2016 Global Gaming Expo Tuesday Recap

Written by:
Guest
Published on:
Sep/28/2016

Gambling911.com has your 2016 Global Gaming Expo recap for Day 2 Tuesday below.

Stronger Together: Gaming Ties that Bind

For the first time, National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. and American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Geoff Freeman took the main stage together to address current issues and highlight the unity between the two associations. In a discussion led by Pechanga Editor Victor Rocha, Freeman and Stevens took a joint stance on a majority of issues and proved the industry is stronger together.

They also touched on the first presidential debate; Stevens emphasized the voting power of Indian Country while Freeman asked the audience to consider the importance of the economy and immigration on the gaming industry. Both agreed to present a united front to Washington to guarantee the advancement of the industry as a whole.

State of Gaming Press Conference

For his annual State of Gaming press conference today, Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of American Gaming Association (AGA), welcomed Rick Parry, Chair of the Sports Betting Integrity Panel, and Dr. David Forrest, the Professor of Economics at the University of Liverpool Management School and Honorary Professor at Macau Polytechnic Institute. Commercial gaming revenues totaled $38.5 billion in 2015 - a record-setting year. Tribal Gaming also set a record last year - generating $30 billion in 2015. That brings total gaming revenues to more than $68 billion - up nearly 8 percent over the industry's pre-recession high.

Freeman also highlighted the State of the States report, which will be formally released next week, and discussed how the collaboration of the Tribal Gaming industry with AGA will lead to success. In the forthcoming report, Tribal Gaming data was included wherever possible to paint a full picture of the industry.  With revenue at an all-time high at $240 billion in gaming, Freeman stated that geographic growth is limited and sports betting is the new frontier.

Dr. David Forrest mused that prohibiting sports betting has never been successful, as people will find a way to bet illegally if they want. But with the legalization and regulation of sports betting, it will be easier to ensure that criminal activity does not exist.

Rick Parry discussed the success of sports betting in the United Kingdom and how that can be attributed to the laws put into place to protect the integrity of sports while allowing viewers to interact through gaming. He noted that the key is to continue learning and evolving with the market and the times.

The session concluded with Geoff Freeman stating that he believes sports betting will be legalized within three to five years.

Women in Gaming Ribbon Cutting

For the first time ever, an all-female group of executives kicked off the festivities at G2E. Executives including Virginia McDowell, President & CEO of Isle of Capri; Eileen Moore, Regional President of The Flamingo, The LINQ and The Cromwell; Staci Alonso, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Station Casinos; and Patricia Becker, Executive Director of UNLV's International Gaming Institute were present.

Elections are Consequential: The Political and Legislative Landscape and What It All Means for Gaming

Fresh off the first of the 2016 presidential debate, the Elections are Consequential: The Political and Legislative Landscape and What It All Means for Gaming panel was a relevant and important topic at this year's event. Moderated by American Gaming Association's Vice President of Government Affairs, Whitaker Askew, the panelists were challenged to discuss what this pivotal election will mean for the gaming industry.

The prestigious group, which consisted of Steven Elmendorf, Co-Founder and Partner of Subject Matter; Kirk Blalock, Managing Member of Fierce Government Relations; and Dr. Steve Light, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of North Dakota, shared their personal thoughts on last night's debate, which brought in an extraordinary 80 million viewers. All were in agreement that Hillary Clinton took home the victory, while also making cases for both parties. Blalock noted that Donald Trump's insight as a casino owner will give the industry a boost if he makes it to the Oval Office, while Elmendorf and Dr. Light predict Clinton will take the presidency because she can secure key diversity and women votes.

It was noted that the gaming industry currently boasts a 90-percent approval rating, and the industry's economic footprint is expanding as it becomes more of an entertainment and travel industry. Dr. Light brought up how we are moving into the next frontiers of gaming, including virtual, augmented, mobile and internet, and that it's now up to legislatures to begin sorting things out by developing regulatory systems that are safe and protect integrity of the games.

Concepts in Front: F&B Future Trends

G2E guests explored the innovative changes facing today's Food and Beverage consumer landscape during a panel led by Director of CIA Consulting and Industry Programs, Brad Barnes. The discussion focused on the ways executives can craft menus and develop memorable experiences that will draw new customers to their property, while retaining the business of loyal patrons. As a way to keep food options new and exciting, Barnes suggests honing in on a region or set of ingredients to help curate your menu choices, drive special events and create inspiration through your cuisine. In order to develop a curated menu that is unique to your customer base, owners should strategically plan out menu changes and tactfully approach their new plans.

Property owners and chefs should look toward the future and use upcoming trends in geographical micro-regions as a guide to grow their business. New menu trends include the following: dishes prepared and presented in bowls, unique table dips, portable finger foods and creative twists on classic dishes like poutine and mac and cheese. Additionally, Barnes asserts that barbecue cuisine is the most beneficial investment opportunity for new restaurant owners in 2016. Through the use of clear branding and authentic dishes developed with guests in mind, executives will gain a better understanding of their customers and the evolving trends in dining.

