The last time American Gaming Association CEO Bill Miller participated in the Global Gaming Expo, it was a quick trip to Las Vegas.
Miller, who was the national political director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2006, took part in a panel discussion on politics within the gaming industry. That year, the conference and tradeshow were held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Much has changed, for both G2E and Miller.
The gaming industry’s largest event kicks off Monday at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Presented by the American Gaming Association and organized by Reed Exhibitions, G2E is expected to attract approximately 27,000-to-30,000 gaming industry professionals. The conference portion takes place all four days; the tradeshow runs Tuesday through Thursday.
Miller, who was appointed CEO of the Washington D.C-based trade organization in January, will be front and center Tuesday morning, presenting his “State of the Industry” talk prior to a keynote address by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Miller recently told CDC Gaming Reports that the G2E franchise provides the gaming industry’s most important annual platform annually.
“There are a number of other shows, but this show happens in Las Vegas, which is still the epicenter (of) our industry,” Miller said. “It is our collective job to make sure we maintain that.”
Early numbers surrounding the show, such as attendance and exhibitors, were up from a year ago, Miller said.
Since joining the AGA, Miller has gained gaming tradeshow experience by participating in ICE London, G2E Asia in Macau, and the National Indian Gaming Association conference in San Diego.
The flagship G2E in Las Vegas, however, will continue to be the location where gaming equipment manufacturers “break news” on products and innovations, he said.
“From an association perspective, I want us to continue to beat the drum on what we’re doing in responsible gambling,” Miller said. “Sports betting will continue to be important to show what has happened in the marketplace.”
Last year’s G2E took place five months after the U.S. Supreme Court tossed out the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, opening the U.S. to legal and regulated sports wagering.
Since that ruling, to date, 13 states, including Nevada’s legacy market, have launched sports betting operations through casinos, racetracks and mobile wagering applications. Another five states, along with Washington D.C., could launch legal sports betting by the end of the year.
Six other states have either active legislation or ballot initiatives in place. The AGA has said $11 billion has been wagered on the activity legally in the last 17 months.
The focus on sports betting issues will continue, including a panel discussion on Wednesday headed by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. He will be joined by Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US; Greg Carlin, co-founder and CEO of Rush Street Gaming; and Matt King, CEO of FanDuel. The panel will cover the expansion of legal sports betting and the convergence of the activity within the sports industry.
Christie, whose state led the six-year-long legal challenge that ultimately culminated in the Supreme Court’s decision on PASPA, will provide the G2E keynote address Tuesday morning.
Wednesday’s keynote address is from Scott Stratten, a top marketing influencer and president of UnMarketing.
Former racecar driver Danica Patrick, whose motor sports career was often overshadowed by her off-track endeavors, will provide Thursday’s keynote talk. Patrick, who retired from auto racing after breaking down generational and gender barriers in both NASCAR and the IndyCar series, will discuss her “drive and determination” and how they influenced her success, both on the racetrack and as an entrepreneur.
Miller is excited for this year’s version of the show, calling G2E “an incredibly important element for the gaming industry and AGA.”
#exclusive From the Floor – G2E: AGA’s Miller says conference and tradeshow is the industry’s ‘most important platform’. @howardstutz, CDC Gaming Reports. https://t.co/4fDlPSiE4c @G2Eshows @AmericanGaming @ReedExhibitions #CDCgaming
— CDC Gaming Reports (@CDCNewswire) October 14, 2019
He often asks members what more they would like to see out of the show and conference, saying that his goal is to continue improving the annual event.
“At the end of day, we have a lot of members and non-members attending G2E,” Miller said. “This is an important opportunity for them to come here to showcase the best in technology and newest offerings.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
