G2E 2016 Interview with Geoff Freeman : Part 2

This is part two of our interview with Geoff Freeman. Mr. Freeman shares some of the events that are taking place at the American Gaming Association and this week at the G2E.

4). Millennials are not going to casinos and racetracks at the same levels as their parents

and not for the same reasons. What can the industry do to connect with them?

"Gaming companies are constantly seeking to reinvent themselves in order to attract new

customers and to keep current customers coming back. Whether it’s offering skill-based slot

machines or offering more non-gaming amenities or something else, this effort will continue.

However, in many jurisdictions, we’re pushing for regulatory policy that provides the flexibility

to innovate fast enough to keep up with constantly changing consumer demand."

5). Tell the readers about the Get to Know Gaming Campaign.

"AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign is a multiyear, integrated public affairs campaign that is

rooted in authoritative research that will broadcast the value of gaming nationwide. We have a

great story to tell. Gaming is a $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 million jobs across 40

states. As part of this campaign, we host events with community, business and non-profit leaders

at our member company properties in places like Detroit, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Biloxi, Miss.,

to highlight how gaming is driving big results as a strong community partner across the country."

6). How would you like to see Online Gaming regulated?

"AGA members have a range of views on how to regulate online gaming."

7). What events are you participating in at the G2E 2016?

"For Global Gaming Expo 2016, we’ve reimagined and enhanced the consumer experience. For

example, featured speakers will address attendees each day for the first time, including a sit-

down, question and answer with former NBA Commissioner David Stern about the legalization

of sports betting. NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens and I will also take the stage to highlight how AGA and NIGA work together. After all, there’s more than unites us then divides us."

The link to Part 1 of this interview is here.

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                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

G2E 2016 Day 1 Recap

The 1st day was spent in the educational sessions for e sports, mobile wagering, online gaming and sports betting. We indicated that we would highlight some of the notable participants on the panels and in the audience. Here are just a few!

Ludovico Calvi: IGT: Senior Vice President of Global Product Marketing Betting. Mr. Calvi talk about the developers of mobile games utilizing voice recognition to allow someone to make a wager. This would prevent anyone other than the account holder from placing a bet.

Dan Shapiro: William Hill; Director of Business Development. Mr. Shapiro envision Race and Sports Books becoming a 24/7 operation with e sports and virtual wagering filling the time when there is no live major event.

David Purdum: ESPN Chalk; Writer. David was the moderator for the panel on Mobile Sports Betting. David is knowledgeable enough about sports betting that he could have a discussion by himself.

Greg Carlin: Rush Street Gaming; CEO. Mr. Carlin was in the audience during the morning and afternoon sessions.

Luisa Woods

Luisa Woods: Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City: Vice President of Online and Internet Marketing.

Luisa highlighted her panel by citing the positive marketing concepts from several of her competitors in the New Jersey market. She stress the importance of involving any strategy with the customer loyalty program.

Donna Verece: Cooper Levenson ; Director of Marketing. Donna was in the audience handling logistics that raise the visibility of her organization.

Sue Schneider wore two hats during the 1st day. She was a moderator for a panel and facilitated the coordination between sessions. Sue is one of the world’s leading experts on the internet gaming industry which she began monitoring in 1995.

Rebecca Liggero: Calvin Ayre; Affiliate Reporter and Conference Host. Rebecca covers  the major gaming events all over the world. She provides the most comprehensive coverage.

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                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                                     #G2E2016

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G2E Interview with Geoff Freeman: Part 1

We were able to meet Geoff Freeman while attending the East Coast Gaming Conference in Atlantic City earlier this year. He agreed to answer questions prior to the G2E 2016. This will give you insight as to his vision and the initiatives of the American Gaming Association.

Geoff Freeman

1). What is your role as head of the American Gaming Association?

"We are the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry. It is

the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly

protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth,

innovation and reinvestment."

2). You have taken the AGA into a new direction over the past two years.What are your initiatives?

