This year's European i-Gaming Congress and Expo (EiG) features some of the industry's more well-known and outspoken personalities, many of whom were on display during conference sessions running across the morning and early afternoon hours. IGN is on hand and would like to present a sample of the more memorable quotes captured through the first two days of meetings.
"Segmentation could have a huge impact on our industry, on any industry."
- From 888 CEO Gigi Levy during his keynote address. Click here to read more.
"I don't think it's just a dream; it's probably a nightmare."
- From Andre Wilsenach, chief executive of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, during his remarks on whether harmonized EU I-gaming regulation is a "dream or a real-life possibility."
"It's not a human right to gamble; it's a human right to demand to gamble."
- From Rolf Sims, legal advisor to the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs, during his spirited discussion of the country's gambling monopoly. Incidentally, Sims later confirmed Culture Minister Trond Giske's proposal to ban payments to foreign gambling operators was "on the drawing board."
"Norway wants the cake and eats it. You're on the wrong track."
- From Parlay European Managing Director Steve Cook in response to Sims' remarks on Norwegian gaming policy.
"This year has not been particularly fun--to use a bad analogy, you play with the cards you're dealt."
- From Neteller Chief Executive Ron Martin.
"With respect to our French friends, they can be quite slippery."
- From Sportingbet CEO Andy McIver in response to news that France may be considering a controlled opening of its sports betting market.
"There's no such thing as bad weather, there's only bad clothing. This is the industry we've chosen to work in."
- From Unibet Chief Executive Petter Nylander.
"The profile of the Unibet cycling team, owing partially to the fact cycling teams are one of only few teams in professional sports named after their sponsors, helped bring the EU debate on sports betting policy to a more public forum."
- From Ewout Keuleers, legal counsel for Unibet.
"The United Kingdom is not the place to be licensed . . . if you have a disaster, then relocate to the United Kingdom . . . with respect to its advertising regime, however, this is how the United Kingdom got it right."
- From attorney John Hagan of the London-based law firm Harris Hagan.
Chris Krafcik is the editor of IGamingNews. He lives in St. Louis, Mo.