologic, they have long been making a shift to cater to the European and Asian markets. On the other hand, Playtech, who has already infiltrated Asia, had a strong presence at ICEi, and unveiled more plans to expand their online bingo and arcade games offering.

Despite moves by the US Department of Justice to bully U.S. facing online gambling companies, the outlook at ICEi was overwhelmingly optimistic and constructive. Some of the standout exhibitions included one by mobile online gaming systems developer and Microgaming partner, Spin3. On display was Spin3's brand new GameWire Multi-Link application, which enables online casino operators to seamlessly integrate software with a customized, wireless mobile casino (See our recent news article on GameWire Multi-Link by Spin3). Also on the agenda at the Spin3 is an upcoming game launch presumably consisting of a selection of Asian games, including Online Mahjong.

Swedish-based online casino software pioneer, Boss Media, had one of the busiest and well-attended exhibits. Attracting the most attention was a fun audience participation game in which two players put on headsets apparently rigged to measure brainwave activity. A game of brain power then ensues in which each player tries to "will" a wireless ball into their opponents territory.

Behind-the-scenes operations at Boss Media reveal several innovations, including a new Flash poker software platform, which the company says will likely get an addition of graphically vamped online casino games as well. Some online slot games to be on the lookout for include a new car racing themed machine called Formula X, Fortunes of Egypt, Lost City, Fireburner, Money Wheel and the video poker game, Showdown Poker. Boss is also working on several software developments, including new data analysis features, and Players Online, which allows players to see all of the multiplayer activity taking place in the online casino at the time of logging in.

Online Casino Conditions is proud to report on the success of ICEi, and commends all those who attended. The round table discussion regarding responsible online gaming standards and the enlightening results of the largest survey of online gamblers to date, are certainly favorable signs that the online gambling industry is heading in a positive and productive direction.

For more information on the International Casino Exhibition, visit: www.icei-exhibition.com