EUROMAT holds 2011 Annual General Meeting in Sofia and re-elects President and First Vice-President

Friday, 27 May 2011 – The European Gaming and Amusement Federation, EUROMAT, gathered in Sofia today on the occasion of its Annual General Meeting.

The meeting was marked by the reelection of Ms. Annette Kok (Netherlands) as President, Mr. Helmut Kafka (Austria) as First Vice-President, and Mr. Roberto Dongiovanni (Belgium) as Treasurer of the Federation. “In 2007 when I was first elected first Vice President, I pointed out to the regulation of gambling, the economics of gambling and the social impact of gambling as the three pillars which, we, as an organization needed to face head on. Four years later, I look back with a considerable degree of satisfaction with what we as an organization have achieved since then”, said Annette Kok.  “Economic and regulatory challenges continue to threaten entrepreneurs in the gaming sector and as such we will continue to push for equitable and fair regulation which is evidence- based and ensures a level playing field for all gaming service providers, regardless of the channel through which they distribute their service”.

This year’s Annual General Assembly focused on the challenges ahead for the European gaming industry in Europe and approved the objectives of EUROMAT for the year 2011-12, which will include an intensive program to strengthen even more the already existing cooperation with all EU institutions to ensure a level playing field across the entire gambling arena. Furthermore, EUROMAT will also continue to increase the support and advice provided to members in their efforts at national level to pursue fair rules and equitable taxation for all operators.

The Federation released its most recent industry figures, which show that the industry had a turnover of almost 21 billion Euro and employs some 300,000 people across the EU.  Two new members, the Croatian Amusement & Music Operators (UPZI) and the Polish Employers Association of Amusement Branch (OZPBR) were welcomed as new members.

 
Note to Editors:

EUROMAT is the European Gaming and Amusement Federation, established in 1979, represents manufacturers, distributors and operators of gaming machines outside casinos of 20 European countries with a combined industry turnover of 21 billion Euro, directly employing approximately 350,000 European citizens, and accounting for 20% of the overall gambling sector. EUROMAT's membership includes 23 national gaming associations from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France (observer), Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

For further information please contact:

EUROMAT Secretariat

Maria Cohn

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