At the prestigious ECA Opening: Global Associations panel, which took place during the grand setting of the International Casino Conference, a range of prominent figures from the gaming sector convened to discuss the state of the industry. Among the notable attendees were Erwin Van Lambaart, the chairman of the European Casino Association; Ernest Stevens Jr, the chairman of the Indian Gaming Association; and Tom Nieman, who moderated the discussions in his capacity as principle of Apollo Gaming Group.
As the discourse unfolded, a major highlight was the attention drawn to the accomplishments of the American gaming industry, which has established its blueprint as a model of success. This assertion came as part of an insightful assessment by panel experts, where the influence of American operators on international markets was reviewed.
The triumph of the United States in exporting its gaming model was articulated with enthusiasm. Emblematic of this success is the transformation of Macau by legendary US operators like MGM, Wynn, and Sands. These brands envisioned Macau’s potential and elevated it to what is now, by all accounts, the largest gaming epicenter globally.
This successful blueprint is not confined to the dynamic Asian market alone. The Middle East has also caught the attention of American operators, as evidenced by the development of what is poised to be the inaugural casino in the region by Wynn. The construction, taking place in Dubai, underscores the ubiquity and scalability of the American gaming paradigm.
Bill Miller, a panel participant, emphasized the notion that whether it’s the commercial sector or tribal entities, the American model is not just a short-term success story but is envisaged as a sustainable long-term venture. This approach has bore fruit domestically within the US, and its success on the global stage paints a picture of robust industry growth.
Europe’s gaming industry was not absent from the conversation, with Erwin Van Lambaart sharing insights into Europe’s rehabilitation post-Covid-19 era. He praised the recovery process, noting that while the pandemic posed severe challenges, the focus has shifted to strengthening the industry. Through organization and innovation, European casinos and their members have emerged successfully from these testing times. However, Van Lambaart also acknowledged the problematic aspect of innovation, particularly with the not-so-enthusiastic stance of regulators towards it.
An equally critical subject broached at the panel was inclusivity within the gaming sector. The emphasis on the necessity for inclusivity was resolute, with Van Lambaart advocating for the introduction of new role models to foster new talent within the industry.
Meanwhile, Ernest Stevens Jr spoke passionately about the sense of responsibility held by tribal gaming associations to their communities and players. From the inception, he declared, elements such as regulation, security, and responsible gaming have been integral. Stevens highlighted the ongoing commitment to analysis and improvement, striving for a future that is not just better but also safer for all.
The dialogue also delved into the political realm, with Stevens emphasizing the critical role of the forthcoming US presidential election, and the importance of getting people and employees to the polls, underscoring that the influence of the Indian country needs to be strong and recognized.
The conversations at ICE Vox, which took place from February 5-8, were not only representative of the gaming industry’s current landscape but also reflected on the broader socio-economic and political factors that interact with and shape the sector. With such high-level discourse and the sharing of best practices among global leaders, it’s clear that the gaming industry remains at the forefront of innovation, facing its future with a combination of pragmatism and strategic vision.
