To some in the industry, Rob Norton is an obstructionist. The president of Cordish Gaming’s stance against igaming legislation in states like Maryland has some in the business, like BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, taking swipes at him.

During a fireside chat with SBC’s VP of Growth and Strategy for the Americas Sue Schneider, Norton elaborated on his gaming stance, including how it has changed over the years.

In favour of igaming at one point

“I was very pro igaming at one point in my career, and not so long ago honestly. But as as time has gone on and we’ve started to see the results of states that have brought on casino, and even as mobile sports betting is expanded, my opinion and my view of things started to shift slightly to the point where I think that we have to have a real honest conversation about what’s happening today,” he explained.

While many in the industry point to one of a glut of studies about the potential impact of gaming expansion on land-based gaming, Norton stands by his point of view and standards precisely because he ran the numbers on his own.

“I know there are a ton of studies out there and everybody leans on a different study that supports their narrative. Well, I didn’t do it that way. I did the studying myself with my own team without an objective, without an agenda.”

Online casinos cannibalise 15 to 23 per cent of land-based business

At the end of the day, Norton said he determined the online casino cannibalisation rate is between 15 to 23 per cent. That number is two to three times higher than the most pessimistic study. In that research, The Innovation Group determined a rate of eight per cent.

What Norton included that these other studies did not include was other revenue streams for brick-and-mortar, such as food and beverage. While most research focused purely on GGR, Norton’s experience growing up in the casino industry resulted in him viewing the issue more holistically.

“You can say my numbers are wrong,” he said. “The fact as I did that myself so you’re not going to change my opinion on it because I’m not referring to someone else’s study. I’m doing my own.”

Norton pointed to Pennsylvania, which added five casinos since 2018, bringing the total number of properties in the state to 16. He noted that, despite this massive increase, revenue was only up one per cent. He suggested gaming could be a large reason why.

Retail sports betting helped table games’ bottom line

When it comes to retail vs. online sports betting, Norton also had a more nuanced take than most online opponents. Some critics claim alarmist stats that 90 per cent of retail betting is destroyed when online betting is offered, simply parroting the split between the two verticals in a state. Others use lower numbers but still focus on online betting detracting from the retail betting experience.

For Norton, Maryland is a great example of how retail betting became additive in other ways. Retail launched around a year before online sportsbooks rolled out in the state and Cordish had a good indication of how its retail betting offering impacted other parts of the casino.

“Sports betting revenue dropped by over 65 per cent in the first couple of months and it stayed there and has not recovered. When you look at table games, for the first time in the history of table games in the state of Maryland that we have seen a year-over-year decline on a yearly basis. Slot revenue went from a growth rate that had been pacing on average about five per cent to less than one per cent. And people will tell you you don’t really have a lot of crossover between sports and slots, but it’s still had an impact,” he recalled.

Opportunities for online sportsbook/casino cross-sell

In fact, Norton thinks the opportunities for synergy across online and retail exist in the sports betting realm.

“I would like to still think that we can figure out how to create an environment where there is an experiential aspect in that we’re taking the fantastic sports betting operators out there, which we are not one of them, and leveraging on-site in-store retail experiences that can create opportunities for people to become brand loyal,” he argued. “I know that those in the industry will say the experience on the app is what drives loyalty. I think loyalty is driven from emotion, not from an app. So I think we have to figure out how to connect people’s emotions. To me, that’ll be where you get the next growth.”

For Norton though, the overlap between online and land-based gaming can be more of a nuisance than an opportunity. He argued at length that there is a correlated spike in problem gambling when new states have rolled out online gaming. He also thinks the online industry’s response has a negative impact on more than just itself.

“Unfortunately, this is an area where we can’t separate the land-based facilities from the digital operations because we’re all painted with the same brush as it relates to responsible gaming. So I think we continue to make the story worse on our responsible gaming with our action or lack of action in the digital space right now. You know, the unfortunate part is it is starting to tar the whole industry.”

