ECA Casino Industry Forum & ECA General Assembly II 2026

The European Casino Association is pleased to invite you to the ECA Casino Industry Forum & ECA General Assembly II 2026, taking place at Gran Madrid | Casino Torrequebrada in Benalmádena, Spain, from 18 to 20 October 2026. This year’s Forum will be hosted by Casino Gran Madrid, and the ECA warmly thanks its leadership and management for their invitation, the considerable effort they are investing in the event and the welcome they are preparing for all participants.

Gran Madrid | Casino Torrequebrada, one of the Costa del Sol’s most distinctive casino and entertainment destinations, provides an ideal setting for industry discussions, professional exchange and networking. The nearest international airport is Málaga – Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located approximately 13 km from the venue.

We are bringing together an excellent line‑up of speakers across four key areas, built from keynotes, short inputs, interviews and panels, in a deliberately faster and more interactive format than in previous years. The programme is designed around the decisions casino leaders face and will focus on:

• Leadership

How leaders sustain clarity, courage and energy at a time when the ground beneath the licensed and compliant gaming industry is shaking. Drawing on experience from preparing Olympic athletes and teams, we will explore why performance is rarely lost on analysis or effort but on energy that is badly managed, and then bring this into the reality of running a casino business today, including the growing challenge of finding, keeping and re‑skilling people.

• Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has moved from experiment to expectation. The question is no longer whether to adopt it, but where it genuinely creates value and where it quietly creates risk. We will look at applications such as facial recognition for fast, frictionless entrance and identification of PEPs, sanctioned individuals and barred guests, alongside the emerging threat landscape in which the same technologies allow even amateurs to build tools against classic live games, and how cyber resilience has become a board responsibility rather than an IT matter.

• Anti‑Money Laundering

The single AML Regulation and the new European authority, AMLA, have replaced a national patchwork with a framework that is harmonised in ambition but still undefined in detail. AMLA’s current call for input will shape how national supervisors classify and supervise every licensed operator. We will set out where the technical standards stand, what proportionality realistically means for land‑based and online operations, and which decisions boards must take now rather than once the Regulation applies.

• Winning the Market

The licensed casino sector faces significant pressures, including competition from the illegal market, rising taxes, advertising restrictions and increasing compliance costs. At the same time, operators still have considerable scope to differentiate, attract new customers and strengthen loyalty. Through keynotes, presentations and concrete case studies from inside and outside the casino sector, this programme area will examine how operators can develop new business and compete more effectively through products, concepts, hospitality, entertainment or a combination of these.

Gran Madrid | Casino Torrequebrada offers an attractive environment for both the formal programme and informal networking. Delegates will also have opportunities to experience the venue and the surrounding region as part of the Forum’s social programme.

Please note: To maintain a high level of interaction and meaningful discussion, participation is limited and places are allocated in the order in which registrations arrive. We therefore strongly recommend registering early to secure your place.

Complete event details, including the evolving programme and speaker information, will be available on the ECA event website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Benalmádena as we collectively address the challenges and opportunities facing the European casino industry.

REGISTRATION AND DEADLINES

Please complete the online registration form on this page to confirm your participation. When registering, you will be asked to provide your arrival and departure dates, which will be used as the basis for hotel planning.[Attachment]

If the event reaches full capacity, further registrations may be placed on a waiting list. In such a case, you will be informed by the ECA Secretariat.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Hotel accommodation for forum participants is being coordinated centrally by Casino Gran Madrid with the adjacent hotel. The hotel does not provide a dedicated booking link or passcode for this event.

Casino Gran Madrid has pre‑reserved a block of rooms in various categories (single, double and suites) for forum participants. Payment for accommodation will be made directly by participants to the hotel upon arrival, and the hotel will issue the accommodation invoice.

The process for hotel allocation is as follows:

1. You register for the forum using this form and indicate your arrival and departure dates.

2. On the basis of the registration list, Casino Gran Madrid will contact participants by email from September onwards with details of the available room categories and the corresponding rates, and will invite you to indicate your preferred room type.

3. Casino Gran Madrid will then confirm your room category and reservation directly with you and with the hotel, subject to availability.

4. You will settle your hotel bill at the hotel upon check‑out.

Because room categories and availability are limited, room preferences will be honoured in the order in which they are received, as far as possible.

HOSPITALITY CONTRIBUTION (FOOD AND BEVERAGE)

To help cover the costs of food and beverage during the forum, a hospitality contribution of EUR 120 per participant applies. This contribution supports the costs of coffee breaks, lunches, dinners and other hosted F&B services during the event .

Invited speakers are exempted from this contribution. Information on any other applicable exemptions and on accompanying persons will be communicated individually where relevant.

