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Will we see operators using facial recognition software soon?

Betting Shop Manager of the Year Sandra Gilmartin reports from the Excel centre

Sandra Gilmartin (right) with Rachel O'Reilly, SIS major account manager
Sandra Gilmartin (right) with Rachel O'Reilly, SIS major account manager

This being my last opportunity for discovery, I decided to immerse myself in the ‘thick of things’.

During my three days at ICE I have seen bespoke furniture for casinos to Bitcoin, playing-card distributors to lottery software . . . something for everyone.

I attended the latest unveiling from NetEnt, an online slot for the Gordon Ramsay-themed Hell’s Kitchen, whose launch was exciting, boisterous and fun.

Next, I visited SG Gaming, whose launch of the new Jackpot Wars was a little more laid-back but just as interesting. This is, I imagine, gamers’ paradise.

What fascinated me most was facial recognition from Innovative Technology Ltd – a stand I just stumbled across – where I met Christian Czeskleba, senior business development manager.

Christian guided me through, explaining it has its own algorithms to verify age and new faces instantly, which therefore can allow operators to identify customers who have self excluded or are underage.

Will I see the industry using such software in the future? Maybe not immediately, but someday certainly.

I also paid a visit to the Casino Uniforms stand. It was there that I was reminded of an article I read in the Daily Mail about the outfits worn by some of the promotional hostesses.

I have been roaming through this exhibition for three days and I can honestly say that as a woman, I was not offended by anything I saw.

The issue involved a tiny minority and while yes, I do agree that any lady in a catsuit with a tail is mistakenly OTT, let's be careful not to return to an unnecessarily outdated world.

The great majority of these hostesses were dressed appropriately, prettily even, many were fashionable and inoffensive.

As someone who has no dealings with media and journalism, simply a reader and observer, I would compare the media and journalistic world to being a fashion too.

It is fashionable at the moment for some people to vilify the gambling industry, it sells papers.

Let’s accept we do need to read, listen and learn from any negative connotations, be it a written piece, picture or documentary.

That's important, but my guess is because of all the positive strides we are determinedly making, our industry's vilification will soon become unfashionable!

Thank you to the Racing Post, SIS and my employer Paddy Power for this wonderful, eye-opening opportunity.

I had a truly great three days and look forward to returning for Ice London 2021.

ICE London returns 2-4 February 2021, again at the ExCeL


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Published on 6 February 2020inBusiness

Last updated 16:34, 6 February 2020

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