Igaming industry needs to think more about community

At the end of the day, Norton is not the obstructionist some make him out to be. He is open to having conversations, he just wants them to be more open.

“We can’t keep ignoring the states with igaming and mobile sports betting and the problems they are seeing around problem gaming. We can’t keep ignoring responsibility about how we’re promoting ourselves out there. So I think the first step is starting to happen, but we have some pain to go through to get there. And I think until we really get the answer to this, I think igaming is not an inevitable outcome right now.”

Finally, Norton encouraged the online gaming industry to improve their approach to communities. As unions and local groups join the growing number of igaming opponents, being able to provide answers about what these industries can do to benefit these communities is increasingly important and often something land-based casino operators understand more than their online counterparts.

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Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, stated: “We had nearly 5,000 of you join us this year, a substantial increase from the 3,500 delegates we gathered at the Meadowlands last year. I am always happy to feel your support, and it seems that every year, more and more of you realize how much work the entire SBC team puts into the event. Thank you for making this edition special. It was a blast.”

With an extensive conference program spread across four stages and input from 300 industry leaders, attendees had abundant learning opportunities. The event provided a platform to identify pain points, discuss solutions and explore the potential of North American markets for both regional and global companies. 

Among the notable speakers were BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, seasoned professionals like Jan Jones Blackhurst, and former football legend Dan Marino. Insightful perspectives were shared by Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus on taxation and Shawn Fluharty, President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), who advocated for model igaming legislation. Donna Orender, former President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), added to the diversity of topics covered, ensuring a well-rounded discussion.

“Being here and having the opportunity to listen to panellists and learn how they’ve addressed specific issues and pain points, it’s been really helpful,” said Stephanie Maxwell, Deputy Director and General Counsel of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council.

Kenneth Fuchs, COO, of Caesars Digital, added: “The conference is organized in a way that makes it easy to find what interests you and the topics are generally useful regardless of your role in the industry. Everybody can come here and learn something.”

Sarah Brennan, Senior Director of Compliance at BetMGM, contributed the speaker’s perspective: “One of the unique aspects of SBC is the very personal interaction prior to participating in this event, which allows you to speak on a panel that’s truly relevant to your personal experience in your professional capacity right now.”

The post-event survey for exhibitors and sponsors revealed a very strong NPS score, reaffirming SBC’s dedication to providing unique experiences and value to the customers. With 100 brands showcasing as exhibitors and sponsors, there was a notably diverse representation of companies. 

Brennan said, “There’s a big focus on inviting different groups; I saw a lot of vendors this year that hadn’t been at SBC previously, and many regulators are here. SBC does a great job of being very inclusive about who is represented, both from the US and across the globe.”

Sam (Shmulik) Segal, Co-Founder and CEO, MediaTroopers, a long-time sponsor, but first-time exhibitor at the event, added: “We decided to exhibit as this is our most important market and SBC Summit North America is the most important conference of the year. We always conduct a lot of business here; all of our partners are present. This year, we thought it was time to have a stand of our own so that people who don’t know the company can get to know it.”

The show floor also saw a plethora of networking events, from gatherings for women in gaming to those for the tribal community, as well as meet-ups dedicated to responsible gambling.

SBC’s objective of fostering diverse representation at the event was also realized through the diverse array of attendees. This, as Maxwell eloquently puts it, is one of the main reasons SBC Summit North America is a well-attended event from all walks of the industry: “I’m a regulator in Tennessee, and our motivation (for attending this event) is the opportunity to connect with all the different kinds of people we work with – other regulators, vendors, operators.”

“The event has definitely evolved. There are way more people here. A lot more people, new entries, and new faces, and it’s exciting to see that every year honestly,” added Brett Hoffman, Founder of Gator Wagers.

Fuchs agreed: “Everybody that I generally want to catch up with is here, whether it’s across payments, data, innovation, or other operator peers, or people I know from the media, so it’s a nice mix of the industry.”

