• AGEM recently approved an update to its bylaws that govern the organization. The original bylaws were established when AGEM was formed in 2000 and had been updated only once since. The latest changes bring the bylaws up to date and streamline the terminology. A motion was carried and agreed with the new bylaws coming into practice immediately.
• The appointment of the new Nevada Gaming Control Board chairwoman, state Senator Becky Harris, was announced in January. Harris is the first female chair of the regulatory board, and has worked with AGEM in her previous role as treasurer for the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States. She has agreed to meet the members and present a general outline of her priorities at the March or April board meeting.
• SEGOB, the Mexico Secretariat of the Interior concerned with the country’s internal affairs, including the presentation of the president’s bills to Congress, recently announced a new director, Eduardo Cayetano Cacho Silva. AGEM has enjoyed a good working relationship over the past few years with the outgoing SEGOB director, Luis Felipe Cangas Hernández, and hopes this will continue through the work of AGEM’s Mexico Committee.
• AGEM members approved a host of funding to worthwhile events at the February meeting. A $6,500 sponsorship was approved for the Nevada State Conference on Problem Gambling, being held May 3-4 in Las Vegas. The conference promotes awareness and education, attracting addiction and mental health professionals and interested stakeholder groups. The International Association of Gaming Advisors’ International Gaming Summit, May14-16, Macau, was approved for sponsorship of $5,000, and East Coast Gaming Congress, June 13-14 in Atlantic City, received a $6,000 sponsorship.
• Four new members were voted into AGEM recently: Bronze member, RCT Gaming, based in Mexico City, provides hardware and software for video bingo machines and slots. Associate members include E4 Gaming, based in Mexico City, which provides gaming products and services; Gaming Specialized Logistics, based in Las Vegas, which provides management of goods and materials for OEM gaming businesses; and, Millennial Esports, based in Toronto, which provides content for online and offline gaming channels. The membership total now stands at 168, an all-time high.
• In line with AGEM’s support of educational initiatives, members approved a sponsorship of $2,500 for the Gaming & Hospitality Education Series at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Starting in March, each of the monthly half-day episodes will cover different aspects of one topic, such as non-gaming revenue, data analytics, eSports and sports betting, and payment solutions, among others. Speakers and participants at the series will be the leading experts in their fields, providing information for all attendees, who will receive a certificate of accomplishment from UNLV upon completion of the six series sessions.
AGEM INDEX
The AGEM Index experienced significant gains for the fifth month in a row during January 2018. The composite index closed the month at 540.24 points, a gain of 23.45 points or 4.54 percent, when compared to December 2017. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 28th consecutive month, and has climbed 232.10 points, or 75.32 percent, since November 2016. During the latest period, six of the 12 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price. Six manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month, with three manufacturers posting double-digit increases or declines.
