Hornbuckle will headline the panel ‘iGaming on the Rise: Making Waves in 2021’ and share what he’s learned from the success of MGM Resorts’ market-leading iGaming and mobile sports betting app, BetMGM. He will be joined by Richard Kalm (Executive Director, Michigan Gaming Control Board), Ed Andrewes (CEO, Resorts Digital Gaming), Claire Osborne (VP of Interactive, Inspired Entertainment), and Dermot Smurfit (CEO, GAN) to discuss capitalizing on new markets and where the best opportunities lie as more states target iGaming as a source of tax revenue. 

“The iGaming and mobile betting market is growing at a rapid, unprecedented pace. I couldn’t be more excited about what this means for the future of our company and the overall industry,” Hornbuckle said. “MGM Resorts has big plans for 2021 and beyond, and I look forward to discussing how our industry can continue to grow, innovate and provide unforgettable experiences for players and fans across the United States.”

Under Hornbuckle’s leadership, MGM Resorts is an established leader in iGaming and mobile sports betting. BetMGM is the top iGaming operator in the United States and has captured a market share of 27 per cent in its active markets. iGaming is currently live in five states and is expected to achieve significant growth in the coming years as legalization expands and mobile gaming continues its rapid rise in popularity.

Another key panel on the agenda is ‘How Will Decisions iGaming Operators Make Now Impact Growth in the Future?’ The executives looking at the possible long-term implications of strategic decisions made in the early stages of the market include: Adam Greenblatt (CEO, BetMGM), Richard Schwartz (President, Rush Street Interactive), and Jon Kaplowitz (Head of Penn Interactive). 

The Leaders in iGaming track also features an assessment of how to build an omnichannel offer that can help to drive player numbers for both brick-and-mortar and online casinos, and an evaluation of the preferences of the younger, tech-savvy audience for mobile slots. 

Sue Schneider, VP Growth & Strategy, Americas for conference organizer SBC, said: “There is huge interest in the U.S. and Canadian iGaming markets right now, and the agenda for SBC Digital America will tackle the most important questions people have about the future of this high-growth sector. We’re delighted that some of the most influential executives in the industry will be joining us to provide the answers.”

The SBC Digital North America conference agenda for day two also includes the Responsible Gambling, Payments, and Standards tracks, while the opening day’s content features the Leadership in Sports Betting, Regulation, Marketing & Affiliation, and Products & Innovation programs. 

Alongside the conference, delegates can look forward to viewing the latest sportsbook, iGaming, and payments products in the interactive exhibition, and to taking part in a program of themed networking roundtables.

Register for your free pass for SBC Digital North America and find out more about the online conference and expo at the event’s official website: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-digital-north-america/