G2E recaps back on Day 3 Conferences

Yesterday, G2E opened its third day with its first-ever Innovation Incubator. Judged by Sprout CEO Cindy Eckert and ABC'S Shark Tank stars Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary, four groups competed for the grand prize with their products.

First up, Window Magic CEO Wayman Wittman and COO Daniel Vargas pitched OLED customizable window displays, which allow for an immersive, tailored suite views for VIP guests. Next, Inside Injuries CEO Tracy Hankin presented her subscription-based start-up, which calculates the probability of athlete injury for sports bettors and has 10,000 subscribers. Third, UNLV MBA student Brittany Martow shared Shield Card Shoe, a security card shield that prevents edge sorting and card marking by emitting a red LED light, blocking the card's surface and preventing abuse.

Finally, DoorPro Doorstop Founder Bill Hengler demonstrated his hinge-based doorstop for hotel rooms. Boasting 200,000 sales and clients such as MGM Resorts International, Hengler won over the panel with his proven concept. After inviting attendees to participate by texting in their votes, the panel announced Door Pro Doorstop was the winner, earning $10,000 for his company.

THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A SPORTS BETTING OPERATOR IN THE U.S.

During this panel, four leaders in the interactive gaming industry shared their thoughts on a post-PASPA world. The experts discussed the highly debated integrity fee, noting how MGM Resorts International's recent partnership with the NBA is purely commercial. Additionally, they talked through the ways they plan to leverage the arrival of sports betting, including elevated customer experiences inclusive of other casino games, food & beverage offerings, on-property parties and more.

They also gave insight on the operator challenges sports betting has presented, such as getting technologies up to speed in new markets and the competitive nature of hiring top talent for their properties.

U.S. SPORTS BETTING: LESSONS LEARNED FROM EARLY ADOPTERS

The Sports Betting Symposium at G2E closed with an interactive discussion around the successes, challenges and lessons of industries that are considering sports betting in the U.S. Moderated by Alen Lang, director of Color Me Limited, the panel consisted of top industry leaders such as Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill; Richard Carter, CEO of SBTech; Charles Cohen, VP of sports betting at IGT; Matt Davey, EVP and group chief executive of digital at Scientific Games; and more. As the popularity in sports betting rises, the group discussed the use of efficient self-serving betting terminals, live betting, and making the process part of the casino experience with easier access.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP: WOMEN FACE A SECOND LAYER OF PRESSURE THAT MEN
DON'T AND WHY MEN SHOULD CARE

Pressure and confidence were the major topics of Bill Benjamin's leadership workshop. The interactive workshop focused on both the external and internal roots of a second layer of pressure that women
face in the workplace. Featuring statistics and testimonials from a survey of 6,000 women, Benjamin provided an encompassing look at female pressure. The second half of the workshop was dedicated to the need for women in leadership positions, pulling reasoning from brain chemistry and observed performance outcomes in male- and female-balanced teams and confidence-building techniques such as power posing.

THE BUSINESS OF ESPORTS: LESSONS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Allied Esports Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer Simon Temperly shared his insight on corporate partnerships gained through stabilizing esports arenas throughout the globe. Temperly spoke to the importance of creating venues where players can stream and interact with large platforms such as Twitch. Streaming and producing content for various communication channels creates a great monetizing opportunity for esports venues. Critical Force CEO and Founder Veli-Pekka Piirainen
emphasized the importance of embracing streamers and influencers in the esports industry. Influencers and streamers have their own massive communities; when a game reaches the influencer, it is also able to reach a large crowd without having to spend millions on marketing.

THE AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2018 GAMING HALL OF FAME
HONOREES

Last night, the American Gaming Association inducted its newest members into the Gaming Hall of Fame during a stunning reception at The Prestige at Palazzo. The 2018 honorees included Peter M. Carlino, a prominent leader in casino operations and real estate; Richard Haddrill, a gaming innovator and local philanthropist; Philip P. Hannifin, an industry pioneer who played a major role driving out organized crime and bringing incorporate investment to Nevada; and Steven Perskie, a pioneer for
growing legalized gaming outside of Nevada.

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS

Chubby Checker was named casino entertainer of the year yesterday evening at the sixth annual Casino Entertainment Awards, held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Presented by the Global Gaming Expo and hosted by Las Vegas entertainer Kelly Clinton-Holmes, the awards honor outstanding
artists, executives and venues in the casino entertainment industry.

Comedian Bill Engvall was named Casino Comedian of the Year and musical artists The Commodores clenched the title of Casino Musical Artists of the Year. Platinum recording artists The Righteous Brothers and casino nightlife owner Victor Drai were honored with Casino Entertainment
Legend awards, which recognize lifetime achievement in the casino entertainment industry.

GLOBAL GAMING WOMEN - 9TH ANNUAL KICK UP YOUR HEELS FUNDRAISER

The annual Global Gaming Women's Kick Up Your Heels fundraiser has become a true hallmark event. Wednesday night, ladies representing a variety of gaming and hospitality industries gathered at The Palms Casino Resort to raise money for the Global Gaming Women Charitable Education Fund. The event hosted a selection of delicious beverages and small bites like burger sliders, meatballs, fried shrimp and avocado toast bites, while also honoring the recipients of the annual Patricia Becker Pay It Forward award. Awardees included Ann Hoff, president and COO of Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas; Erica Kosemund, senior director of marketing at Choctaw Nation, Durant, Oklahoma; Lauralyn McCarthy-Sandoval, vice president of new markets at Aristocrat Technologies; Meaghan Ryan, vice president of talent and team member relations at Seminole Hard Rock; and Judy Layne Patterson, co-founder of the American Gaming Association. Special attendees included Governor Brian Sandoval, supporting his wife's prestigious award.