G2E is back in Las Vegas with a stacked lineup of exhibitors and the ambition to return to its pre-pandemic days

The wait is finally over: Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is back in Las Vegas, taking place this week at the Venetian Expo Center (October 10-13). The major gambling industry event is set to see companies from all over the world showcase the latest in land-based gambling and iGaming technologies and developments, in addition to a diverse lineup of keynote sessions and more. The buzzing expo hall, the heart of G2E, opens today with over 250 exhibitors across more than 15 business verticals and featuring some of the industries’ biggest innovators.

The major gambling event kicked off with G2E education on Monday, with a program “curated by the industry for the industry,” according to event organizers, set to provide actionable insights for today’s trends and challenges. In addition to general sessions, G2E Keynotes kicked off yesterday at 4:00 PM in celebration of Indigenous People’s Day, with Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest Stevens, Jr., leading a discussion on tribes’ progress since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 35 years ago.

Bill Miller

As for today, Tuesday, keynotes will start with American Gaming Association President & CEO Bill Miller giving the traditional welcome address on the state of the industry at 8:30. His remarks are to be followed by CNBC’s Contessa Brewer hosting a keynote called “Executive Outlook: Leaders Shaping the Future”, for three distinct conversations:

• Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings and Circa Resort & Casino Owner and CEO Derek Stevens will discuss the trends and future of the Las Vegas and broader Nevada gaming market.
• Bally’s Corporation Chairman Soo Kim and PENN Entertainment CEO and President Jay Snowden will cover regional casino trends and growth.
• FanDuel CEO Amy Howe and DraftKings Co-founder and CEO Jason Robins will dive into the future of iGaming and sports betting. 

G2E Keynotes, which take place in the Venetian Ballroom F, will continue over the rest of the event, in addition to a wide array of conversations covering different verticals and aspects of the industry. The full G2E education program can be found here.

However, much of the attention will surely be focused on this year’s expo hall. This time around, G2E has placed “special emphasis” on gathering exhibitors from three growing areas within gaming: sports betting, iGaming, and payments modernization. The full exhibitor list, which features renowned names from all over the world, can be found here.

In addition to visiting booths to learn about the latest in gaming, attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with their peers and colleagues at the G2E Networking Lounge, at Booth #2040. This new space is set to feature activations, meet-ups, and industry convenings throughout G2E 2022, including African Americans in Gaming Happy Hour on Tuesday; Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Reception on Wednesday; and the #G2E2022 Photo Wall, taking place all days of the expo during all show floor hours.

Another highlight of this edition is the G2E Innovation Lab, at Booth #5320. Returning to this year’s show, the lab is described as “the place to experience the latest innovations in the industry.” Open to all G2E badge holders, the Innovation Lab will feature TED-talk-style sessions, fireside chats, and will end every day with themed networking events focused on industry growth sectors. The full Innovation Lab schedule can be found here.

Korbi Carrison

Ahead of the event, Yogonet talked with Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President G2E, RX USA, about this year’s edition. “Our expectation is to be reunited as an industry once again and to have the event look and feel so much more like the G2E that you've all become accustomed to,” she noted in the exclusive video interview.

While the event returned as an in-person expo last year, that edition still had some Covid measures in place. On this occasion, G2E will see its proper return to its former golden years, with Carrison expecting an increase in international visitors who weren’t able to make it last year due to travel restrictions.

In that regard, the executive noted G2E will feature a different expo hall floor than what was seen in last year’s edition, looking more like 2019 as far as the size of the exhibition goes. Additionally, event organizers are seeing growth in the sports betting industry, and a lot of participation from the iGaming sector, with many first-time exhibitors from that vertical.