Counting Compacts: State-Tribe Relations

Moderated by DC Attorney Judy Shapiro, this panel provided in-depth insight on how Tribal-state compacts have progressed over the years and the current issues surrounding  the negotiating process between Tribes and states. Scott D. Crowell of Crowell Law Offices Tribal Advocacy Group began the conversation by explaining how Indian gaming policies have evolved in the last five years as well as how compacts that were approved in the past affect regulations today. Crowell used his case in Florida with the Seminole Tribe to showcase the different types of politics and dynamics that come into play when negotiating compacts. Steffani Cochran, President of Cochran Tribal Advocacy & Consulting, joined the dialogue by presenting the obstacles Tribes face when negotiating compacts with the states such as the complexity of different state regulations with exclusivity rights. Larry Rosenthal of Letan Consulting then chimed in to demonstrate how Tribes can leverage compacts in their favor with regulations such as the Eleventh Amendment immunity. Lastly, Kevin Washburn, Professor of Law at the University of New Mexico and author of Law of Gaming and Gambling, ended the discussion by giving a vivid illustration of how a compact gets approved or disapproved and how it affects various states.

Evaluating, Building and Operating a Social Casino

Moderator Frank Pracukowski, Director of Administration at Foxwoods Interactive, introduced speakers Eric Pearson, the Vice President of Gaming and Revenue Enhancement at Foxwoods Resort Casino; Michel Alexander, the Social Casino Consultant at Partis Solutions; Gabriel Cianchetto, the President of Market Development, North America, and Greentube Internet Gaming Solutions; and Kenny Huang, the CEO of BlueBat Games, Inc.

 

Social gaming is not live money wagering - there are no cash prizes and players can never cash out, but they can use real money to purchase tokens for the game. Their forms vary, including slot games, online table games, bingo and poker. Kenny Huang emphasized that social gaming will not cannibalize gaming revenue, it will only add to it. He noted it adds brand awareness and brand loyalty, which will encourage guests to come to their casino when they decide to go play. He stated that 85 percent of social casino players have been to a casino within the last year.

The marketing value of social gaming platforms was touched on by every speaker discussing its importance for guests when they leave the casino. Another added bonus of using social gaming  is the real-time results of the marketing campaigns. If guests come into the casino more, or play the game more, then the campaigns are working.

Blast from the Past at G2E Welcome Reception

The Global Gaming Expo officially welcomed guests with a night of delicious food and unforgettable entertainment. Ed Several, Senior Vice President of Reed Exhibitions, opened the event by welcoming attendees and thanking the expo sponsors. Live music was presented by the show Superstars on Stage, featuring impersonations of classics such as Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Blues Brothers and many more. The crowd cheered and danced as Clint Holmes introduced his newest show Between the Lines, featuring a musical journey of contemporary and traditional hits from Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel and his own number-one hit, "Playground in my Mind." Guests were treated to the night's signature cocktail, Belvedere Grapefruit Rosemary, and an array of delicious eats.

Celebrity Appearances

   •     Tim McGraw Drops In: An excited crowd surrounded the stage at Aristocrat and watched a group of dancers in white shirts and blue jeans do a sexy two-step. Then to everyone's surprise, Tim McGraw dropped in from the ceiling on a platform with his new slot machine, which he signed boldly across the front.

   •     Inspired's Shaquille O'Neal Appearance a Slam Dunk: Hundreds of G2E fans flocked to Inspired Gaming Group's interactive booth for a chance to welcome Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal to the largest gaming expo in the world. O'Neal has partnered with Inspired Gaming to become the newest face of Inspired's Rush Basketball virtual sports gaming product that will be available as soon as 2017.  

   •     Penn and Teller Make Magic: Penn and Teller were at the Everi booth for the launch of their new Penn and Teller slot machine. They celebrated the launch with a ribbon cutting and then stayed at Everi and took pictures with guests and signed autographs. 

   •     Vanna White Holds the Key: Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman presented Wheel of Fortune icon and hostess Vanna White with a rare key to the city in celebration of IGT's 20-year partnership with Wheel of Fortune. Mayor Goodman said the Wheel of Fortune slot is the greatest theme of all time, creating 1,000 millionaires and $3 billion in prizes. 

   •     Soup Nazi Stews A New Game: Beloved Actor Larry Thomas donned his iconic chef's jacket while unveiling a new Seinfeld-themed slot machine at the Scientific Games booth. A mass of excited fans gathered as the actor played the interactive game and served personally autographed photos.   

         •       Celebrity Charity Tournament - A Cut Above the Rest: Eager spectators watched on as a group of Las Vegas entertainers and executives competed in a celebrity Fruit Ninja tournament in the 3rd Annual TournEvent for Charities Slot Machine TournEvent-For-A-Cause. This marked the first time a skill-based game was used in G2E's long-standing charity tournament. Vice President of Operations at Southern California Gaming Guide, Fenn Cross, dominated the competition and won a $10,000 jackpot for Promises2Kids, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization fighting child abuse. The tournament's list of enthusiastic competitors included performers Penn and Teller, Carrot Top, Frankie Moreno, George Wallace and Robin Leach among others.

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