NBA and the Legalization of Sports Betting

Adam Silver gave the most definitive statement to date about sports betting in the United States. He proclaim that "Sports Betting will be legal in a couple years." The reason is that it gives another level of engagement for the fans. It will heighten interest in a game that has international appeal and is 2nd in popularity only to NFL Football.  Sports betting would narrow the gap between the two leagues because of the stance Silver is taking.  He is a immensely popular leader and not afraid to take a position that is progressive.

What the league should do next is ask the other commissioners to join him. A unified front will gather public support. The leagues will make more money thru a new revenue stream that be solely based on the use of league trends and statistics. This info can be valuable to patrons that bet on games. A meeting with the AGA Geoff Freeman could start the conversation.

                                           
                                                        #SmartResponsibleGaming       
                           Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                          Check out our app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com

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.

                           Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

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

                           Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                           Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                                     #G2E2016

NBA 2017 All Star Game in New Orleans

The NBA announced that the 2017 All Star Game will be played in New Orleans. The game was moved from Charlotte, North Carolina due to the legislation that requires transgender patrons to use the restroom of the sex to which they were born in government buildings. The law also does not protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in the workplace and housing.

New Orleans by Day

New Orleans by Night

"New Orleans is a world-class destination for sports and entertainment and we are very appreciative that the city is once again hosting our All-Star festivities," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

The date of the game is February 19th. The economic impact on the weekend should be approximately  70 to 100 million. New Orleans is well equipped to handle the game on relatively short notice They have over  50,0000 hotel rooms and have the benefit of having hosted the game before in 2014.

The  NBA has evolved into a diverse international game both on and off the court. They have shown the ability to be innovative and are looking for additional ways to market a popular product. This includes advertisements on jerseys, games played in other countries and the initiation of the conversation about sports betting. The sports betting subject will be featured at the G2E 2016 in Las Vegas and will include David Stern, Former NBA Commissioner and Geoff Freeman, CEO of the American Gaming Association.

                   Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                        36 days until #G2E2016

East Coast Gaming Congress - Day Two Recap

Day Two of The East Coast Gaming Congress was insightful because the panels were tackling issues that had the old guard vs. 21st Century thinking. I shuttled between Gender Equality in the Gaming Industry and Atlantic City.. And North Jersey?  They were in adjacent areas so I was able to cover both.

Virginia McDowell

The Gender Equality Panel consisted of Jan Jones Blackhurst,Vice President of  Government Relations at Caesars Entertainment, James Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International and Jane Bokunewicz,Assistant Professor of Tourism Management from Stockton University.  The moderator was the esteemed Virginia McDowell, President  and Board Chair of Global Gaming Women. This session should have been held by itself.  The turnout was light but the message was powerful. Women are underrepresented in management positions and are paid substantially less than their male counterparts. But the message and the numbers do not resonate unless they are heard by everyone. Most of the attendees were women and minorities. The data supports that companies that are diverse do better than one's that are not. Companies that have women in position of leadership are making more money than those where only men are present.

 

The Atlantic City ...And North Jersey panel had the most fireworks. The groups were divided by the trio that wanted a gaming expansion into North Jersey and one that was opposed. The Atlantic City group wants to maintain the momentum that they have by citing the increases in hotel occupancy and revenue over this time two years ago. They feel that casinos in North Jersey would derail that growth.

The North Jersey supporters of Jeff Gural and Paul Fireman, the two primary investors of the proposed Meadowlands and Jersey City project respectively, think that they are going after a market that Atlantic City does not have presently. No happy medium was reached.

 

The Casino Floor of Tomorrow gave a glimpse at what everyone thought the future gaming floor would look like. The consensus of this panel was that while we can't forget about our present customers, we must allocate a percentage of our space that will engage a younger crowd.

Geoff Freeman

Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, American Gaming Association, requested that the gaming industry do 3 things. The industry should expose the problems, see the opportunities and unify the stakeholders. This includes Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Sports.

Part Two of the Day 2 recap will be on my Facebook and Twitter  mediums.


                    Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates.
                                      
                      You can download my app. Check out thegamingguym.com/