APRIL 2018 KEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS
- Reed Expositions Senior Vice President Melissa Ashley gave a short presentation to AGEM members recently regarding the forthcoming G2E Asia show. She was pleased to share positive news that pre-registration numbers are tracking 60 percent ahead of figures at this point last year, although this can change by the time the show opens. In terms of exhibitor floor space, they have sold over 15,000 square meters, a substantial increase over 2017 figures. Other new items include the launch of an expanded digital customer experience via a G2E Asia app, which attendees are encouraged to download, as it features a useful 3-D floor plan with navigation system.
- AGEM recently approved funding of £3,000 for a new event being organized by Clarion Events. Brazil Legislators’ Day will take place on April 26 in Brasilia, and follows the Brazil Gaming Congress in Sao Paulo April 22-24. The event will be held at the Chamber of Deputies, and will give attendees the chance to interact with the government body at a crucial stage in Brazil gaming expansion discussions. Key industry figures have been invited to attend, and AGEM will be represented by AGEM Mexico Committee Chairman Carlos Carrion of Aristocrat, who will be on the panel.
- AGEM continues to work with the Nevada Gaming Commission on the proposed updated language of Regulation 14, a follow-up to the legislative passage of the AGEM-endorsed Assembly Bill 75 that was, among other things, designed to allow slot makers to incorporate new technologies from companies not licensed in Nevada as long as they accept responsibility for the inclusion of such technology into their games and platforms. After consultation with new NGCB Chairwoman Becky Harris regarding AGEM’s concerns over the proposed language, she has decided to cancel the public meeting so the content can be reviewed again.
- AGEM Director of Responsible Gaming Connie Jones and AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater recently attended the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gaming Collaborative meeting in Las Vegas. They were joined by 10 or so industry representatives and AGA staff to discuss the effectiveness of problem gaming and responsible gaming spending in the U.S. and to initiate effective policies and regulations for the industry. This proved to be a very positive event that will help to ensure success for responsible gaming initiatives moving forward.
- April saw two new Associate members welcomed to AGEM—Deloitte LLP, a global company with offices in Las Vegas that provides audit and assurance, consulting, risk and financial advisory, risk management, tax, and related services to select clients; and trade show exhibit company Plus Studios, also based in Las Vegas, which provides design, full service production, engineering and the best project/account management personnel.
- AGEM once again has a booth at G2E Asia, being held in Macau May 15-17. We look forward to welcoming new and existing members to the show. AGEM will also be hosting the President’s Reception for invited guests on Tuesday, May 15 at the new MGM Cotai.
AGEM INDEX
The AGEM Index again experienced declines during March 2018. The composite index closed the month at 505.15 points, a drop of 8.32 points or 1.62 percent, when compared to February 2018. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 30th consecutive month, and has climbed 134.87 points, or 36.87 percent, since March 2017. During the latest period, seven of the 13 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price. Six manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month, with one manufacturer posting a double-digit percentage decline.
