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NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern was the final featured speaker at the American Gaming Association's Global Gaming Expo 2016 (G2E), where he discussed the benefits of legalizing sports betting and how it will ultimately protect the integrity of sports.
Stern and AGA's President and CEO Geoff Freeman discussed the future of sports betting and its impact on major professional sports. Stern touched on the relationship between the gaming industry and major sporting leagues and how they can learn from each other in the future.
Stern believes that the best way to protect the integrity of sports is by regulating sports betting.
C-Suite Perspective: AGA's CEO Roundtable
AGA's CEO Roundtable brought together a lineup of the top gaming and business executives in the industry with IGT's CEO of North America Gaming/Interactive Renato Ascoli; Penchanga Band of Luiseno Indians' Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro; and Penn National Gaming's President & CEO Timonthy Wilmott. Moderated by International Gaming Institute's Executive Director Bo Bernhard, the packed session explored the current state of each sector in the gaming industry, how regulations affect innovation and a forecast for the future of gaming.
Millennials have become a hot topic in the gaming industry with everyone trying to find the perfect method to attract this lucrative market. Ascoli said creating new product categories, developing games with leader boards and relying on mobile technology were keys to attracting millennials and other generations.
Wilmott stated that in order for the industry to continue to progress and succeed, businesses must implement a formal process that allows people to see where the industry is heading in the next five years while simultaneously managing today's challenges and opportunities.
Tribal gaming continues to grow, accounting for $29 billion in the industry. According to Macarro, tribes are becoming more self-reliant and are constantly looking for ways to expand their businesses by creating new experiences.
Gaming Hall of Fame
John Acres, Lyle Berman, Don Brinkerhoff, Redenia Gilliam-Mosee and Richard A. "Skip" Hayward received the casino-gaming industry's highest honor as they were inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame. The night kicked off with a warm welcome from Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, who commented on how much the industry has evolved over the years thanks to the efforts of the inductees. American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman followed with a commemorative dialogue introducing each individual's journey as he presented them with their awards. John Acres was honored for his efforts in developing key innovations that advanced the industry. Lyle Berman expanded casino-gaming outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Don Brinkerhoff (pictured, center) designed more than 80 casino-resorts across the world, creating iconic architectural landmarks. Richard A. "Skip" Hayward received praise for his efforts in leading the economic and legislative developments for Indian gaming. As Atlantic City's first African-American female vice president in the casino industry, Redenia Gilliam-Mosee helped pave the way for hundreds of women in the gaming industry. The evening ended with a heartwarming dialogue from Steve Wynn who shared fond memories of meeting the inductees, which sent the message that camaraderie and partnerships are what help shape the industry.
