New technologies will be a key theme at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in 2017 with the official introduction of skill-based slot machines, the future of eSports and sports betting plus the latest technological innovations to highlight the annual show.
To be held from 2 to 5 October at Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, G2E 2017 ranks among the gaming industry’s most important trade events of the year with suppliers, buyers and ambitious entrepreneurs making the pilgrimage to the Las Vegas Strip each year.
“Innovation in the gaming industry is at an all-time high,” explains event director Todd Sheahan. “Key to G2E’s recent growth is the continued development and enhancement of a business marketplace that showcases innovation and highlights the latest products in casino gaming to the biggest influencers in the industry.
“G2E has established itself as the ultimate convergence of the brightest minds showcasing state-of-the-art technology.” Skill-based slot machines were put into real-world circulation for the first time last November in Caesars’ three Atlantic City properties – Caesars, Harrah’s and Bally. They have since expanded into Nevada and various Indian casinos around the United States.
With manufacturers having now tested the waters, visitors to G2E this year will have the opportunity to experience the “next generation” of skill-based slot machines as manufacturers learn from and respond to the market.
G2E is also a forum for the industry’s foremost experts to provide their insights into current trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the direction of gaming in the future.
Among the key topics in 2017 will be sports betting – an issue that has gained momentum over the past 12 months following a concerted push by the American Gaming Association (AGA) to have sports betting legalized and regulated across the country.
A regulated sports betting industry is widely supported by most top American sporting leagues, with NBA Commissioner David Stern having attended last year’s conference to discuss the benefits of legalizing sports betting and how it would ultimately protect the integrity of sports.
AGA President Geoff Freeman said such discussion will continue this year.
“As the legalization of sports betting continues to grab national headlines, G2E 2017 will bring in the nation’s top experts to address what a legal, regulated sports betting market will look like for our industry,” Mr Freeman explained.
G2E broke attendance records in 2016, with the 27,000 people who walked through the doors representing a 7% increase on the previous year, while conference registration rose 5%. A similar result is expected this time around with more than 450 exhibitors lined up showcasing table games, slots, iGaming and other nongaming solutions.
The show presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors to reach a huge base of qualified gaming industry decision makers and buyers, showcase their products and services to the industry on a global scale and grow their networks through access to new business connections.
“One of the main reasons for the incredible growth of G2E is the exponentially expanding variety of industries that are now involved in the gaming industry,” said AGA Vice President of Industry Services, Andrew Ortale.
“Whether you’re a restaurateur, spa director, video animator or one of the other hundreds of professions that have found a home in gaming, G2E has become the epicenter for them to grow their businesses at destination casinos around the world.”
