This week, tens of thousands of gaming-industry professionals convened for the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) largest event, Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Representing the diverse landscape of casino gaming, G2E 2015 showcased our dynamic industry and provided the forum for the industry at large to conduct business, learn and network.
Gaming Shines in National Media
More than 250 national, local and trade media attended G2E, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Forbes, the Associated Press, ESPN, CBS-Las Vegas, Wall Street Journal and Popular Science. Many of these major media outlets have already highlighted what consumers and policymakers can expect from casino gaming during the next year.
For the second straight year, CNBC broadcast from the gaming floor highlighting gaming trends and gaming’s positive economic impact.
Innovation Key for G2E and AGA
The gaming floor and educational seminars embodied a common theme at this year’s G2E – innovation. The concept of innovation was a common theme throughout the week:
- Gaming suppliers debuted new skill-based, social and virtual games;
- Speakers shared ideas like eSports and other emerging markets for capturing the next generation of gaming customers; and
- The new Integrated Resort Experience embraced the totality of modern casino solutions.
The point was driven home during the CEO Roundtable keynote. CEOs from AGA-member companies Caesars Entertainment, Rush Street Gaming and Scientific Games remarked how the future of our industry depends on innovation.
For the AGA, innovation is critical for industry advancement. Removing public policy barriers and empowering the gaming industry to provide next-generation gaming experiences to our customers remains a priority.
Protecting Industry Image
Further, the perception of gaming often drives policy decisions. Since debuting the AGA’s “Stop Illegal Gambling – Play it Safe” initiative, illegal gambling has emerged as an important issue for both the AGA and law enforcement.
At G2E, we convened our Illegal Gambling Advisory Board for a roundtable discussion about these efforts. In addition, AGA released groundbreaking new research by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dr. Jay S. Albanese exposing how illegal gambling funds large criminal enterprises.
Distinguishing these criminal networks that rely on illegal gambling from our highly regulated, $240 billion legal gaming industry is necessary to change outdated and inaccurate perceptions of gaming.
Additionally, to effectively shape the image of our industry and change policies that impact it, we need to continue to build more gaming champions. Please lend your voice to gaming and join our gaming grassroots army.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The year is quickly coming to a close and as we look to 2016, the AGA already has big plans. In the interest of getting more gaming professionals involved, please find 2016 industry events, AGA member-only events and signature events, including G2E 2016 set for September 27-29 in Las Vegas, on our newly launched website.
Thank you to everyone who joined G2E this week. As always, thank you for your engagement and support.
