The 25th Global Gaming Expo (G2E) wrapped up on Thursday at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, underscoring its significance as one of the largest and most pivotal events in the gaming industry while reflecting on a year marked by change and challenges.
This year, approximately 25,000 industry professionals from over 120 nations participated in this landmark event, organized by RX in collaboration with the American Gaming Association (AGA).
With nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing their products and over 100 educational sessions, G2E 2025 combined celebration with informative discussions. Attendees engaged with emerging technologies, responsible innovations, and the evolving regulatory environment shaping the industry’s future.
Honoring Ernie Stevens and Envisioning the Future
This week commenced with a heartfelt homage to Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., the late chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, who sadly passed away just days before the expo began. The tribute, co-hosted by AGA and IGA, gathered tribal and commercial leaders to honor Stevens’ two-decade commitment to tribal sovereignty and economic empowerment through gaming.
The legacy of Ernie Stevens was commemorated at G2E
“Ernie fostered a movement of respect, advancement, and unity,” remarked IGA Executive Director Jason Giles during the tribute. “It is our duty now to carry that mission forward.”
During his opening remarks, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the industry’s resilience and ongoing challenges. “We thrive when the economy is flourishing, and we stabilize during uncertain times,” Miller pointed out, highlighting a substantial 8% growth in gaming in 2024, which now supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide.
Miller’s address quickly pivoted to a critical issue at this year’s expo: the rise of prediction markets and sweepstakes operators, which he cautioned are “seeking to circumvent regulations” and “blur the legal boundaries” surrounding gaming.
“You can label it as a sports event contract, a skill game, or a sweepstake,” Miller remarked. “No matter the title, it’s still gambling. If it is gambling, it must abide by the regulations that protect state and tribal sovereignty.”
Discussions on Prediction Markets Divide the Industry
Miller’s comments set the stage for much of the week’s conversation. From keynotes to panel discussions, prediction markets emerged as a central theme, showcasing a rare split among leading operators.
While Miller’s position was clear, major companies such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics took a more cautious approach. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins acknowledged the uncertainty during his keynote while stressing that federal regulators (not the operators) would ultimately determine the legal frameworks.
“There’s a federal regulator involved,” Robins stated. “The CFTC dictates what is permissible. We are merely here to comprehend the rules and engage within them.”
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle expressed apprehension, cautioning that federally sanctioned prediction markets may invite increased federal oversight of gambling, a concern long resisted by state-regulated operators. “This implies the federal government could intrude upon our domain,” Hornbuckle said. “This is what our industry has historically and unequivocally opposed.”
G2E engaged with various critical topics through an extensive conference agenda
Positive Outlook for Las Vegas and Beyond
Hornbuckle also reassured attendees about Las Vegas’ future, despite a temporary decrease in visitation mid-2025. He reminded the audience that 2024 was one of the city’s best years on record, helped by events like the Super Bowl and Formula 1, and forecasted that the upcoming months will witness “the most remarkable convention stretch in this city’s history.”
“We maintain a positive outlook on Las Vegas,” he asserted. “At its core, I believe it remains fundamentally sound.”
Hornbuckle also highlighted the integration of AI across MGM’s operations, citing significant efficiency improvements in hotel services and customer support. However, he cautioned, “AI cannot replace the unique benefits of personal interaction,” indicating a thoughtful, balanced approach to automation.
Innovative Features and Renewed Enthusiasm
While regulatory discussions took center stage, G2E’s silver anniversary also launched new initiatives aimed at honoring talent and innovation in the industry. A standout feature was the inaugural G2E Dealer Championship, a three-day event that gathered 34 top dealers from regulated U.S. operators to compete in blackjack and roulette challenges, judged on skill, hospitality, and game management.
The first-ever G2E Dealer Championship took place
Elleonor Hoffman of Graton Resort was crowned as the “Best Dealer in America”, earning a cash prize and recognition throughout the industry. Supported by The United States Playing Card Company (“Bee”), TCSJOHNHUXLEY, and other sponsors, the championship attracted significant crowds throughout the week.
“The inaugural G2E Dealer Championship introduced an exhilarating new dimension to this year’s show,” stated Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President at RX. “It showcased the remarkable skill, precision, and flair of casino dealers while emphasizing their essential role in the gaming experience. Next year promises to be even more spectacular.”
A Dynamic Casino Floor and Comprehensive Programming
While the show floor buzzed with the latest innovations in slots, table games, and integrated systems, G2E 2025 also shone a light on broader dynamics influencing the future of gaming, from AI implementation and cybersecurity to responsible play initiatives and advocacy for mental health.
Additionally, educational sessions covered AML compliance, cross-jurisdictional data protection, and evolving iGaming regulations, featuring updates on licensing frameworks and market entry strategies from regulators and operators across Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Throughout the expo floor, exhibitors showcased technologies that merge digital and physical gaming, ranging from hybrid live-dealer systems to immersive loyalty solutions and next-gen sports betting platforms. Although G2E retains a strong focus on land-based gaming, the influence of iGaming, esports, and fintech innovators highlighted the industry’s convergence.
The Next Chapter for G2E
As this year’s edition concluded, organizers confirmed that G2E 2026 will be hosted at The Venetian Expo from September 29 to October 1, 2026, with educational sessions commencing September 28. The dates for 2027 and 2028 have also been established: G2E 2027 will take place from September 28 to September 30 (education starts on Sept. 27), while G2E 2028 will occur from October 10 to October 12 (education begins on Oct. 9).
“G2E has undeniably solidified its position as the central hub for the global gaming sector, uniting operators, suppliers, regulators, and the industry at large within the gaming capital,” stated Bill Miller. “This year’s expo showcased the strength, diversity, and innovation that characterize our industry—and the collaboration that will continue to drive it forward.”
“G2E is a must-attend event in the gaming arena. We are thrilled with this year’s event, especially the inaugural Dealer Championship, which added a fresh and exciting layer,” Korbi Carrison, RX’s Event Vice President for G2E, shared with Yogonet during the expo. “Next year’s G2E will be even larger and more impressive!”