"AGA has taken great strides to build an inclusive, transparent organization that serves as an

unmatched advocate for the gaming industry. By speaking with one voice – which includes

commercial and tribal operators and gaming suppliers – we’re well-positioned to advance

industry priorities. We’re focused on shaping the perception of the industry through our Get to

Know Gaming public affairs campaign, which is aggressively highlighting how the industry

drives $240 billion in economic activity, supports 1.7 million jobs and generates $38 billion in

tax revenue. Further, through our Stop Illegal Gambling, Play it Safe initiative, we’re exposing

the harmful illegal gambling market that preys on consumers and siphons valuable tax dollars

from state and local governments. Among our other priorities are addressing the federal

government ban on sports betting, promoting the industry’s robust responsible gaming programs

and shaping a more favorable regulatory landscape that will encourage our members to reinvest

and innovate in gaming markets across 40 states."

3). Sports Betting was dealt a setback when New Jersey was denied in their attempt to

implement it. What do you see happening next?

"The nearly 25-year-old federal sports betting ban is failing, driving an illegal sports betting

market of at least $150 billion annually. Law enforcement, mayors, leaders in sports, fans and

now, state legislators, agree that it's time for a new approach to sports betting _– one that protects

consumers, communities and the integrity of sports we enjoy."

"The United States Conference of Mayors recently took a major step in support of rooting out the

thriving illegal market by unanimously supporting a resolution that seeks a new approach to

sports betting in the United States. The Conference of Mayors will work with AGA to lead

national discussions on the potential benefits of the regulated market and help identify platforms

to protect revenues of cities."

"Further, the National Conference of State Legislatures passed a policy directive in August that

asserts “the federal government must recognize the sovereignty of states to allow or to prohibit

sports gambling by its residents.”

Part Two of this interview will post tomorrow

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                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                                     #G2E2016

Global Gaming Women and G2E 2016

Global Gaming Women  is a Las Vegas-based charitable organization designed to deliver educational programs and events that support, inspire and influence the development of women in the gaming and lottery industries. They will be a part of the official opening of the preeminent trade show for the gaming-entertainment industry. The ceremony begins at 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center.

We will attend the G2E opening address given by former Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend, who will explore key inflection points and how to harness the courage to lead during The Power of Being Fearless at 8:45am on Monday.

Jane Bokunewicz

At 2:30 pm, Jane Bokunewicz , Richard Stockton University, instructor/assistant professor will lead a discussion on The Power of Persuasion. Jane is awesome in presentations and will provide analytics to support her ideas.

For the entire agenda of events involving Global Gaming Women during the G2E, we suggest following  www.globalgamingwomen.org. The contact person is Katarina Murzl. Keep up with GGW announcements and news on Twitter at @gaming_women.

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                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                               #G2E2016

G2E 2016 Preview

The countdown is now at 3 days for the G2E 2016. This is what we plan to do. In addition to our prior G2E commentary, we will submit a mention of events or vendors at the conference. In order for us to promote your organization, just have your business card and a brief description of what service you provide. At the end of each day, we will post your contact info. The vendors and operators that have the more innovative products that would appeal to a diverse market will get featured through our Instagram page. So if you want to expand your audience, we should get acquainted. One of our interviews from G2E 2015 is shown below.

"This industry offers plenty of opportunities for growth if you do it properly and sustainably"

Gavin Issacs: Scientific Games

                                               I will use the #G2E2016 on each mention.

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                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/
                                                                3 days until #G2E2016

                  

NFL Recap: Week 2

This week we are looking at the top 3 NFL teams that are currently 2-0. They are the Patriots, Denver and Steelers. There are no real surprises in this group. Bill Belichick will always have his team ready despite not having Brady or Gronk. Denver's defense and stout running game make for a very close second. Steelers are the offensive machine that no one wants to face.

The biggest challenge for this group staying undefeated is coming on Thursday when New England plays the Texans. Third string QB on the depth chart starting on a short work week is not a winning formula.

