G2E Las Vegas returns to highlight the latest in gambling innovation with strong attendance, new features

A new edition of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) kicked off Monday in Las Vegas, bringing together under the same roof stakeholders from the different verticals of the gambling industry. Running through Thursday at The Venetian, the major trade event is set to highlight the latest technology developments and new trends in gaming, in addition to offering a stacked educational lineup to attendees, with organizers expecting G2E's "most international attendance yet in the post-pandemic era."

At a press conference, Maureen Beddis, Senior Vice President of the American Gaming Association; and Korbi Carrison, G2E Event Vice President at RX, said this year’s show will cover 269,000 square feet of exhibition space and showcase 368 exhibitors, up from 252,000 square feet and 350 exhibitors in 2022. Officials also hope that attendance will exceed last year’s figure of 25,000.

Ending day 1 with the #G2E2023 Kickoff Reception located at the Main Stage - Venetian Ballroom F! Join us for drinks, passed apps and network with industry professionals. pic.twitter.com/OfGM5CzsTT

— Global Gaming Expo (@G2Eshows) October 10, 2023

Media, attendees and exhibitors will see new features and enhancements at this year's show, including the all-new iGaming Zone, which will bring together iGaming solution providers in a focused location to explore the future of the online casino space. Additionally, organizer Reed Exhibitions is unveiling a "reimagined" The Lab, focused on emerging trends and technologies; as well as the G2E Networking Lounge, featuring themed meetups and events for the expo's community, and the New Exhibitor Zone, a dedicated area for first and second-time G2E exhibitors.

Day one of G2E kicked off Monday with the first keynote session on the event's agenda. Called "Shattering Ceilings: Women Leaders in Tribal Gaming", the session celebrated the roles women play in tribal gaming, business and politics. The discussion featured Stephanie Bryan, Chair & CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians; Melanie Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe; and was moderated by Ernest L. Stevens, Jr, Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association.

These women continue to shatter ceilings, creating space and opportunity for their peers in tribal gaming. 👏

We extend our gratitude to Stephanie Bryan, Melanie Benjamin, and Holly Cook Macarro for gracing our first #G2E2023 keynote, as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. pic.twitter.com/WoxMQuDdjP

— Global Gaming Expo (@G2Eshows) October 10, 2023

However, today, Tuesday is expected to draw the most attention of all stakeholders as the expo floor opens and American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller takes the stage to welcome the global gaming industry to G2E 2023 before a three-part CEO discussion with CNBC's Contessa Brewer. Held at the Main Stage of The Venetian, the annual "View from the Top: CEO Outlook 2023" keynote covers today's business outlook, opportunities in today's market, and where the industry is headed.

Following his welcome speech, Miller will be joined by a line-up of recognized gambling industry leaders, including Bill Carstanjen, CEO at Churchill Downs Incorporated; Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO of Entain; and Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International. The keynote immediately precedes the grand opening of the expo floor.

"We are thrilled to welcome some of the biggest names in gaming to the G2E 2023 keynote stage, each bringing decades of experience and unique perspectives as they discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our industry," Miller said last month when the line-up of speakers was announced. "Each year, these conversations chart the future of gaming, and this year will be no exception." 

G2E 2023's education program runs October 9-12, while the expo hall will be open from October 10-12. More than 300 exhibitors will be showing off the latest gaming technologies and solutions from around the world in this edition, while the full education lineup features nearly 100 sessions. 

"Shattering Ceilings" keynote session

A bustling expo floor

Each year, G2E Las Vegas becomes the place to be in order to keep a finger on the pulse of the market – and 2023 doesn't seem to be the exception. Expected to reflect the industry's momentum and its recovery following the Covid-19 crisis, the bustling expo floor promises to be home to the latest innovations in the sector with the hall size billed as the largest in the post-pandemic era. 