Segal added: “It seems that this time it’s even more packed than in previous years – we’ve seen everyone we’re working with in North America, everyone. It was amazing for us.”

In typical SBC fashion, the evenings concluded with networking events held at NY hotspots such as Slate NYC, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square and the iconic Red Bull Arena.

Shawn Fluharty, who apart from his function as President of NCLGS, is also the Head of Government Affairs at Play’n GO, a headline sponsor of the party at Slate, commented: “You have companies from all over the world convening here because they know they’re going to shake hands with the people who are important in the industry and make those connections.”

Slot influencer Kelly Koffler was brief but expressive: “My biggest takeaway from the event is that you guys throw one hell of a party!” The Casino Kelly streamer summarized the essence of the event really well. “There’s a lot of value for anyone doing what I’m doing because igaming is only becoming more prevalent, so the more we learn, the more we can give to our viewers. They look up to us to be educated, so this is perfect for that.”

“This is the best event to attend throughout the year. Everybody we need to see is here, and the educational sessions are phenomenal,” Mark Hicks, Managing Director of the NCAA remarked.

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YES Network Yankees Clubhouse reporter Meredith Maravokitz, returned to hosting duties, presented 29 awards to notable operators, affiliates, suppliers, payment providers and Tribal Nations, in front of 600 senior industry executives. 

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “The SBC Awards North America serve as a pivotal platform to celebrate, reflect, and look to the future of the North American market. It is a chance to honor the amazing work of companies and individuals over the last twelve months and I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all of our esteemed winners.”

FanDuel had a successful night, clinching the prestigious Casino Operator of the Year award, and securing the Sportsbook Operator of the Year title for the second consecutive year.

The Operator categories witnessed Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) once again take home the Socially Responsible Operator of the Year award, Hard Rock Bet awarded Marketing Campaign & Sponsorship of the Year and Rush Street Interactive named Social Gaming Operator of the Year. 

The Affiliate categories saw Better Collective honoured with the Sports Affiliate of the Year award, Betting Hero collect the Casino Affiliate of the Year award and Sports Grid claim the title Sports Media Company of the Year.

Sportradar led the way in the Supplier categories, securing both the Live Betting & Gaming Product and Sports Data Product awards for the second year running. Meanwhile, Evolution and EPIC Global Solutions retained their prestigious titles as Casino Supplier of the Year and Player Protection Service Provider of the Year, respectively.

Other winners on the night included OpenBet (Sportsbook Supplier of the Year), White Hat Gaming (Platform Provider of the Year), Genius Sports (Industry Innovation of the Year), NeoGames (Lottery Supplier of the Year), Continent 8 Technologies (Marketing and Services Provider of the Year) and Optimove (Acquisition & Retention Partner). 

The Tribal Categories, first introduced in the 2023 edition, saw Choctaw Casino & Resorts take home the Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year award, as well as the Employer of the Year award, while Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Gaming Commission, was named Tribal Regulator of the Year.

Celebrating the individual achievements of the industry, the Leader of the Year award was presented to Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, alongside OLG’s Vice President of Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, Catherine Meade. The Tribal Leader of the Year accolade was presented to Janie Dillard, Senior Executive Officer, Choctaw Casino & Resorts.

Shining a light on the future of the industry was the Rising Star categories. On the night, Tipico was handed the Rising Star of the Year, AGS was named Rising Star in Casino, and Huddle Tech secured the Rising Star in Sports Betting award. 

In the Payment & Compliance categories, Nuvei was awarded Payment Innovation of the Year, and Kinectify picked up the Compliance Solution & Partner of the Year award. 

“The fourth edition of the SBC Awards North America was a truly unforgettable night, I would like to thank our supporting sponsors Entain, BetConstruct, Genius Sports, and SUZOHAPP, for making the night a huge success,” Sojmark added.