Casino Gran Madrid has now launched a dedicated website for the forum, where you can pay your hospitality contribution online by card. The same website also provides useful practical information on travel to and around Madrid, as well as accommodation options.

Please note: once your payment has been completed, you will automatically receive an invoice that can be used for your travel expense report and for your company’s bookkeeping.

Pay your hospitality contribution and find travel and accommodation information here: https://casinogranmadrid.com/european-casino-association

For participants who are unable to pay online in advance, the hospitality contribution can also be settled on site at the venue, where an invoice or receipt will be provided.

TRAVEL AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Casino Gran Madrid is preparing a dedicated information page for forum participants that will include:

• General information about the venue and the surrounding area

• Recommended travel options and local transport (airport connections, taxi and train information, shuttle arrangements where applicable)

• Hotel check‑in and check‑out times

• Casino entry requirements and dress code

• Practical information about the hospitality package and on‑site payments

A link to this dedicated information page will be sent to registered participants and published here as soon as it is available. We recommend that you consult this page before arranging your travel.

DECLARATION OF CONSENT: PHOTOGRAPHS, RECORDINGS AND OTHER PERSONAL DATA

By selecting the respective confirmation in the electronic registration form, I consent to photographs, video recordings and other recordings being taken of me by or on behalf of the European Casino Association (“ECA”) during the ECA Casino Industry Forum & ECA General Assembly II 2026 (“the Event”).

I also consent to my name, professional affiliation and any event-related participation or results concerning me being made public by the ECA.

I understand that I will not be entitled to receive any payment or other compensation for the use of images, recordings or information relating to me.

The ECA shall have the right to use the personal data described above, without geographical or time limitation, by means of fixation, reproduction, editing, publication, licensing, distribution and incorporation into other works, in any format, including printed and electronic publications, websites, social media, films and videos, for the purpose of communicating and promoting the ECA’s activities and interests, without any obligation on the part of the ECA to obtain further authorisation from me.

The participant may withdraw their consent at any time by writing to:

European Casino Association
Rue du Commerce 31
1000 Brussels
Belgium

or by sending an email to secretary.general@europeancasinoassociation.org.

The withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out on the basis of consent before its withdrawal.

PRIVACY STATEMENT

ECA Casino Industry Forum & ECA General Assembly II 2026

Gran Madrid | Casino Torrequebrada, Benalmádena, Spain
18–20 October 2026

Data Protection Information for Event Registrations

In accordance with Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”)

1. RESPONSIBILITY

This event is organised by the European Casino Association (“ECA”), which is the data controller responsible for processing your personal data.

Responsibility for the collection and processing of personal data in connection with registrations for the ECA Casino Industry Forum & ECA General Assembly II 2026 lies with:

European Casino Association
Rue du Commerce 31
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Telephone: +32 496 30 99 88
Emaiofficerl: officer@europeancasinoassociation.org

Hereinafter referred to as the “ECA”.

2. DESCRIPTION OF DATA PROCESSING, PURPOSES AND TYPES OF DATA

To manage registrations for the in-person ECA event held at Gran Madrid | Casino Torrequebrada in Benalmádena, Spain, the ECA uses registration forms operated by Corsizio, a service provided by the US-based company Matrix Fusions Inc.

Different categories of personal data may be collected and processed. These include, in particular:

• Personal and professional details, such as your first name, surname, email address, organisation and professional position;
• Event-related information, such as your arrival and departure dates, participation status, dietary requirements and hotel-booking information; and
• Technical and connection data, such as telephone numbers, country information, access times and IP addresses.

Your consent may be requested for:

• Photographs and video recordings relating to the Event;
• The inclusion of your name and professional affiliation in a participant list that may be shared with other participants, speakers, hosts or organisers of the Event; and
• Invitations and information concerning future events organised by the ECA.

You can provide your consent through the online event-registration form.

The following sections provide further information about the scope of the data processing.

2.1 Required data and functions

When you register to participate in the Event, you will receive a confirmation by email. During registration, you will be required to provide your name, contact details and any other information necessary for the organisation and administration of the Event.

The ECA will store and process only the information you provide during the registration process and any information subsequently provided in connection with your participation.

Corsizio may also collect the user and technical data required to provide its services, technical support, operational support and service improvements.

2.2 Voluntary information and functions

You may voluntarily provide additional information about yourself, including information concerning dietary requirements, accessibility requirements or other needs relevant to your participation.

Any voluntary information you provide through the event-registration process will be processed for the purposes of organising and administering the Event and will be retained at least for the duration of the Event.

Where dietary, accessibility or similar information reveals health-related information, it will be processed only where necessary and with your explicit consent.

