NBA legend and two-time Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson will deliver a keynote address at the largest casino-gaming event in the world, the Global Gaming Expo, presented by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, on Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. on the special events stage in Hall D on the trade show floor.
Johnson will give a 30-minute address, The Magic of Playing to Win, that will share how he successfully transitioned from exceptional athlete to business executive, parlaying the skills and tenacity he acquired on the court into a winning formula for successful business ventures. Johnson’s speech will be followed by a 15-minute conversation with American Gaming Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman covering his views on the future of sports betting legalization and the possibilities of it being accepted into the mainstream sports industry.
“Magic Johnson’s experience on and off the court has helped shape his successful business career,” says Freeman. “I look forward to talking with him about the future of sports betting.”
G2E Seminars on Sports Betting
G2E 2017 will become the epicenter of debate on the future of sports betting in the United States. Attendees can explore the issue in depth by attending G2E’s seminars on sports betting where experts will discuss an array of issues related to legalizing sports betting, including:
- Pressure Points: How States Are Readying For a Future with Sports Betting, Oct. 4, 1:30 p.m.: From introducing “placeholder” bills to amending existing state gaming regulations, the major players at the forefront of legalizing sports betting will take the stage to explore individual states approaches at putting pressure on the federal sports betting ban. This panel will examine which states have pursued which methods, and how each are readying for a future without the federal sports betting ban.
- The Business of Sports Betting: Global Perspective on Integrity, Regulation and Opportunity, Oct. 5, 10:15 a.m.: The potential repeal of PAPSA opens the table for pressing discussions about integrity, regulations and opportunities that will emerge if the nearly 25-year federal prohibition of sports betting is removed. Examining the success of established European markets and current iGaming operations in the U.S., a panel of experts will offer predictions on what’s to come if sports betting is legalized across the county.
State Of The Industry Roundtable Debate will Feature Voices from Tribal Gaming, Suppliers and Commercial Operations
The full spectrum of casino-gaming’s most influential executives will convene for a roundtable keynote debate on Oct. 3. at 9 a.m., on the special events stage in Hall D on the trade show floor. Gaming Leaders: A View from the Top will explore the most pertinent issues in gaming through a variety of industry perspectives; bringing together leaders from tribal gaming, the supplier segment and commercial operations. The power-packed panel will feature Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Michael Rumbolz, president and CEO of Everi; and Craig Clark, general manager of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. The session will begin with a 15-minute State of the Industry address by AGA’s President and CEO Geoff Freeman (pictured left).
The panel will explore hot button topics such as:
- Assessing the State of Play – Brand integrity in an ever-expanding gaming landscape
- Legal Nuts & Bolts – Business perspectives on the legalization of sports betting
- Growth Opportunities – Identifying new revenue streams online and on-property
- The Future of Gaming – Product launches, cybersecurity and women in gaming
Gaming Leaders: A View from the Top is the first group keynote in G2E’s dynamic three-day lineup, which features high-profile thought leaders including basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Dave and Buster’s CEO Stephen King, and Neuroscientist Dee O’Neill.
Special Events At Global Gaming Expo 2017 Celebrate Icons From Gaming And Beyond
From the biggest names in sports and entertainment to the most influential minds in business and the casino industry, Las Vegas will host a series of star-studded events taking place October 2-5 during G2E, including:
G2E Welcome Reception, Oct. 3, 5 p.m., Venetian Ballroom: Rock Icon Gene Simmons of KISS will kick off the week with an epic party brimming with cocktails, food and entertainment at the G2E welcome reception, sponsored by Novomatic. Legendary comedian George Lopez will perform a 10-15 minute set to get the night started.
Dave and Buster’s CEO Stephen King’s Keynote Address, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. , special events stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D): Presented by Scientific Games, Dave and Buster’s CEO Stephen King will be interviewed by business-television personality and best-selling author, Carol Roth, to discuss how Dave and Buster’s serves as a successful model for casinos’ transition into an integrated resort experience, where guests of all generations can eat, drink and play in one place.
MGM Resorts Debuts GameSense Responsible Gaming Program, Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m., Parlor Lounge at The Mirage: MGM Resorts International and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation will officially launch GameSense – an innovative, new Responsible Gambling program that represents a layer-focused approach to casino customer service. MGM Resorts is the first international casino company to fully adopt GameSense, the successful program initially developed and introduced by BCLC. With the launch of GameSense, MGM Resorts transforms the guest experience, providing a program rooted in enhanced customer service, player education and leading academic research.
Cintas Fashion Show, Oct. 4, 1 and 3 p.m., special events stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D): The hottest uniform looks – from highly tailored chic at the front desk to vibrant, resort-coastal at the pool – will hit the catwalk during the annual Cintas Fashion Show. Designers devoted to the gaming industry have imagined nine new collections combining style with function and comfort, bringing a distinct energy to casino properties through fashion. Expect to see soft colors in this year’s trending styles along with new offerings in swimwear and pool attire for staff.
AGEM Awards, Oct. 4, 4 p.m., AGEM Booth #3700: Join the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers in honoring the lasting impact of two gaming leaders with memorial awards created in their honor: the Jen Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, and the Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media and Communications.
