Naturally there were some teething problems, that is to be expected. But the atmosphere and the balance of exhibitors and visitors who spoke warmly about the two shows outweighed any negative feedback I received. For both exhibitions it has not been an easy 12 months as legislative issues stirred up both the German and UK domestic markets and made exhibitors even more wary about their marketing spend. This month Euroslot will attend the Irish and the Rimini show - two more markets that are waiting for a legislative boost. For decades now, the gambling sector in Ireland has bemoaned the fact that the regulation with which it must comply dates as far back as 1956 and is unable to cater for today’s gambling activities. But not for much longer. In a move likely to regulate the casino sector in Ireland and possibly update the rules for amusement machines, the Irish Department of Justice is currently reviewing its options, with the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell set to propose legislation later this year. MD Associates, the organiser of the Dublin show reports that pre-registrations for the event are up considerably on last year and the number of exhibitors has also increased. As for Italy, the delays persist due to endless bureaucracy. Once again it seems likely that the machines on the stands in Rimini will be for decoration only, as the final details of Comma 6a are worked out. But as the deadline for selling Comma 6 is nearing this leaves manufacturers literally with nothing to sell and operators with nothing to buy. As our Italian correspondent Maurizio Brodo warns this month, there is no solace to be found in the amusement secto eitherr, which has also been woefully neglected in recent years. I have no doubt of the smiles in Ireland - that is usually guaranteed. But I suspect we will need all the optimism we can muster for another Italian exhibition...

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