The awards ceremony concluded the final day of SBC Summit North America, the leading igaming and sports betting event in North America, which saw 5,000 industry professionals convene at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey.

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He also detailed that one of their key aims for 2024 is the unlocking of the Nevada market, which is the cornerstone of their strategy as the group looks to a year of growth. 

Nevada was amongst a trio of goals set by Greenblatt as he revealed ambitious plans for the year ahead where BetMGM is seeking to bolster its status in a competitive US market. 

‘Continuing our journey to best product, marketing share and marketing efficiency’ were all cited as key targets for BetMGM. Greenblatt said the company is making strong progress on all fronts.

Greenblatt also emphasised that the group is not satisfied with being the ‘top of the second tier in the digital landscape’ as they hold lofty ambitions for growth fuelled by the elevation of their marketing strategy. 

One of the areas that saw BetMGM truly tap into an intensified marketing focus was at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. 

In a recent interview with SBCAmericas, Greenblatt underlined just how significant that opportunity was. 

“Nevada is the fulcrum of our omnichannel strategy. It’s a state where, frankly, as a brand, we flex in a way that is more challenging to do in other states obviously given the competitive landscape,” he said. 

Speaking specifically on the type of players in the region, he added: “You have a base of good players who love what we do. But those players aren’t all the same. Some players like baseball, some players like parlays, some players like big tickets, some players like high volatility games. 

“So our job is to make every player feel like we understand them and they are special to us. As I look through that lens, and then look at our activities, I feel like we did that.”

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Moderated by James Kilsby, Chief Analyst at VIXIO, the panel entitled ‘Regulation 2030: Anticipating Future Compliance Challenges’ emphasised the importance of collaboration as the framework around social responsibility evolves and the potential for federal intervention increases.

Painting a picture of her ideal outcome for the industry Cathy Judd-Stein, the Former Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, emphasised her optimism that regulators will embrace further collaboration with operators as ambitions to eradicate the threat of the black and grey market are realised. 

Louis Rogacki, Assistant Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, echoed this sentiment as he urged operators to be more forthcoming with solutions when it comes to RG and tackling the black market. 

He said: “Regulators shouldn’t always have to go to the industry to provide them best practices, they should be coming to regulators. If the industry doesn’t heed the warnings it will lead to federal intervention, which is not a good scenario for the regulated industry.”  

Judd-Stein added that the base built is a strong one as solid connections have already been formed, while specifically referencing Massachusetts for praise as a region that has taken a strong lead in terms of advertising regulations. Building on this, she told the audience that they have regulation pending to provide broader prohibitions when it comes to gambling advertising. 

That being said, she detailed that federal intervention may well play a vital role in terms of the detection and tackling of unlicensed operators, stating that the industry shouldn’t be hesitant to ask for support when it comes to this eradication of the black market.

Cole Wogoman, Senior Manager, Government Relations and League Partnerships, National Council on Problem Gambling, stated his belief that federal intervention is highly likely and downplayed the sentiment that it would definitely be a bad outcome. 

A national standard in terms of RG is an avenue that Wogoman believes could be fruitful in improving the approach of RG. However, he highlighted that it wouldn’t have to be federal or come from congress. 

Providing further analysis of the market, he emphasised that ‘culture matters’, and the type of stringent affordability checks being implemented in the UK simply wouldn’t translate successfully to a US audience. 

Rogacki also agreed that attempts to bring UK-style affordability checks to the US markets would be futile in the bid to build the most impactful regulatory framework. 

Nonetheless, the scrutiny being placed under many new entrants to the market is too significant of an obstacle according to Behnam Dayanim, Partner, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, who revealed that some of the most talented people are being discouraged from entering the igaming space. 

He told the panel that ‘regulators should step back and take a look at what they don’t need to regulate’, as he urged the need for evolution when it comes to the regulatory strategy being undertaken in the market.