The top surprise team that is 2-0 are the Giants. Giants have won 2 close games and improve the defense. This is what happens when you spend a ton of money during the offseason. The return of Victor Cruz has New York dancing atop the NFC East, tied with the Eagles.

Victor Cruz

Next week we will look at the teams that are 1-2 that have the best chance of making the playoffs.
Will your team be in that group?  We will expand the discussion and go top 4.

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                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/
                                                          6 days until #G2E2016

This Week in Gaming Review

Gaming News from New Jersey took the spotlight with the announcement that Rush Street Gaming is entering the Garden State and accepting Online Wagers. Rush Street Interactive can now accept wagers from any patrons within the State of New Jersey. The website is playsugarhouse.com.

DraftKings paid millions of dollars this past week to make good on a promotional claim that a guaranteed jackpot would be in place. This is a good business move that shows credibility. FanDuel and Yahoo reported similar shortfalls though not as high as DraftKings.  It does not bode well for the marketing analysis that allow for an overestimation of the amount of entries. The next several weeks should have a lower guarantee based on the amount of interest from week 1.

MGM National Harbor is still on target for a 4th quarter opening. The Tables Games Team and the Food & Beverage Department are participating in community events in the DC area. Here are two photos that will give a glimpse of what to expect in the coming months.

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                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/
                                                          7 days until #G2E2016

Daily Fantasy Football Tips (4)

This week's Fantasy Football Tip requires that all the fans of Daily Fantasy research Week 1 statistics. Look at the amount of time a receiver was targeted by his quarterback. If the number is higher than 35 percent that means at least 1/3 of the looks are passes to that receiver. Carson Wentz targeted Jordan Matthews over 38% of his throws last week. I would start that receiver if he had a favorable match up against a weak or injured secondary. 

Carson Wentz

Jordan Matthews

The only exception to this is if you have a stud wide receiver like a Julio Jones or Dez Bryant. If this is your guy in a fantasy league that you have with your friends or coworkers, then he has to be your guy every week barring injury.

Julio Jones

Dez Bryant

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NFL Recap - Week One

The 1st week gave indications as to the three worst teams in the NFL. Those dubious distinctions go to the Browns, Rams and Chargers. RG III was injured and is out indefinitely. The Rams are inept offensively. The Chargers had a 21-3 halftime lead and loss in OT. Jeff Fisher is the coach on the hot seat. Mike McKoy is right behind him.

Browns

Carson Wentz played the best game of all the QBs in the NFC East. I realize that it was against the Browns. I am looking forward to the MNF match up of the Eagles against the Bears.

Fantastic Finish goes to the Raiders over the Saints. Oakland gambled with a 2-point conversion that David Carr converted with a pass to Michael Crabtree  for the winning points with 47 seconds left to

win 35-34 on Sunday.

Carr threw for a 10-yard touchdown, setting up the gutsy call by second-year coach Jack Del Rio.

Oakland had to overcome a 14-point, second-half deficit and a 424-yard, four-touchdown performance by Drew Brees.

Next week, we'll look at the top 3 2-0 teams. Will your team be among them?

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                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                        12 days until #G2E2016

G2E 2016 Countdown

In two weeks, we will be in Las Vegas for the G2E 2016. We plan to attend the educational seminars, network with the attendees & meet with vendors whose interests are similar to ours. Our interests?    Glad you asked. 

We are looking for ways to attract new customers through technology. We are seeking ideas and partnerships that will promote Smart Responsible Gaming. We will have interviews with the keynote speakers and moderators. There will also be a running blog that will recap events daily.

The G2E is the best place to get everything gaming related in one setting. This is why successful people attend this conference. If you are not able to make it this year but know you want next level success, we strongly suggest you follow us and share this post through your social media outlets.

"Better to prepare for an opportunity that never comes than for opportunity to come and not be prepared." This quote is from Whitney Young and cited by legendary motivational speaker Les Brown.

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                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                        14 days until #G2E2016