2024 PUBLISHER ’ S LETTER
2024 PUBLISHER ’ S LETTER
Trade Show Reflections
By Roger Gros
2024 EDITION
PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW
Roger Gros , Publisher | rgros @ ggbmagazine . com X : @ GlobalGamingBiz
Marjorie Preston , Editor mpreston1208 @ gmail . com
My first introduction to a gaming trade show was the inaugural World Gaming Congress at the Showboat in Atlantic City in 1985 , I believe .
It was the first of its kind , and later spawned notable gatherings like the International Gaming Business Exposition , the Southern Gaming Summit and many more . But the World Gaming Congress became the 800-pound gorilla in the market , and was dominant throughout the 1980s and ’ 90s .
When the American Gaming Association was formed in the early ’ 90s , the operators of the WGC cut the AGA in on a piece of the action . Now , most national associations in any industry usually operate their own trade shows . But for a few years , the AGA and WGC survived side by side . In 2000 , when the contract was up for renewal , the WGC balked at giving the AGA a bigger piece of the show . Negotiations broke down , and the AGA formed the Global Gaming Expo in partnership with Reed Exhibitions , now RX .
It didn ’ t take long for the WGC to go away . In 2002 , the AGA acquired the remaining assets , making G2E the premier exhibition in North America .
Meanwhile in the U . K ., the International Casino Exhibition ( ICE ) had been growing for years . Land-based gaming in Europe was also growing , and the show became bigger and bigger . It also had a component that G2E didn ’ t have at the time : online gaming and sports betting , which were legal in most European countries .
When ICE was held in Earl ’ s Court in London , it had some interesting dynamics . The main part of the show took place in a large Quonsethut style room behind the original exhibit hall . In the front hall was an amusement show , with games and products that could be sold to arcades .
One year , in a very small area above that main hall , organizers launched the online gaming component — a curiosity at that time . But in a couple of years , the amusement arm of the show was removed and the online component took over the main hall . Soon the show was bursting at the seams , and the owners , Clarion Gaming , moved it to the ExCel Centre in the docklands area of London . Today , the online side of ICE controls at least 75 percent of the show floor . And next year , ICE will be held in Barcelona , the first time it ’ s ventured from London .
Today , with online gaming and / or sports betting legal in the majority of U . S . states and Canadian provinces , G2E has a large area devoted to these disciplines : the iGaming Zone .
The evolution of trade shows and conferences has mirrored that of the industry as a whole . When you look at New Jersey , where iGaming has been legal for more than a decade , gaming revenues are almost evenly split between landbased casinos in Atlantic City and online casinos and sportsbooks . It ’ s only natural that trade shows are seeing the same split .
Does that mean we ’ re two separate industries ? I hope not . That would mean divided loyalties and even conflict between the two elements . The gaming industry needs to remain unified , because the challenges that are coming must be met with a strong response that protects all . Whether it ’ s high taxes , advertising restrictions , shoddy research or government overreach , the industry is the strongest when we ’ re all together .
Walk the show floor at G2E in October , and you ’ ll see a dynamic industry that entertains , informs and educates . Marvel at the advances in technology and learn how they benefit your business . Visit the Lab on the exhibit floor and hear from boundless entrepreneurs who have developed new games , new methods and new products that will enrich the lives of players , investors and employees alike .
As the industry continues to evolve , don ’ t let it divide us . If we stand alone , we ’ re weak . But together , we can be strong and vibrant .
Frank Legato , Senior Editor | flegato @ ggbmagazine . com X : @ FranklySpeakn
Jess Marquez , Managing Editor jmarquez @ ggbmagazine . com
Monica Cooley , Art Director mcooley @ ggbmagazine . com
Terri Brady , Sales & Marketing Director tbrady @ ggbmagazine . com
Beck Kingman-Gros , Associate Publisher & COO bkingros @ ggbmagazine . com
Lisa Johnson , Communications Advisor lisa @ lisajohnsoncommunications . com X : @ LisaJohnsonPR
Columnists Bill Miller
Contributing Editors Pamela Jones | Patrick Roberts ______________
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rino Armeni , President , Armeni Enterprises
• Dike Bacon , Principal / Partner , HBG Design
• Lauren Bates , President , Global Gaming Women
• Mark A . Birtha , President Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento
• Brendan Bussmann , Principal , BGlobal Advisors
• Alex Dixon , CEO , DRA / Q Casino
• Daron Dorsey , Executive Director , Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers
• Sally Gainsbury , Director at Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic & Professor of Psychology , University of Sydney
• Stephen Martino , Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer , MGM Resorts International
• Bill Miller , President and CEO , American Gaming Association
• Walt Power , CEO , Grand Ho Tram
• Rob Russell , Senior Gaming Analyst , Regulatory Management Counselors PC
• James Siva , Chairman , California Nations Indian Gaming Association / Vice Chairman , Morongo Band of Mission Indians
• Michael Soll , President , The Innovation Group
• Kresimir Spajic , Chief Executive Officer , Betfred Sportsbook
• Katherine Spilde , Executive Director , Sycuan Gaming Institute , San Diego State University —————— GGB Magazine 1000 Nevada Way • Suite 204 • Boulder City , NV 89005 702-248-1565 • 702-248-1567 ( fax ) www . ggbmagazine . com
The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor .
Copyright 2024 Clarion Digital Media LLC
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS is published monthly by Clarion Gaming International , LLC . Printed in Nevada , USA . Postmaster : Send Change of Address forms to : 1000 Nevada Way , Suite 204 , Boulder City , NV 89005 Email : subscriptions @ ggbmagazine . com
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