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Located at www.playerprotectionhub.com, the new resource will gather responsible gambling news stories, videos and podcasts from across SBC Media’s portfolio of websites, as well as curating all relevant research papers and studies. 

The Hub will work in close cooperation with SBC’s global events team, particularly on the SBC Player Protection Symposiums in New York, ahead of SBC Summit North America, and Toronto, ahead of the Canadian Gaming Summit. 

The company is delighted to announce that long-time industry expert Steve Hoare, formerly of Gaming Intelligence and GeoComply, is joining SBC Media to spearhead the project as Editor of the Player Protection Hub. 

Hoare commented: “I have been following the responsible gambling story for over a decade and knew the industry needed something like this – somewhere that brings all this news, innovation and research together in one place. So, as soon as the Player Protection Hub was pitched to me it was something I was hugely keen to be involved with.”

SBC Managing Director Andrew McCarron added: “This is a project that we’re extremely passionate about, and believe could make a real impact on the industry. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be welcoming a skilled and dedicated editor such as Steve to SBC Media.” 

McCarron went on to say: “Steve is someone who shares our passion for player protection, has a deep understanding of the current state of play, and is the perfect addition to help us make the Player Protection Hub as impactful as we know it can be.”

The Player Protection Hub is designed as a members-only area of approved industry professionals to encourage a frank sharing of views, wisdom and experience. 

Additionally, approved partners will be able to share their thoughts, their research, and raise talking points in the blog section of the community. 

The Player Protection Hub underwent a soft launch in late-2023, and a small but thriving community has helped shape the content and vision for the project thus far. 

The full launch will be taking place on Thursday, May 2.  You can register here. 

To discuss editorial opportunities, email Editor Steve Hoare at steve.hoare@sbcgaming.com

To discuss advertising and marketing opportunities, email Commercial Director John Cook at john.cook@sbcgaming.com

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As the leading igaming and sports betting event in North America, the three-day event will feature a pre-day Player Protection Symposium, an expansive exhibition floor, and a comprehensive conference. In collaboration with +More Media, SBC will also host the inaugural Capital Market Forum, on Monday, May 6, preceding the core SBC Summit North America conference days.

The summit will serve as a central hub for collaboration, idea sharing and strategic discussions aimed at advancing the North American market. It will bring together influential industry figures from global and regional operators, alongside affiliates, suppliers, regulators, tribal nations, media organizations and national sports teams and leagues. 

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, stated: “The North American market is still undergoing a pivotal and transformative shift. Despite some regulatory roadblocks, sports betting is continuing to go from strength to strength as evidenced by the recent developments in Vermont, Kentucky, Maine, and North Carolina.

“With that said, there is still much more to be achieved in the market, and alongside discussions on the slow progress of igaming, SBC Summit North America will serve as the ideal opportunity for delegates to equip themselves with the tools to prosper and continue pushing the market forward.”

A notable feature of the event will be the comprehensive conference program spanning eight dedicated tracks across four stages. The conference, featuring 300 speakers, will aim to address a plethora of crucial issues affecting the North American markets.

Throughout the event, delegates can anticipate discussions encompassing the reinvention of land-based experiences through digital integration, strategies to build upon the ongoing success of tribal gaming, methods for forging successful operator-league partnerships, an exploration of emerging technology set to innovate the sports betting market and more.

The first core day of the event (May 8) will feature notable appearances from Congresswoman Dina Titus, President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) Shawn Fluharty, Caesars Entertainment Board Member Jan Jones Blackhurst, former President of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Donna Orender and Robert Norton, President of the Cordish Companies Casinos & Hotels.

The second day (May 9) will commence with an exclusive Q&A keynote session with nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, and former Miami Dolphin, Dan Marino. The keynote will see Marino reflect on his decorated career playing for the Miami Dolphins, his work with the Dan Marino Foundation and will share his views on the wider sports industry.

