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Editor's Comment - January 2007
As you read this, the casino industry gears up for the ICE show in London, breathing a sigh of relief that EELEX moved to September. Thoughts turn to Christmas for those that celebrate it, or perhaps just to some much-needed time off.
Our ICE preview kicks off on page 48, with 14 pages and umpteen companies supplying previews of their products, hopes and expectations of the major European casino show.
Of course, the show season never really ends, but a short breather is usually had after ICE for most companies. Who knows – it has been postulated that perhaps many European companies will not be attending next year’s G2E thanks to its new proximity to ICE, which many on this side of the world consider to be taking over as the number one show.
There are interesting moves afoot with many chains too, with suggested takeovers imminent. One that has gone through is the Seminole tribe’s acquisition of Rank Group’s Hard Rock Cafe chain, 132 worldwide outlets which represents a huge growth spurt for the tribe’s business. I wanted to congratulate them on the deal, reportedly worth $965m; it’s an interesting purchase, and hopefully the chain will see similar success to the Seminolerun Hard Rock hotels and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood.
Anyway, that’s enough from me – you’ve got some reading to do.
See you in London!
Jon Bruford, Editor.
jonbruford@yahoo.co.uk
