The 2003 International Casino Exhibition will be the last to be held on level 2 of Earls Court 1. The burgeoning show, which in a decade has grown from just 37 to 150 exhibitors, will make the short move to Earls Court 2 for the 2004 show.

Peter Rusbridge, chief executive of organising company ATE, explained: „In ICE we have one of the fastest growing exhibitions in the show calendar. The simple fact is that the current home on the upper level of Earls Court 1 is not capable of accommodating any future expansion, hence the decision to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Earls Court 2.“

The decision to relocate will be welcomed by exhibitors, many of whom have been lobbying for such a move. With the large rides manufacturers, who were the previous occupants, now being catered for by Euro Amusement Show, ICE organisers have seized the opportunity. ICE sales manager, Karen Cooke believes that the benefits of relocating go beyond the need to accommodate continued expansion of the show. She said: „By being on the ground floor, build-up will be far easier, giving an improved service to our customers. Also the same height restrictions will not apply, providing stand designers with a freer hand.“

Cooke added: „Few would have predicted the development of the show from its modest origins in the Pillar Hall at Olympia to its current status. The move to Earls Court 2 represents a significant „coming of age“ for a show which many feel is the best gaming and gambling event in the world.“