Additionally, the second day of the conference will feature a keynote presentation by Trustly’s Vice President of Gaming, John Parsons, as he shares strategies for operators seeking to utilize open banking solutions to enhance player loyalty.

The exhibition floor will lay host to over 75 global and regional brands, showcasing cutting-edge technology, the latest game releases, and innovative services and products. Companies appearing on the show floor include leading operators such as Bet365 Partners, well-known affiliates like Key Affiliates, innovative game studios such as RLX Gaming and White Hat Gaming, as well as suppliers like BetConstruct, Continent 8 Technologies, Kinectify and Trustly to name a few.

In addition to showcasing the industry’s latest offerings, the exhibition floor will provide delegates with a variety of daytime networking opportunities. The first day of the summit will see daytime events such as the Global Gaming Women Meet-Up Breakfast, sponsored by PayNearMe and VDX.tv, the African Americans In Gaming Meet-Up and a Drinks Reception sponsored by BTI Labs. The second day will see the exhibition floor host both the Tribal Gaming Breakfast Meet-Up, sponsored by Strive Gaming and the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA) Launch & Networking Drinks, sponsored by Affiliate Leaders and Better Collective.

Away from the exhibition floor, SBC Summit North America will offer all those with a full event pass a plethora of exciting evening networking opportunities. These networking events include the SBC Summit North America Opening Party, held at the Slate NYC (May 7), the Official Networking Party and Sports Betting Hall of Fame at the Red Bull Arena (May 8) and the Official Closing Party and Awards After Party at the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square (May 9).

Closing the event will be the prestigious SBC Awards Ceremony, taking place at the Hilton Midtown on the evening of May 9. The ceremony will serve as an excellent opportunity to shine a light on the tremendous achievements of companies and individuals over the past twelve months, celebrating the best operators, affiliates and suppliers in the industry. 

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Please note that a separate ticket is required to attend the SBC Awards ceremony. Details regarding available table and ticket options can be found here.

For groups of three or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass Ticket’ gaining you access to all three days of SBC Summit North America for the discounted price of $895 per person. 

Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event. 

The post SBC Summit North America to welcome 5,000 delegates next week appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The ‘Tribal Symposium’ is set to take place on the morning of Thursday, May 9, the second core day of the leading igaming and sports betting event in North America. Delegates can anticipate discussions around enhancing the success of the tribal sector, ensuring safe environments for land-based players and how tribal operators can navigate the current regulatory landscape.

Opening the symposium is the panel titled ‘Michigan: A Tribal Success Story,’ which will explore the success of tribal sports betting and igaming in Michigan. Experts Denise Petoskey (Gaming Authority Vice-Chair, Odawa Casino Resort), Raquel Buari (Attorney & Casino Executive, Four Winds Casino), Matt Stemkoski (Primary Executive Official, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), and Robert Russell (Gaming Analyst, Regulatory Management Counselors, PC), will discuss Michigan as the prime example for tribes in other jurisdictions, delve into effective launch strategies, and explore how to quantify the economic impact of the tribal sector and navigate the regulatory intricacies.

The Tribal Leaders panel, ‘Elevating Tribal Gaming: How Can the Industry Ensure This Sector Continues to Thrive?’ is set to explore the achievements of the tribal sector in the last quarter of a century and the strategies it can adopt to continue its prosperity. Tribal leaders Justin Barrett (Treasurer, Eastern Shawnee Tribe), Melinda Coffin (CEO, Soaring Eagle Gaming) and moderator Jamie Hummingbird (Chairman, NTGCR) will also dissect the factors that operators seeking partnerships with tribes must consider to better understand the different regulations that tribal nations abide by.

The panel titled ‘California Dreaming – Is There a Second Shot at 26 and 27?’ will delve into the current regulatory landscape in California, where two sports betting initiatives, both tribal and commercial, failed at the polls. Expert speakers Frank Sizemore (Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, FanDuel), Andrew Alejandre (Tribal Chairman,  Paskenta Band of Nomlaki) and moderator Jason Rosenberg (CEO, American iGaming Solutions) will evaluate the future of sports betting in the ‘Golden State,’ while also exploring the regulatory roadblocks and promises that need to be made and kept to ensure regulatory progress in the state.

