The Michigan Gaming News Letter

Michigan Gaming Control Board In-Person and Virtual Public Meeting Notice

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) issued a public notice on April 30, 2024, to announce the upcoming public meeting.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 9:30 am and will take place in the Cadillac Place Board Hearing Room at the MGCB’s Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062.

During the meeting, official Board business concerning implementation, administration, and enforcement of all governing Michigan gaming law, in addition to other matters that may be brought properly before the Board, will be conducted. The meeting agenda can be found here.

There will be time allotted for public comment during the meeting, during which attendees are welcome to ask questions, voice comments, or provide suggestions. To participate, submit a Public Sign In Sheet form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 9:30 am on the day of the meeting.

Attendees may attend in-person, via zoom, or by telephone. To join via zoom, please use this link.

To join via telephone, please use this information:

USA 646 931 3860
Webinar ID: 992 1596 0820

For additional resources and information regarding meeting details, please refer to the official MGCB website at Board Meeting Schedule and Agendas (michigan.gov).


Gaming CEOs Optimistic on Industry Outlook, Report Evolving Industry Challenges

The American Gaming Association’s (“AGA”) Gaming Industry Outlook reveals that gaming executives maintain a positive outlook on the industry’s future amidst an evolving economic landscape, according to a press release issued by the AGA. Current sentiment regarding the business environment remains largely favorable, with 94% of all surveyed executives expressing satisfaction. Moreover, there’s a notable increase in optimism regarding future business conditions, with a third of executives expecting improvement over the next six months.

“Gaming’s record-setting growth over the last three years has set a new standard for industry success. However, as we enter a period of market normalization, continued investment and innovation in offering world-class, responsible entertainment experiences will be required to maintain industry momentum,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Despite some challenges, such as inflationary concerns and geopolitical risks, the gaming industry continues to outpace the broader U.S. economy in terms of growth. The Current Conditions Index indicates solid economic expansion, with gaming revenue, employment, and wages outpacing the overall GDP growth.

Looking ahead, the Future Conditions Index suggests a moderate increase in industry economic activity over the next six months. This outlook aligns with projections indicating a slowdown in the U.S. economy, yet consumer surveys indicate sustained interest in visiting casinos in the coming year.

Overall, the report highlights the resilience of the gaming industry and the importance of strategic planning and adaptation in navigating evolving economic dynamics.


SBC Summit North America 2024

SBC Events  posted the Agenda for the fifth edition of the SBC Summit North America 2024. The event will be taking place in New Jersey on May 7-9 of this year.  There will be discussion panels covering a wide range of hot topics within the online betting and gaming industry in the U.S. and Canada. Panelists feature a number of reputable industry professionals including operator leadership teams, product and technology specialists, representatives of tribal and commercial casinos, investors, regulators, legal experts, and more. Some featured panels to look out for include:

May 7- Regulation 2030: Anticipating Future Compliance Challenges

  • Cathy Judd-Stein- Speaker, Massachusetts Gaming Commission
  • Louis Rogacki- Speaker, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
  • Cole Wogoman- Speaker, National Council on Problem Gambling
  • Behnam Dayanim- Speaker, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
  • James Kilsby- Moderator, VIXIO

 

May 8- Omnichannel effectiveness: from land-based to digital and back

  • Bobby Soper-Speaker, Sun Gaming & Hospitality
  • Oliver Bartlett- Speaker, Vice President of Gaming- Product & Content
  • Nick Patrick- Speaker, Radar
  • Stacey Rowland- Speaker, Genting Americas
  • Jason McCulloch- Speaker, Galaxy Gaming
  • Zoe Ebling- Moderator, AGS

 

May 9- A Tribal Success Story

  • Denise Petoskey- Speaker, Odawa Casino Resort
  • Matt Stemoski- Speaker, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
  • Raquel Buari- Speaker, Four Winds Casino
  • Robert Russell- Moderator, Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C.

 

May 9- What does regulated betting on video games look like?

  • Seth Schorr- Speaker, Fifth Street Gaming
  • Brett Abarbanel- Speaker, UNLV International Gaming Institute
  • Barbara DeMarco- Speaker, Porzio Government Affairs
  • Michele Fischer- Speaker, SIS Content Services, Inc.
  • Anthony Gaud- Moderator, Regulated Esports and Video Came Committee (NJ)

 

In addition to these panels, attendees can also attend a series of networking parties in upscale NYC and NJ venues as well as the showcase of new sportsbook and iGaming technology in the expo hall. Tickets are available for purchase at this link: SBC Summit North America 2024 – Tickets – SBC Events

Attending SBC Summit North America? Want to connect with RMC?  Click here to  set up a meeting with Gaming Analyst Robert Russell, or attend the panel he is moderating on Thursday, May 9—A Tribal Success Story from 10:30—11:00 a.m. on Stage 3.


Submit Your Nomination for AGA’s 35th Annual Gaming Hall of Fame

American Gaming Association (“AGA”) is accepting nominations for the 35th annual Gaming Hall of Fame.  For more than 30 years, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized leaders who have made significant contributions to the gaming industry.  Consider nominating a leader that has played a role in helping the industry succeed for this highest honor. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 24. Submit your nomination now using this link.


ELG 40 Under 40 Nominations Are Open

Emerging Leaders of Gaming (“ELG”) is a program that supports today’s young executives on their path to becoming tomorrow’s industry leaders through education, networking, and other career development opportunities. Each year, in partnership with Global Gaming Business magazine, the program sponsors an industrywide search for the most promising of these individuals, called the ELG 40 Under 40.

Are there exceptional individuals in your organization under the age of 40 who you would like to recognize for contributing above and beyond?  The deadline for nominations is August 1, 2024.

Nominate yourself or a colleague today.