G2E evaluates September’s show
The 2016’s Global Gaming Expo increased 7 percent in comparison with 2015.
US.- Global Gaming Expo 2016 was a total success for the gaming industry. The world’s premier international gaming trade show and conference presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA), where the entire industry presents the future of all sectors, attracted nearly 27,000 gaming professionals, an increase of 7 percent in attendance over last year.
This year’s edition was focused on the evolving innovation in the industry, economic growth for all markets, sports betting legalisation nationwide and ways to combat illegal gambling. According to organisers, the highlighted features of the event were the game and product demonstrations from University of Nevada as well as the exhibition of over 450 gaming brands, which showcased table games, slots, iGaming platforms and other non-gaming solutions. G2E also offered educational program tracks that explored current and future trends, such as eSports.
During the educational conferences, representatives of the field such as the NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern and the AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman shared the latest information about legalisation of sports betting and benefits for the markets. They discussed the future of the sector and its impact on major professional sports. Additionally, David Forrest and Rick Parry, two leading experts within the U.K. sports betting world released a report that details how the United States must adopt an approach similar to that in the United Kingdom to allow legal, regulated sports betting in an open and transparent market. At the Mobile Sports Betting seminar, AGA’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Sara Rayme projected that three to five years is a realistic timeline for nationwide legalisation.
Furthermore, G2E seek the unity in the industry, presenting a joint conference from National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. and AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman. The experts took the main stage together to address current issues and highlight the unity between the two associations. National District Attorneys Association also convened during G2E to discuss the prosecution of illegal gambling. The event brought together law enforcement, a significant partner for AGA as it pushes toward changing sports betting law, with other industry stakeholders to discuss ways to combat illegal gambling, which often funds and leads to other illicit crimes.
Meanwhile, exhibitors this year brought spectacular innovations and wowed attendees with special appearances. Skill-based games dominated this year, with a virtual reality experience from Gamblit Gaming, Beat Square from Konami, Lucky’s Quest from IGT and much more. Celebrities graced the show floor at multiple booths, promoting new games and developments. Tim McGraw dropped from the ceiling at Aristocrat’s booth; Everi brought in Stephen Bogart and Penn and Teller; Vanna White received the key to the city from Las Vegas Mayor Goodman at IGT; and Eugena Washington, Playboy’s Playmate of the Year 2016, and actor Larry Thomas, Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi, met with fans at Scientific Games. Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal also made an appearance at Inspired Gaming.