Closing the symposium is the panel ‘Human Trafficking in Casinos: Identifying and Responding to Risk’, which will discuss strategies to ensure safety in land-based casinos. Industry expert George Jenkot (Vice-President of Security and Surveillance, Fire Keepers Casino Hotel) and moderator Jeanie Hovland (Vice-chair, NIGC) will examine the issue of human trafficking in casinos, explore the methods land-based operators can adopt to identify signs of human trafficking, and discuss effective frameworks for safeguarding players and facilitating safer gaming environments.

In addition, delegates will have the opportunity to glean invaluable insights into the North American market through dedicated industry tracks covering industry and growth, sports betting, payments and technology, compliance and regulation, leaders, affiliation and marketing, and igaming. 

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For groups of 3 or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass Ticket’ gaining you access to all three days of SBC Summit North America for the discounted price of $895 per person. 

Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event. 

You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers & exhibitor additions, and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly SBC Summit North America LinkedIn newsletter. 

The post Studying tribal gaming at SBC Summit North America’s Tribal Symposium appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Congresswoman Dina Titus, representing Nevada’s First District, will deliver a video address to inaugurate the conference on May 8. Titus is championing a bold initiative to overhaul outdated gambling taxes, garnering support from both political adversaries and the Internal Revenue Service. 

Titus also opposes allocating a percentage of federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment, deeming it redundant alongside existing education and treatment initiatives. 

Jan Jones Blackhurst, a Board Member at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, will also be featured as a headliner and interviewed by Contessa Brewer, Correspondent at CNBC. With over 20 years of industry experience, Blackhurst, former Mayor of Las Vegas, educator and vocal advocate for responsible gambling, diversity and inclusion, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the US betting and gaming industry, making her participation in the event a highlight not to be missed. 

West Virginia Delegate and President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Shawn Fluharty, is set to deliver a ‘State of the Gaming States Address’ presentation emphasising the pivotal role of the NCLGS in developing a model gambling legislation for states to streamline and optimise the legislative process. 

Speaking to SBC Americas earlier this month, Fluharty stated: “I believe we can produce a framework that will serve as a tool and catalyst to produce sound policy in states going forward.’ Additionally, the headliner will participate in two more panels: ‘Why Online Casino Legislation Hasn’t Kept Pace with Sports Betting’ and ‘NCLGs: Disunited States – When Will Regulators Collaborate on Compliance?”

Donna Orender, former President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a former player in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), where she earned All-Star status during her three-year tenure, will be interviewed by Wayne Kimmel, Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital. 

The conversation will delve into Orender’s illustrious career in the WNBA, her impactful tenure at the PGA TOUR, partnership with former NBA Commissioner, David Stern, her experiences as a board member of the World Surf League and her ventures as a sports team investor. Topics will include discussions on the representation of women’s sports organizations in the sports betting industry and burgeoning interest in betting on women’s sports.

Rob Norton, President, Cordish Gaming Group/Live! Casinos & Hotels, has been instrumental in shaping the gaming landscape for the past 30 years and has navigated the industry through various transitions. He will sit for a live Q&A session led by Sue Schneider, SBC’s VP of Strategy and Growth, Americas. His background includes both riverboat gaming and land-based developments in Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

The conversation will include such issues as the potential cannibalisation of brick-and-mortar establishments by online casinos, emphasizing the vital role of physical venues in job creation, economic stimulation and community enhancement. Furthermore, he will offer insights gleaned from launching a sportsbook at Sports & Social within Live! Casino & Hotel, providing Maryland residents with the opportunity to wager on their favorite teams in collaboration with FanDuel.

