- The first recipient of the of the EDP Gender Diversity Scholarship set up by the European Casino Association with AGEM, Clarion Gaming and the Executive Development Program was awarded at the beginning of October. Pauline Boyer Martin from the French casino group JOA was announced as the winner who will attend the program in Lake Tahoe in November, showing strong leadership skills and a desire to further her professional education. She is currently the marketing director for France’s third-largest land-based operator. On winning the scholarship, Bower Martin said she was “delighted and immensely proud to have been selected as the winner of the first-ever Clarion-ECA-AGEM EDP scholarship.”
- AGEM’s Compliance Committee has a short working session scheduled on October 23 with Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairwoman Becky Harris to discuss the “assume responsibility” portion of Regulation 14. Ultimately, AB75 was intended to allow new innovation to come into gaming and gaming equipment as long as licensees “assume responsibility” for the hardware and software in their equipment. AGEM’s aim will focus not on legislative intent, but specific language it opposes and reaching an agreement to provide proper direction going forward.
- The U.S. State Gaming Regulations Forum made up of the seven states of Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Mississippi held a G2E meeting for the first time. This organization originally issued a statement in the aftermath of the U.S. sports betting ruling so information could be shared across state lines for a variety of gaming-related issues. At the meeting, Harris presented a list of items compiled by AGEM that have caused a lot of issues for suppliers for many years. Members of ghe group were open and enthusiastic about assisting with their support, and although this will not produce instant results, it is very positive and encouraging to see regulators working together and including AGEM in the process.
- During a ceremony on the G2E show floor, Gavin Isaacs was awarded the 2018 Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, and Frank Legato was honored as the recipient of the 2018 Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications. Currently vice chairman of the board of Scientific Games, Isaacs has a long history of success and respect in the global gaming industry. Legato has served as editor of Global Gaming Business magazine since 2002 and is the leading voice for new slot titles and gaming technology from both the industry and player perspectives. The nominees for these memorial awards are based on a set of criteria aimed to capture the unique attributes displayed by Halle and Mead during their storied careers. Both recipients are worthy and gracious winners.
- The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States 2018 Winter Conference, held January 4-6 at Harrah’s New Orleans, recently gained approval for sponsorship support of $5,000. AGEM is pleased to support this well-attended event that gathers together a strong group of legislators.
Forthcoming Events
- The annual AGEM Cup Golf Tournament & Holiday Reception will take place on Friday, November 16 at Bali Hai, Las Vegas. Invitations are open to the full membership seeing 20 two-person teams compete for the prestigious prize. A reception and prize giving will follow the competition and is open to players and non-players.
- AGEM members approved to support the “Go Red for Women” luncheon with a contribution of $10,000. The event taking place on February 22 at the Four Seasons Las Vegas benefits the American Heart Association. Attended by an enthusiastic group of men and women, this popular event provides support for an extremely worthwhile cause.
- AGEM welcomed Yogonet as a new Associate Member in October. The well-known daily B2B publication was established in 2002 and was one of the pioneers of digital publishing to the gaming industry with 50,000 monthly views and 40,000 followers on social media. This brings the current membership total to 161.
AGEM Index
The AGEM Index decreased in September 2018, finishing the month at 493.03 points, a decline of 28.48 points, or 5.46 percent, compared to August 2018. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 36th consecutive month and has climbed 35.12 points, or 7.67 percent, since September 2017. During the latest period, six of the 13 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-tomonth increases in stock price. Seven manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month.