With the US gambling industry returning stronger than ever and gearing up for a new record-breaking year in revenue, Reed Exhibitions is "modernizing" G2E's look and feel in 2023, something attendees will surely notice in this edition. "G2E’s new brand reflects the growing gaming ecosystem and positions us to convene the entire gaming community meaningfully this October and beyond," Korbi Carrison told Yogonet last month, in an exclusive pre-event interview.

Every spin has a story. Unravel the mysteries of our #G2E2023 Show Floor – behind the scenes! 🎰🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZaLfo7nTF0

— Global Gaming Expo (@G2Eshows) October 10, 2023

As new technologies and verticals expand their footprint and dominate the conversation, the expo floor is set to reflect the growing interest in them, with Carrison highlighting AI's potential impact on the industry and iGaming as two major topics in G2E 2023. The latter will be particularly reflected in the all-new iGaming Zone at G2E, which will bring together iGaming solution providers in a focused location that serves "as the beginning of the iGaming journey at G2E." From here, visitors can continue on to the mainstay exhibitors innovating online gaming, traditional land-based, and more.

Over 100 countries and regions are set to be represented on the show floor, with Reed Exhibitions expecting its "most international attendance yet" in the post-pandemic era this year, and looking forward to welcoming stakeholders from Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. As always, leading companies in the diverse verticals encompassing the gambling industry have confirmed their presence at the event, with Yogonet interviewing many of them for its special issue.

A can't-miss educational lineup

As it does every year, RX updated its lineup of education sessions to ensure topics and speakers reflect where the gaming industry is today and where it will be tomorrow. This year's event is set to feature dynamic conversations on key topics in the industry, including combating the unregulated market, iGaming, digital payments and cryptocurrency, sports betting, Tribal gaming, regulatory developments, AI, and more.

G2E has promised this year's education program will be the event's "most insightful yet," drawing on the more than 400 session proposals submitted in the first-ever call for content and speakers. Content partners for this year's program include Global Gaming Women, iGaming Next, Indian Gaming Association, International Association of Gaming Advisors, and more.

We kicked off Education this morning with enlightening sessions on industry findings & the latest and greatest in gaming. 💻

Don’t miss out—follow the link to view the rest of today’s sessions: https://t.co/ApbtXywxcu pic.twitter.com/SDGyCvwTMU

— Global Gaming Expo (@G2Eshows) October 9, 2023

Attendees will also be able to explore these issues in depth at The Lab. Open to all visitors, The Lab will serve as a hub for thought leadership that explores the future of gaming and encourages connection around emerging tech topics. Activities here include quick-hitting presentations on new technologies and recordings from some of the industry’s favorite podcasters.

For its part, the expanded G2E Networking Lounge will provide networking opportunities like coffee breaks, happy hours, and designated industry group meet-ups, allowing attendees to connect with their peers and form new relationships after the expo. Schedules for these activations and other special events are available on the expo's website, along with information for each of G2E's sessions.  

You can check the keynote sessions program below:

• G2E Welcome and View from the Top: CEO Outlook 2023 – Sponsored by: Everi
  Tuesday, October 10 at 8:30 a.m.

Main Stage - Venetian Ballroom F
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller will take the stage to welcome the global gaming industry to G2E 2023 before a three-part CEO discussion with CNBC’s Contessa Brewer. Features Bill Miller, president and CEO, American Gaming Association; Bill Carstanjen, CEO, Churchill Downs Incorporated; Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO, Entain; and Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president, MGM Resorts International. Moderator: Contessa Brewer, CNBC

• The Playmakers: A Conversation with Amy Howe and Jason Robins – Sponsored by: Sportradar

Wednesday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m.
Main Stage - Venetian Ballroom F
Five years post-PASPA and with the expansion of online gaming, the evolution of sports, innovation in technology, and adoption of legal wagering have redefined the fan experience. This keynote discussion will dive into the state of online gaming, trends on the horizon, and what’s next for these industry leaders. Features Amy Howe, CEO, FanDuel; and Jason Robins, CEO & Co-Founder, DraftKings. Moderator: Contessa Brewer, CNBC