Key Moments:
- This year’s Global Gaming Expo drew approximately 25,000 professionals from more than 120 countries and territories.
- Prediction markets sparked significant discussion among major operators during the event.
- The inaugural G2E Dealer Championship crowned Elleonor Hoffman of Graton Resort as “Best Dealer in America.”
Record Attendance and Industry Engagement
The 25th Global Gaming Expo (G2E) wrapped up at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, underlining its position as a leading platform for the gaming sector. The event was organized by RX in partnership with the American Gaming Association (AGA). Approximately 25,000 attendees from over 120 countries and territories participated in this milestone gathering, engaging with nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 100 educational sessions.
Over the course of the expo, participants explored new technologies, responsible innovation, and the shifting regulatory landscape shaping the evolution of gaming.
Honoring Ernie Stevens and Reflecting on Industry Progress
The event opened with a tribute to Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., the late chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, whose recent passing was recognized by leaders from both tribal and commercial sectors. During the memorial, Jason Giles, IGA Executive Director, stated, “Ernie built a movement of respect, progress, and unity… It is now our responsibility to carry that mission forward.”
In his opening remarks, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller acknowledged the industry’s endurance through uncertainty. Miller highlighted, “We deliver impact when our economy is steaming forward, and we hold steady when we encounter moments of uncertainty,” and pointed to an 8% growth for gaming in 2024 and the sector’s support of 1.8 million jobs nationwide.
Miller also addressed the rise of prediction markets and sweepstakes operators, cautioning that these entities are “attempting to end-run regulation” and “blur the lines” of legal gaming. He emphasized, “You can call it a sports event contract, a skill game, or a sweepstakes… You can call it whatever you want, but it’s still gambling. And if it’s gambling, it needs to play by the rules that uphold state and tribal sovereignty.”
Debate on Prediction Markets Divides Major Operators
Throughout the event, prediction markets received considerable attention, highlighting differences of opinion among key industry players.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins commented, “There’s a federal regulator… The CFTC is in charge of deciding what’s permissible or not. We’re just here to understand the rules of the road and participate within them.”
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle voiced concern about the potential for increased federal oversight as a result of federally sanctioned prediction markets: “It does invite the notion that the federal government can step into our space… That’s something this industry has historically and categorically defended against.”
Positive Outlook for Las Vegas and Emphasis on Innovation
Hornbuckle expressed optimism for Las Vegas, despite a temporary decline in visitation during mid-2025. He underscored the city’s strong performance in 2024 and predicted a promising period ahead for conventions. “We remain bullish on Las Vegas… Fundamentally, I don’t think it’s broken in any way, shape or form.”
He also addressed advances in artificial intelligence within MGM’s operations, noting improvements in efficiency but stating, “AI cannot replicate all the unique and individualized benefits of person-to-person interaction.”
Launching the Dealer Championship and Showcasing Talent
G2E’s 25th edition introduced the inaugural G2E Dealer Championship, a three-day competition featuring 34 top dealers from regulated U.S. operators. Participants were evaluated in blackjack and roulette based on technical skill, hospitality, and game control.
Elleonor Hoffman of Graton Resort captured the “Best Dealer in America” honor. The event was supported by The United States Playing Card Company (“Bee”), TCSJOHNHUXLEY, and other sponsors, and drew substantial interest during the expo. Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President at RX, remarked, “The inaugural G2E Dealer Championship brought an exciting new layer to this year’s event… It celebrated the incredible skill, precision, and showmanship of casino dealers while highlighting the vital role they play in the gaming experience. The next year will be bigger and better.”
Key Topics and Emerging Technologies
The conference program at G2E included sessions addressing AI integration, cybersecurity, responsible gaming, mental health, and AML compliance. Regulators and operators from markets in Latin America, Europe, and Asia participated, sharing updates on licensing and market entry.
Exhibitors presented new slot machines, table games, hybrid live-dealer systems, advanced loyalty programs, and next-generation sports betting platforms. The expo reinforced the convergence between traditional land-based gaming and disciplines such as iGaming, esports, and fintech.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming G2E Dates Announced
Organizers confirmed that G2E will return to The Venetian Expo from September 29 to October 1, 2026, with education sessions starting September 28. Dates have also been set for future events: G2E 2027 will occur from September 28 to September 30, with education beginning September 27, and G2E 2028 will run October 10 to October 12, with education beginning October 9.
| Event Year | Expo Dates | Education Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 29 – October 1 | September 28 |
| 2027 | September 28 – September 30 | September 27 |
| 2028 | October 10 – October 12 | October 9 |
Leadership Perspectives on This Year’s Event
Bill Miller described the expo’s impact: “G2E has firmly established itself as the central meeting point for the global gaming industry, bringing together operators, suppliers, regulators, and the broader industry in the heart of the gaming capital… This year’s show reflected the strength, diversity, and innovation that define our industry—and the collaboration that will continue to propel it forward.”
Korbi Carrison, RX’s Event Vice President for G2E, said, “G2E is the place to be in the gaming industry. We are incredibly pleased with this year’s show, including the inaugural Dealer Championship, which brought an exciting new layer… But next year’s G2E will be even bigger and better!”
- Author
Daniel Williams
