November 29, 2016 — Sofia, Bulgaria

Great interest was shown this year towards the leading exhibition of the gaming and entertainment industry in Eastern Europe – BEGE Expo 2016. More than 60 leading companies in the industry participated at this year exposition. Many new companies became exhibitors for the first time and long-term partners from around the world once again were part of BEGE Expo.

For the ninth consecutive year the exhibition defines the guidelines for development and trends in the industry on the Balkans and Eastern Europe. BEGE Expo presents the technological advances in the sector and opens new business horizons for companies. Non-cash payment systems, the latest trends in slot machines and online gaming were showcased at the exhibition. “We are proud that for the ninth consecutive year we host the largest exhibition in the gaming industry in Eastern Europe. BEGE Expo 2016 certainly builds on the success of previous editions with more exhibitors and visitors than the previous ones,” Angel Iribozov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry explained

Exhibitors, present for the first time, were Betomall, CPI, Imperia Games, Info-kod., Merkur Gaming, Moniko, KOTWA – The Shuffle King Company, Roulette 73, Spintec, ZUUM, Advartwall, Magica Gaming, Concierge Sofia, eCasino, Easy CSMS and others. They displayed rich portfolio of new and well known products.

Amongst the traditional exhibitors were EGT, Casino Technology, Novomatic Gaming Industries, Alfastreet Trade BG, Abbiati, IGT, Royale Stool, Innovative Technology, Alpha Display, Bulgames, Alfastreet, Advansys, Alberici, Abbiati, AlfaStreet Trade BG, APEX, BetConstruct, CGI, JPL, Interblock, NSoft, SUZOHAPP, Alpha Display, E-Service, NYX, SBTech, Proxima 3, Gold Club, Casino Systems Production, JPL, Avant-X Technology, Fininvest, Future Gaming, Mini Golf, Cards Print and others, who showed products with a great value for gaming and entertainment industry.

The annual ceremony of BEGE Awards took place on the second day of the exhibition. The awards were presented for outstanding contributions and achievements in the gaming industry. This year prizes were in 12 different categories and there were special awards.

The winners got unique crystal statuettes. EGT were awarded for the most advanced portfolio of slot machines, Novomatic Gaming Industries – for unique casino product concept. For the most complete casino management system, Advansys was awarded. Apex Gaming grabbed the prize for the most innovative live game product.

Casino Technology was awarded for a unique landbased to online solution that connects the classic casino to the mobile and online gaming era. For a unique platform solution in sports betting the statuette went to Betconstruct. In the category for component supplier, award for the most diverse component portfolio received SUZZOHAPP. NYX Gaming Group took crystal statuette in the category best iGaming platform and game aggregator and the most diverse portfolio of electronic multiplayer table leader is Interblock. Award for the biggest online games portfolio took Microgaming. For the most innovative multigame interface the award went to IGT. For most complex cash handling portfolio Innovative Technology was prized. For debut at BEGE Expo the award was handed to Merkur Gaming.

After the ceremony the traditional discussion with the Bulgarian State Gambling Commission took place. This year the deputy Finance Minister Bekir Feyzi was amongst the speakers.

Along with business opportunities, BEGE Expo offered entertainment program for visitors and exhibitors – beauty contest Miss Gaming BEGE was held, tastings of gourmet delights was available, demonstration of rejuvenating massages and unique bartender show with free cocktails were at visitors and exhibitors disposal.
18 beauties participated in Miss Gaming BEGE and they were selected for the competition by Royale Palms Casinos, Casino Hrizantema, Sezame, Luxor Gaming Club, Sofia Princess Casino, Viva! Casino Sofia, Admiral club, eCasino.bg, Eldorado Slot Club – Belgrade, Gaming halls Palms Bet and Bet Eldorado, gaming clubs Sezame, CGI club, Gaming club Luxor, Queens club, chain of gambling halls Mystic, WINBET, and Palms.
Merkur Casino and the leading licensed bookmaker in Bulgaria – Eurofootball. The three winners of Miss Gaming BEGE were announced at the after party of BEGE in a famous night club. General sponsor of the event was Casino Technology, gold sponsor – EGT and silver – SUZOHAPP. Miss Gaming BEGE 2016 became the Admiral`s Club favorite – Milica Markovic, her first runner-up was the girl, chosen by Sofia Princess Casino – Bilyana Lazarova, and at third place was Denitsa Petkova, who presented casino Sezame. The Audience Favorite was Miss Palms Merkur Casino – Angie Georgieva. Spa Demetra, eCasino, Guerlain, Magama gave special awards to the contestants.

more than 100 students from leading universities in Bulgaria participated in the special “Career Center”, organized by BEGE Expo during those two days of the exhibition. They were given an information about vacancies in the industry and got acquainted with potential employers.

As the ninth edition of BEGE Expo gained great interest, the organisers prepare a unique program with many events and surprises for the 10th-anniversary edition of BEGE Expo in 2017. The next year exhibition will leave a lasting mark in the gaming industry. The jubilee edition will be held again next November at the Inter Expo Center, Sofia.