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For groups of 3 or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass Ticket’ gaining you access to all three days of SBC Summit North America for the discounted price of $895 per person. 

Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event. 

You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers & exhibitor additions, and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly SBC Summit North America LinkedIn newsletter. 

The post Headliners announced for SBC Summit North America 2024 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Commencing the ‘Industry and Growth’ track, the Audience With Dan Marino keynote is scheduled to open the second day of the leading igaming and sports betting event in North America, taking place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey, from May 7 to 9. 

During his moderated Q&A keynote session, the 2005 Hall of Fame inductee will reflect on his decorated career playing for the Miami Dolphins, his work with the Dan Marino Foundation, and share his views on the wider sports industry.

Marino said: “I am honored to be a keynote at the upcoming SBC Summit North America. During my time playing in the eighties and nineties, social media was nonexistent, and media publications very rarely provided personal accounts of playing in such a league.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity to shed light on some of the behind-the-scenes action, as well as the necessary mindset required to compete in such a competitive league.”

Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dan Marino first found sporting fame playing for his university team, the Pittsburgh Panthers, from 1979 to 1982. During his first three seasons, the team recorded 33 wins and only three losses and was consistently ranked within the top five college football teams in the country. Marino finished his college career amassing 8,597 passing yards, 79 touchdowns and 69 interceptions.

After signing with the Miami Dolphins in 1983, Marino established himself as one of the most promising young athletes in the country, setting several records in his opening seasons. In his second season, Marino notably broke six NFL full-season passing records and was selected as the NFL’s most valuable player. In 1984, Marino made his only Super Bowl appearance during Super Bowl XIX against the San Francisco 49ers. 

The subsequent 16 years saw Marino recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the sport, earning numerous prestigious accolades, including all three major individual NFL awards. In 1996, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 50,000 career passing yards.

After retiring from the NFL in 2000, during which his number 13 jersey was retired by the club, Marino embarked on an illustrious career as a football analyst for CBS’ pregame show, The NFL Today, from 2002 to 2013. It was announced in 2014 that Marino would return to the Miami Dolphins as a special adviser, a role he continues to hold to this day. 

Away from the field, Marino has garnered much praise for his charitable contributions, establishing the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992 to aid children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed over $22m to research, services, and treatment programs. In 1995, the Dan Marino Center was opened, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children at risk for developmental and psychological problems. 

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC said: “During the 2023 edition of SBC Summit Latinoamérica, we had the privilege of partnering up with the Dan Marino Foundation to host a fundraising raffle. It is amazing to be able to continue this relationship, welcoming Dan as a keynote speaker for SBC Summit North America. 

“Dan is a hugely influential figure, both in the sporting world and with his charitable organization. The keynote address will no doubt provide delegates with a unique and exciting opportunity to hear personal accounts from one of the sporting greatest.”

In 2022, Dan Marino teamed up with Pixiu Gaming, a boutique games studio, and the leading North American ‘Keno’ specialists. The partnership will see a suite of Marino-branded titles hit the market from summer ‘24 including slots, keno, and a brand new innovation, Dan Marino Hail Mary. Pixiu will be donating five percent of its profits from the game to the Dan Marino Foundation.

Jenny Lu, Head of Good Things at Pixiu Gaming, said: “We are hugely thankful for the focus and effort SBC has provided to shine a light on the amazing work done by The Dan Marino Foundation. In keeping with Pixiu’s core message of Meaningful Change, we believe our industry needs to do a lot more to help those in the world who are less fortunate than ourselves.

“We want to challenge people in our space to do more and follow the lead of Marino, who is a sporting legend that now focuses on helping thousands of disadvantaged people lead richer lives. A true inspiration.” 

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For groups of 3 or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass Ticket’ gaining you access to all three days of SBC Summit North America for the discounted price of $895 per person. 

Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event. 

You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers & exhibitor additions, and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly SBC Summit North America LinkedIn newsletter. 

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