Emerging Leaders Networking Reception, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m., TAO at the Venetian: The Emerging Leaders program identifies and celebrates individuals who are on the path to executive management or have achieved this level already due to exemplary achievement within their role. The gaming industry consistently produces employees who are strong innovators, have a great work ethic despite constant challenges, and a commitment to the growth and health of the industry.
Casino Entertainment Awards, Oct. 4, 5:45 p.m. celebrity red carpet, 6 p.m. cocktail reception, 7 p.m. awards program at Vinyl Showroom at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Comedienne Rita Rudner and veteran casino entertainment executive Mark Prows will be awarded Casino Entertainment Legend Awards at this year’s event. The Casino Entertainment Awards recognize lifetime achievement in the casino entertainment industry, including artists, executives and venues. Complimentary tickets will be available to G2E attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Casino Entertainment Awards booth #5938 October 3-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., subject to availability.
Global Gaming Women Breakfast, Oct. 5, 9 a.m., Casanova 502: This year’s Global Gaming Women summit focuses on the Power of Entertainment highlighted by keynote speaker Roberta Perry. The best-selling author and big-business leader will join other speakers from Global Gaming Women for a breakfast session to recap the week and discuss breaking the glass ceiling.
Maximize Brainomics: The Economic Gains From Advancing Innovative Thinking, Oct. 5, 12:45 p.m., special events stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D): Hear from Dee O’Neill, M.S., LPC, program manager for Corporate SMART, Brain Performance Institute at the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas, who will outline how neuroscience has proven that your innovative thinking is pivotal to your business success. Even small incremental improvements to your innovative thinking can contribute to your bottom line. However, it is limited primarily by you. You can become an entrepreneur of creative, innovative ideas that will lead your company to additional success. Or you can let your imagination stall so that you are like the waking dead with less and less energy and innovative ideas day by day.
Everi Hosts Fourth Annual Slot Machine TournEvent For Charities at the 2017 Global Gaming Expo
Everi, the casino industry’s single source provider of gaming products and payments solutions, will host its annual TournEvent for Charities slot tournament, pitting celebrities and media-about-town against each other in the ultimate slot machine showdown benefitting each player’s charity of choice. With a lineup including popular Vegas acts like Penn & Teller, Carrot Top, George Wallace and more, onlookers will have SLOTS of fun watching the TournEvent-for-a-Cause unfold!
TournEvent for Charities kicks off at 11 a.m. on Oct. 4 in Everi’s booth #1116 at the Sands Expo Center. Twenty-four top media, performers and personalities including Robin Leach, Absinthe’s The Gazillionaire, Tony Hsieh and more and will help Everi and TournEvent for Charities contribute to many worthy causes, with the celebs’ prize money donated to their preferred philanthropic organizations. Everi will provide a total of $40,000 in charitable donations to the celebrities’ selected charities and each participant is guaranteed to win at least $1,000 for their selected charity.
“For the past few years, TournEvent for Charities has been a G2E highlight for Everi and we encourage G2E attendees to stop by our booth to cheer on the celebrities as they compete in this one-of-a-kind slot tournament for charity,” said Linda Trinh, Everi vice president of marketing and promotions. “This event serves as a unique way for celebrities to have fun, get their competitive juices flowing and win money for their favorite charities. Everi is extremely pleased to support so many worthy charitable organizations through TournEvent for Charities and we look forward to finding out which celebrity will help their charity of choice walk away with the $10,000 top prize.”
TournEvent for Charities serves as precursor to the TournEvent of Champions championship tournament that takes place at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 at XS Nightclub in the Wynn/Encore resort. This year, 173 slot players representing 107 casinos from across the U.S. and Canada will face off and compete for slot tournament supremacy and the $1 million* grand prize. TournEvent of Champions will also be streamed live over the internet at https://www.facebook.com/TournEventofChampions/, providing slot tournament fans at home with a front row seat to all the action.
*The One Million Dollar Grand Prize awarded using periodic payments over 20 years or in a lump sum, present day cash value payment.
Everi Holdings is dedicated to providing video and mechanical reel gaming content and technology solutions, integrated gaming payments solutions and compliance and efficiency software. The company’s games business provides: (a) comprehensive content, electronic gaming units and systems for Native American and commercial casinos, including the award winning TournEvent slot tournament solution; and (b) the central determinant system for the video lottery terminals installed at racetracks in the State of New York. The company’s payments business provides: (a) access to cash at gaming facilities via automated teller machine cash withdrawals, credit card cash access transactions, point of sale debit card transactions, and check verification and warranty services; (b) fully integrated gaming industry kiosks that provide cash access and related services; (c) products and services that improve credit decision making, automate cashier operations and enhance patron marketing activities for gaming establishments; (d) compliance, audit and data solutions; and (e) online payment processing solutions for gaming operators in states that offer intrastate, Internet-based gaming and lottery activities.
Global Gaming Expo is “the show” in the casino-entertainment industry, showcasing the technologies, services and products of exhibitors while providing an atmosphere to explore, network, do businesses and learn. G2E offers the most comprehensive look at international gaming, hospitality and innovation. For more info, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com.
The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment. For more info, visit www.americangaming.org
