G2E 2025 kicks off in Las Vegas: Strong attendance and key talks on the future of gaming

The 25th anniversary edition of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) opened Tuesday in Las Vegas with a blend of reflection and innovation across the floor. The event drew large crowds across exhibitor booths and conference stages, continuing to anchor the North American land-based gaming calendar and providing a platform to showcase new technology and discuss evolving regulation.

Attendance across the show floor was strong, with operators, suppliers, and regulators returning to explore the latest in slots, casino hardware, and floor technology.

The morning’s opening session began with a tribute and a challenge. American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller honored the late Ernie Stevens, former Chair of the Indian Gaming Association, who passed last month, describing him as “a bridge-builder between Tribal and commercial gaming.” Miller’s words set a reflective tone before pivoting to the issues shaping today’s industry.

AGA draws lines on “innovation” versus regulation

Miller’s keynote took aim at the rise of prediction markets and sweepstakes platforms, calling them “a threat to the integrity of regulated gaming.”

“They attempt to blur the lines, calling games of chance investing, or sports event contracts, anything but what it really is: gambling,” Miller said. “They want the opportunity without the responsibility. It’s greedy, it’s reckless, and it’s irresponsible.”

The AGA president’s remarks underscored the association’s ongoing campaign to defend legal, regulated gambling as a model for consumer protection and community benefit. “If it’s gambling,” he concluded, “it needs to play by the rules.”

MGM’s Hornbuckle bets on Las Vegas

The day’s first keynote featured Bill Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM Resorts International, who expressed confidence in the city’s outlook despite a dip in visitation during the summer months.

“As I look to the future, the next 16 months are going to be the best convention months this city has ever had,” Hornbuckle said. “We remain bullish on Las Vegas. Fundamentally, I don’t think it’s broken in any way.”

Hornbuckle reflected on 2024’s strong performance, driven by marquee events such as Super Bowl LVIII and the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, and said the city continues to lead the recovery of global tourism.

He also discussed the company’s deployment of AI in hotel operations, noting its use in customer service and call-center optimization. “AI can streamline processes, but it can’t replace human connection,” he added.

Aristocrat unveils Monopoly slots

One of the most anticipated unveilings on the show floor came from Aristocrat Gaming, which revealed Monopoly Big Board Bucks, its first slot title developed under a new multi-year licensing deal with Hasbro.

The launch took place during a ceremonial vault-opening at Aristocrat’s booth, where executives from both companies revealed the game to attendees.

The game includes familiar Monopoly features, including tokens, houses, hotels and Mr. Monopoly himself, alongside new bonus mechanics such as Extra Spins and the Big Board Bucks Bonus. The title is expected to launch on the company’s Baron Portrait cabinet in early 2026.

“Players and fans of Monopoly shouldn't miss this game,” Jack Ismay, Product trainer at Aristocrat, told Yogonet during the game's presentation. "The way it has been developed is so true to the actual rules of Monopoly that if you know that game, you'll also know how to play this one."

IGT returns to Nevada

Beyond product showcases, G2E’s first day carried a strong community message. Following its merger with Everi, IGT celebrated the relocation of its global headquarters to Las Vegas and announced a $10,000 donation to The Space 2.0, a nonprofit planning a 65,000-square-foot community center offering behavioral-health, counseling and career services for hospitality, education and public-safety workers.

“Thank you for coming home,” said Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, addressing IGT executives at the booth event. “You could have been anyplace in the world, but you chose Las Vegas. Las Vegas needs you.”

IGT CEO Nick Khin said the company is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the local community. "We love Las Vegas. It's good to be back," he told the crowd gathered at the company's stand.

Day 2 at G2E 2025

9:00–10:00 AM
Main Stage – Venetian Ballroom F

• Breaking the Stigma: An Honest Dialogue on Mental Health

10:30–11:20 AM

• AI-Powered Fraud Detection in Gaming

• NIGC Leadership Discussion

• The Evolution of Loyalty Programs: Beyond Comps and Points

• Enhancing the Casino Experience with Mobile & Digital

• Optimizing Casino Floor Mix: Strategies for Revenue and Engagement

• Unpredictable: How the Emergence of Event Contracts Challenges the Paradigm for Regulated Gaming

11:40–12:30 PM

• Understanding the Player Journey and How to Take Action

• The Cashless Shift: Building Payment Systems That Work for Tribal Operations

• Building Loyalty Through Learning

• The “How To” Guide for Influencer Marketing

• Maximizing Your Smart Table Investment

• From the Floor to the C-Suite: A CIO’s Perspective on Technology That Truly Empowers

2:00–2:50 PM

• Understanding Pay by Bank: Revolutionizing Payment Systems in Sports Betting

• Executive Strategies for Cybersecurity Collaboration

• Sustaining Success: Tribal Leaders Talk Gaming, Growth, and Challenges

• From Signals to Sports Fans: Inside the New Era of Media Prime Sports

• Bridging the Gap: Addressing Technical Talent Concerns in Today’s Evolving Gaming Landscape

• AI and the Future of Betting: Personalization, Engagement, and the Next-Gen Fan Experience

3:10–4:00 PM

• Strategies to Prevent Fraud and Chargebacks

• The Digital Convergence: The Future of Technology in Tribal Gaming

• Looking Back on 10 Years of Lightning Link

• Asia-Pacific’s Gaming Boom: Tapping into New and Growth Markets

• Optimizing the Slot Floor: Understanding Player Detection and Machine Learning Applications

• Harnessing AI for Enhanced Customer Engagement in Today’s Digital Landscape

4:00–5:00 PM

• Remembering a Visionary: The Enduring Legacy of Ernest Stevens Jr.

5:00–7:00 PM

• G2E 25th Anniversary Celebration (Venetian Ballroom F)

Inside G2E 2025