peter534534
Posted by peter534534
Oct 22, 2024

Rounding Up What Was Said at This Year’s G2E Gaming Conference

The 2024 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, the most anticipated event for the gambling industry, once again attracted industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders worldwide. The Venetian' rel='nofollow' target='_blank'>https://www.actionnetwork.com/online-sports-betting/reviews/draftkings]Venetian Expo hosted this year’s conference, where the hot-button issues ranged from the rise of sweepstakes to the expansion of sports betting across the United States and beyond. It was an event bursting with updates, bold predictions, and the kind of small talk that shapes the future of the gaming world.

If the 2023 G2E was dominated by conversations about daily fantasy games, this year saw the focus shift to sweepstakes. These legal anomalies are popping up across the U.S.; some view them as legitimate gaming options, while others believe they tread too closely to unregulated territory.

During his keynote speech, Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa, didn’t mince his words when addressing the topic. He emphasized that while perhaps flying under the regulatory radar for now, sweepstakes are no different from traditional sportsbooks in how they operate.

They might not be on everyone's radar yet,” Stevens noted, but that seems likely to change as regulators catch up. Whether states will regulate sweepstakes like sportsbooks remains to be seen, but there’s no denying their growing presence in the gambling conversation.
Regulatory Battles and Unregulated Sites
Regulation was a major theme at this year’s G2E, particularly the ongoing fight against unregulated gaming sites. Kurt Steinkamp of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) shared that his state’s efforts to combat illegal operators have been largely effective. The MGCB has issued cease-and-desist letters to several operators, and Steinkamp hinted that further action could be in the pipeline.

The unregulated market continues to be a thorn in the side of many states, siphoning revenue from legal operators and creating an uneven playing field. As the U.S. gaming landscape continues to expand, more action, both from the MGCB and other state regulators, is likely shortly.
The Waiting Game in California and Texas
Two of the largest untapped markets for sports betting—California and Texas—were once again a major topic of discussion at G2E. California, where tribes have long held sway over gaming regulation, remains a distant prospect for sports betting legalization.

According to James Siva of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the state is considering 2026 or even 2028 as the earliest date for a potential launch. While California’s tribes have begun internal discussions on the issue, there’s still a long road ahead before sportsbooks can set up shop in the Golden State.

Texas, meanwhile, could see progress sooner, albeit with significant hurdles still in place. Las Vegas Sands Senior Vice President Andy Abboud spoke optimistically about the state’s prospects, noting that a dozen or so state senators could hold the key to the legalization of sports betting and resort casinos.

While Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been a staunch gambling opponent, Abboud hinted that he might be open to voting the issue if enough Republican senators support it. A measure could appear on the 2026 ballot, giving voters a chance to decide. The legalization of betting in Texas would also be a game-changer for local fans, who could benefit from promotions like the Fanatics Sportsbook Promo.
Alberta’s Delayed iGaming Expansion
Across the northern border in Canada, Alberta’s plans to launch a competitive market for online sports betting and internet casinos have hit a snag. Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally told G2E attendees that the province’s iGaming launch won’t happen until at least 2025.

Alberta had initially aimed for a launch in 2024, but the regulatory framework remains incomplete. Nally expressed hope that next year’s G2E would see the announcement of an open and free iGaming market in Alberta, but for now, the province will have to wait.
Minnesota Could Beat California and Texas to the Punch
While California and Texas grapple with regulatory and political challenges, Minnesota could quietly emerge as the next big sports betting market in the U.S.

Andy Platto of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association shared that the state has already established a framework for legalized sports betting and could launch by 2025. Minnesota may not have the size or influence of its southern neighbors, but its progress underscores the rapid expansion of sports betting in large and small markets.
An NBA Team in Vegas? It’s Only a Matter of Time
Las Vegas, already home to the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights, could soon add another professional sports franchise to its roster: an NBA team. Derek Stevens of Circa confirmed that it’s a matter of when, not if, an NBA team will call Las Vegas home.

The only question remaining is which ownership group will secure the franchise. With the city already serving as a hub for major sporting events, adding an NBA team feels like the next logical step.
Conclusion
The vibrant and growing gaming industry was once again highlighted during the G2E 2024 conference. Bold predictions and important updates were made at the event, which covered everything from the emergence of parlays and sweepstakes to the alluring possibilities of sports betting in Texas and California. The future is bright for operators and bettors as the gambling industry develops and opens up new markets.