GIGSE conference examined new future of I-gaming

Conference sessions addressed topics across a variety of issues confronting the global industry and 68 speakers presented their research and views on items ranging from financial, jurisdictional, legal and political considerations for businesses in this arena.

Although Montreal’s proximity to the United States was palpable, conference sessions, moderated by some of the industry’s foremost observers and executives, provided balanced coverage of many jurisdictions, with special focus on the burgeoning Latin American, Asian and European markets.

Emery Brett Ledger, Senior Partner at Ledger & Associates, spoke highly of the event saying, “Having attended both GIGSE & EiG conferences in the past I found GIGSE ‘07 to be the most educational and productive yet. I. Nelson Rose's opening comments were truly insightful and inspirational. Those who attended had an opportunity to conduct more business than ever due to the intimate level of the crowd."

Extended hours on the exhibition floor allowed representatives from across the industry’s software, payments, technology, consultancy, legal and editorial sectors to showcase the latest products, services and information.

"Although the (attendance) numbers were down this year, we found that we were able to spend more time with people - which was most beneficial" said David Hedge, Director of Ezybonds Global.

In incisive fashion, keynote speaker and distinguished gambling law authority I. Nelson Rose, argued that in consonance with its history, the interactive gambling industry will continue to proliferate, although regulatory initiatives, especially in the United States, may be slow in catching up.

"We’ve been tracking this industry since 1995 and it’s been different every year," echoed Sue Schneider, CEO, Clarion River City Group. "This year exemplified this fluidity with its increased emphasis on markets like Europe, Asia and Latin America."

Proving the attraction of the conference and exhibition to industry newcomers, fully 44 percent of this year’s event-goers were first-time GIGSE attendees. "All of our events in 2007 have featured new i-gaming industry entrants, who have come to learn about what opportunities there are in this ever-changing business," said Schneider, "And we expect this trend to continue at upcoming regional and niche-specific events we produce".