In a recent episode of The Under Pressure Podcast, Alex Pratt, Managing Director at Clarion Events Gaming, shared insights into his journey in the iGaming industry. He reflected on the early days of iGaming Business (IGB), which he joined in 2004, and its evolution from a small magazine within sport business to a leading media and events company.
He highlighted key milestones, including the launch of the first affiliate event in 2008, and discussed challenges such as a rebrand due to a conflict of interest with a partner.
Pratt also spoke about the acquisition of IGB by Clarion Events in 2016 and his current role as CEO of Clarion Gaming. A major topic of discussion was the recent relocation of ICE (International Casino Exhibition) from London to Barcelona. He explained that the move was driven by customer feedback on costs and venue capacity in London, along with the opportunity to build a stronger partnership with a welcoming city like Barcelona.
Looking ahead, Pratt identified emerging markets such as the UAE as significant opportunities for the industry. He also highlighted the transformative role of AI and other technological advancements in shaping the future of gaming.
Reflecting on his experiences, Pratt offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Listen—this market loves to share. Be good, be kind, and everything comes back around. Karma moves much faster in the iGaming industry than anywhere else because we are a very small world.”
He also paid tribute to industry figures like Brian Balsbaugh of CasinoMeister for their ethical influence on the sector. The conversation wrapped up with an optimistic outlook on the future of iGaming and the continued success of ICE in Barcelona.
