G2E 2024: Keynotes, talks and welcome words from AGA President for the global gaming industry

Tuesday Keynote

G2E Welcome and State of the Industry

AGA President and CEO Bill Miller took the stage to welcome the global gaming industry to G2E 2024. In his annual address, Miller shared the AGA’s latest work to foster industry growth and explore the macrotrends driving the future of gaming, including market expansion, shifting consumer demographics, industry commitments to responsibility, and the convergence of gaming, sports, and entertainment. 

Welcome words
“Thank you and welcome to G2E. It’s great to be back in Vegas and there is no better venue to showcase our amazing industry and the creativity, innovation and commitment to a world-class entertainment experience,” he said. “G2E is the one most attended event and brings together the entire global gaming industry, features the greatest minds, the latest innovations. Today we are experiencing strong public support, record revenues and healthy management that helps us to reach new markets and a new generation of customers”.

Gaming’s historic expansion
“In 2023, commercial gaming revenue hit $66.7B, that’s a 10% jump from 2022, representing 3 consecutive years of growth. Igaming, sportsbetting, casinos, slots, all reached record numbers,” he remarked. “2024 commercial revenue reached $41,2 B until July, that’s an amazing performance."

The legalization of sportsbetting helped boost total sports betting revenue by 46%. I gaming also reached record numbers,” he said., and then pointed out some trends:

1. Betting on the next generation (new customers, new technologies).

-In 2019 average age of casino visitors decreased from 50 to 42 years old. Younger audiences.
-Average age of online gamblers in 2024 decreased from 42 to 34 years old. 
-More social games and social experiences for Millenials.

2. Gaming, Sports and Live Entertainment: Las Vegas transformed itself into a Global Sports Hub. A broader integration to offer a broader and unique entertainment experience.

3. This trend isn’t confined to the Las Vegas Strip (Macau and Singapore integrated resorts). 

“Our industry is constantly raising the bar for guests experiences,” he added.

4. Gaming industry commitment to responsible leadership.

AGA has made responsible gaming a top priority: Training employees, preventing under-age gambling, implement better technology and geolocation to prevent underage gambling are some of the measures pointed by Miller. He also highlighted that the American public shows confidence in the games of chance industry. “Our success is only possible if gamblers play in a safe and responsible way”.

Finally, he said that there is no other industry in America that is more regulated than the gaming industry, and added that G2E contributes to the success of the gambling industry.

View From The Top: Perspectives from Global Gaming Leaders

CNBC’s Contessa Brewer led a two-part CEO discussion focusing on global gaming. The conversations covered how these industry leaders are navigating the current economic landscape, gaming’s expansion into new markets and verticals, and business challenges and opportunities ahead.

Peter Jackson, Group CEO, Flutter Entertainment, Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO, MGM Resorts International . Moderator: Contessa Brewer, CNBC.

Exhibitor Highlights were:

-Play'n GO F1 Simulator 
-Check Signing Ceremony with JCM, AGA, and AGEM