G2E 2017: Why You and Your Gaming Organization can't afford not to attend

The G2E 2017 will start in less than one month. This is the largest and most renown gaming conference. We are attending and would strongly suggest it to you. We will offer three reasons.

The 1st is the network opportunities. You will connect with the top executives in the world and learn what they see as being the next big thing.

Greg Carlin,David Cordish and Jim Allen

Gamblit Gaming

The 2nd reason to come to the G2E is to expierence the tradeshow and exposition hall. Every new game,innovation and concepts is covered. In order to stay relevant, you have to know what vendors have to offer and determined if it is right for your clientele. Skill base games should be on everyone must see list.

Blaine Graboyes- CEO of GameCo

 

The 3rd is the educational seminars that have information about all facets of gaming. We are focusing on the hot topics of 2017. They are E sports, sports betting and I gaming. You can follow us as we live tweet from each of these modules. If you decide to attend after reading this post, let us know through social media and we will mention you.

See you in Vegas!

                                                         Have a great #LaborDay Weekend.
                                                   
  
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This Week in Gaming Review

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf submitted his budget proposal for 2017-18. His budget includes over 250 million from new gaming revenue. This is a great sign for online gaming in the Commonwealth. There are two bills that are being talked about during this legislative session.

One is the bill sponsored by State Rep Youngblood and Dunbar. This bill includes online gaming and fantasy sports. It expands gaming to the Philadelphia International Airport via tablets. This bill also allows multi state linkage  on slots to increase jackpots. It also allows for the PGCB to set up new regulations to authorize skill based and hybrid slot games.

The second bill is sponsored by State Senator Acosta. Acosta's bill would impose a 25-percent tax on gross revenue from either form of gambling. The most recent House-approved bill from 2016 had  an online gambling tax rate of 16 percent and a DFS rate of 12 percent. In traditional casinos, the state gets 54 percent of gross slot revenue and 16 percent of table game revenue. Costa's proposal would ban Internet gaming on casino property because of the difference in tax rates. He anticipates some action on his bill by April 2017.

Both bills have similarities but the Youngblood and Dunbar bill has language stressing consumer protection that reins in  black market and off shore operators that target compulsive and underage gamblers. The proposed tax is casino favorable with a rate of 14% along  with a 2% local share. Youngblood and Dunbar's bill does not get blinded by the numbers and wants government and the economy to work for all people. There is a provision for Pre K Funding for Philadelphia I Gaming that occurs at the airport from ticketed passengers.

MGM Grand National Harbor

MGM Grand National Harbor has been open a little over two months and doing phenomenal numbers. They have surpassed Maryland Live as the top grossing revenue casino in their region.

The new Prince George's County casino, which opened in early December, generated $48.8 million from slot machines and table games, making it the state's top money maker by nearly $5 million, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency reported Monday.

The Baltimore Sun reported that Maryland Live Casino, historically the top money-maker, brought in about $44 million in January, down 15.6 percent from the same month last year.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore generated $20.2 million in January, down 14.5 percent from the same period a year ago. The State of Maryland showed prudent leadership by anticipating some measure of cannibalization from MGM's arrival. They allowed both casinos to keep more of their profits to account for the loss of revenue. Click here and read the entire article.

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East Coast Gaming Congress - Day Two Recap (Part 2)

The afternoon sessions of the East Coast Gaming Congress featured the CEO panels. This is the highlight of the conference. This year was unique because the organizers of the conference had a fashion show as to quote Lloyd Levenson, "To lighten things up."

Lloyd Levenson  (standing) with Mark Frissora

Here our two images of the Fashion Show Presentation by Cintas.

I decided to give bulletin board material to all of my readers. This can be used as food for thought and came directly from the CEOs that were on the last two panels.

James Allen

James Allen- CEO of Hard Rock International: "One size does not fit all. Look for a Return on Investment of 15 to 17% before committing to a deal."

Bobby Soper- CEO of Mohegan Sun :"Innovation drives business. Right size your investment"

Felix Rappaport- President & CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino: "Go after brands that are highly engaged in social media."

Keith Smith

Keith Smith- President & CEO of Boyd Gaming: "Trying to predict the future is impossible. Don't lose sight of the core customer of today"

Tim Wilmott- President & CEO of Penn National Gaming: "Combine all platforms to your Loyalty Programs"

Greg Carlin - CEO of Rush Street Gaming:  Carlin was the most innovative with his presentation.
He incorporated a video that dealt with the fantasy sports betting issue. He got the biggest rise from the crowd.  My take from his presentation is that you have to engage your audience and your customer to keep them in tune to your message.

The CEO panel also included Mark Julliano, President Sands Bethlehem, Dave Cordish, Chairman of Cordish Companies and John E.Taylor Jr., Chairman of Twin Rivers Worldwide Holdings.

This year's Conference was the best one I have ever attended. This is the only conference that you can get an intimate conversation with the CEOs and network with your peers at the same time. Worth the money! I would double down next year and await  #ECGC21.

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