2.3 Automated decision-making

The ECA will not use your personal data to make decisions about you based solely on automated processing.

Automated decisions are decisions made without meaningful human involvement. Where applicable, you have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing that produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you.

3. LEGAL BASIS FOR DATA PROCESSING

Where you participate in the Event as an external participant, your personal data may be processed on the basis of Article 6(1)(b) GDPR where the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with you or in order to take steps at your request before entering into a contract.

Where processing in connection with the Event is not necessary for the performance of a contract or the implementation of pre-contractual measures, it may be carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

The ECA’s legitimate interests include organising and administering professional events, communicating with participants, maintaining professional and business contacts and providing services associated with ECA activities.

Where you voluntarily provide additional information or choose to use functions that are not strictly necessary for your participation, the processing may take place on the basis of your consent in accordance with Articles 6(1)(a) and 7 GDPR. Where special categories of personal data are involved, the processing may also be based on your explicit consent in accordance with Article 9(2)(a) GDPR.

You may withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future. Processing carried out before the withdrawal of consent remains lawful.

Your personal data will not be further processed for purposes that are incompatible with those described in this Privacy Statement.

4. DISCLOSURE AND INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER OF YOUR DATA

As a general principle, the ECA does not disclose your personal data to third parties unless:

• The disclosure is necessary for the organisation or delivery of the Event;
• You have expressly consented to the disclosure;
• The disclosure is necessary for the performance of a contract with you; or
• The ECA is legally obliged or otherwise legally entitled to disclose the information.

Corsizio supports the ECA as an external service provider and data processor within the meaning of Article 28 GDPR. As a data processor, Corsizio processes personal data according to the ECA’s instructions and on the basis of a data-processing agreement.

Further information concerning Corsizio’s data-processing arrangements is available at:

Corsizio Data Processing Agreement: [CORSIZIO DPA LINK TO BE ADDED]

The ECA has selected data-storage arrangements within the European Union. Nevertheless, it cannot be completely excluded that personal data may also be accessed or otherwise processed outside the European Union or European Economic Area, particularly in connection with technical support or services provided by Corsizio or its subcontractors.

Where personal data are transferred to a country outside the European Union or European Economic Area that has not been recognised as providing an adequate level of data protection, the transfer will be subject to appropriate safeguards in accordance with Articles 44 to 49 GDPR. These safeguards may include the European Commission’s standard contractual clauses and supplementary data-protection measures.

5. RECIPIENTS OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA

The recipients of your personal data may include:

• ECA staff and representatives responsible for organising, managing and following up on the Event;
• Representatives of the host venue where access to the information is necessary for accommodation, catering, security or event organisation;
• Contracted service providers acting on the ECA’s behalf;
• Speakers, moderators or other Event partners where necessary for the organisation of the Event; and
• Other registered participants, but only where you have consented to being included in a participant list.

Recipients will receive only the personal data necessary for their respective tasks.

6. RETENTION AND DELETION OF YOUR DATA

The ECA processes and stores your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which the information was collected.

Personal data may be stored for a longer period where this is necessary to comply with legal obligations or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

Unless a longer retention period is required for legal or administrative reasons, the ECA will delete the personal data provided for the Event no later than two months after the Event. This does not include photographs, audio recordings or video recordings that have already been published.

Where you have expressly consented to the retention of your contact details for the purpose of receiving invitations or information about future ECA events, those contact details may be retained until you withdraw your consent.

You may request the deletion of data processed on the basis of your consent at any time. The ECA will deal with your request within 15 working days following receipt of the request or, where further clarification is required, following the latest correspondence relating to that request.

Photographs, audio recordings and video recordings that have already been included in printed publications, videos, archived webpages or other completed publications may remain available in those formats. Where reasonably possible, the ECA will cease using the material for new publications following the withdrawal of consent.

7. YOUR RIGHTS AS A DATA SUBJECT

Under Article 15 GDPR, you have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether the ECA is processing personal data concerning you and, where this is the case, to obtain access to that data.

You may also have the right to:

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data under Article 16 GDPR;
• Request the deletion of your personal data where one of the conditions in Article 17 GDPR applies;
• Request the restriction of processing where one of the conditions in Article 18 GDPR applies;
• Receive personal data you have provided in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format, and transmit that data to another controller, where Article 20 GDPR applies; and
• Withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

Where your personal data are processed on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, you also have the right to object to the processing at any time on grounds relating to your particular situation.

Following an objection, the ECA will no longer process the relevant personal data unless it can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override your interests, rights and freedoms, or where the processing is required for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

You can exercise your data-protection rights by contacting:

secretary.general@europeancasinoassociation.org

The ECA will respond to your request in accordance with the time limits prescribed by the GDPR.