G2E 2014 wrapped up another exciting edition yesterday in Las Vegas

G2E 2014 managed to recover lost grain and offered a striking show, in a year which will most likely be a key stage for the industry, due to the number of mergers at a global level.  Big companies invested large sums into their booths where they presented their products, and they are optimistic about the near future, both inside and outside the US.

In general, many exhibitors consulted during the event agreed that the industry is facing a changing paradigm. The industry is going through a time of transition and making big changes, not only at a technological level, but also with regards to business philosophy.

In this sense, it was expected that the growth and positioning of online gambling in the US was one of the points of interest during the show. For the American Gaming Association, the online gambling sector has the potential to generate 1.7 million jobs in the country and US$ 250 billion in winnings. However, during the show there were important voices against the opening of the sector. Such is the case of billionaire Sheldon Adelson, who last Wednesday talked at one of the keynote conferences in G2E, who pointed out that he wants online games of chance to be prohibited, saying that “his 2 and 3 year-old grandchildren handle mobile devices much better than many adults,” and added that children always find ways to avoid restrictions.”

"The fact that the public is doing something doesn’t mean we should legalize it,” pointed out the businessman, who compared online gambling to drugs and prostitution. Those who see online gambling as a key piece of the industry’s future, profoundly opposed Adelson’s words.

Steve Wynn also spoke at G2E. In his conference last Tuesday, he assured he shares Adelson’s vision and his fight to limit the access of the US public to online games of chance. Wynn told the audience that a bad relationship between both gaming mediums (terrestrial and online) could lead to more surveillance of traditional casinos, offering an unfair competition compared to online gambling.

In this regard, G2E was the epicenter of differences between those who support online gambling and those who see their interests threatened by the possibility of a greater legal opening for this betting medium.

Also, another theme considered is the complexity offered by new developments (in particular, the slots segment) and its impact on business.  Will casinos become more technologically complex gambling spaces – as it has been occurring so far- or will the industry find an equilibrium? The result will be seen over time.

G2E’s latest edition was a key stage in the sector, and once again allowed big companies to present their products, developments and trends that will shape the industry in the years to come.