ECGC 2026: Gaming in Transition
On April 14-15, gaming industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders will convene for the 29th East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) in Atlantic City. This year’s theme: “Gaming in Transition.”
Participants will explore the forces reshaping the global gaming landscape, from technological innovation to regulatory change and market expansion.
The industry’s longest-running U.S. conference is packed with informational sessions and essential content on issues of importance to the industry, along with ample networking opportunities. It all takes place in an unrivaled setting: the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk.
ECGC will also present its Lifetime Achievement Award to the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) in recognition of its longstanding commitment to the integrity and principles of gaming licensure.
“Our conference was built on the idea that the most meaningful progress happens when leaders speak directly to leaders,” says Michael Pollock, conference co-founder and senior policy advisor to Spectrum Gaming Group. “As gaming continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, that dialogue is more important than ever.”
Meeting of the Minds
Over nearly three decades, ECGC has welcomed an unmatched roster of speakers, including six New Jersey governors and every CEO who has led the American Gaming Association. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill will address this year’s conference, as will AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
Global Gaming Business Magazine will serve as the Official Publication of ECGC 29.0. GGB is part of WorldGaming, a global leader in gaming publications and conferences, including ICE.
“GGB has consistently covered ECGC, recognizing it as a leading event on the annual gaming calendar,” says GGB Editor-in-Chief Frank Legato. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with ECGC and supporting a conference that highlights innovation and growth in one of the nation’s top gaming hubs.”
Other keynote speakers include:
• Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; CEO, Seminole Gaming
• David S. Cordish, Chairman, The Cordish Companies
• Jay Dorris, President and CEO, Wind Creek Hospitality
• Tim Drehkoff, CEO, Rush Street Gaming
• Joe Hasson, COO, Mohegan
• Soo Kim, Chairman, Bally’s Corp.
• Tom Reeg, CEO, Caesars Entertainment
• Jay Snowden, CEO and President, PENN Entertainment
“While the conference focuses on an industry in transition, one constant remains: gaming will continue to be regulated, and these speakers are central to its past, present and future,” notes Pollock.
Welcome to the Future
“The industry is navigating transformational change—from artificial intelligence to new market development,” says Lloyd D. Levenson, ECGC co-founder and CEO of Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law. “ECGC gathers top industry voices for strategic discussions shaping the future of gaming.”
For more information or to register, visit ecgc.us.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Registration
1:30 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.
Welcome
1:35 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
Keynote Presentation: Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer, Evolution
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
AI: Profound and Immediate Impact
Discover the future of gaming as experts discuss the potential of AI to create a more immersive and profitable environment for casinos and players alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage AI for your casino’s success.
Moderator: Scott Nicholson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Imagine This
Michael Glauser, Founder and Managing Partner, ADEN (Advanced Direct Engagement Network)
Chris Marcello, Founding Partner, FirstPoint AI
2:55 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Gaming Regulation in Transition
The gaming industry faces unprecedented technological, political and demographic challenges. Do regulators embrace new verticals? Will their actions uphold or dilute standards for licensure? How do they address the concerns of existing licensees as new applicants seek a seat at the gaming table?
Moderator: Lucas R. Levenson, Partner, Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law
Everett Browning, Sr., Chair, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission
Mary Jo Flaherty, Interim Director, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Kevin O’Toole, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Kurt Steinkamp, Chief of Staff, Michigan Gaming Control Board
Alana Zimmer, Executive Director, Florida Gaming Control Commission
3:45 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.
Networking Break
4:10 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Casinos, Lotteries: From Frenemies to Friends
The lottery and casino industries have long been wary of each other’s impact on their own revenues, market share and business models. Do digital frontiers and new challenges create opportunities for cooperation?
Moderator: James Carey, Executive Director, New Jersey Lottery
Daron Dorsey, President & CEO, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)
Bill Lerner, Senior Managing Director & Co-Head of Americas Investment Banking, CBRE
Paul Sternburg, VP of Business Development at Allwyn, former Director of Massachusetts Lottery
Bishop Woosley, Principal, Woosley Gaming Advisors; former Director of the Office of the Arkansas Lottery
5:05 p.m. – 5:55 p.m.
Prediction Markets: Protect or Prohibit?
Determining the future of “prediction markets” is no longer a debate, but a battle that’s just beginning to heat up. Can the concept become an effective, regulated gaming vertical? What are the risks, as well as the opportunities? This panel will predict the future of predictions.
Moderator: Roger Gros, Editor-at-Large, Global Gaming Business Magazine
Mike Dreitzer, Chairman, Nevada Gaming Control Board
Alex Kane, CEO, Sporttrade
Joe Maloney, President & CEO, Sports Betting Alliance
Eric Schippers, Sr. Vice President, Public Affairs & Government Relations, PENN Entertainment
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Cocktail Party, Council Oak, Hard Rock
Sponsored by Visit Atlantic City
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Registration
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:20 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
Welcome: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.
Update from the Chair: James Plousis, Chairman, New Jersey Casino Control Commission
Industry Leaders
8:45 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Bill Miller, President and CEO, AGA
9:10 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
David Cordish, Chairman, The Cordish Companies
9:35 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
Soo Kim, Chairman, Bally’s Corporation
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
Industry Leaders
10:35 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Jay Dorris, President and CEO, PCI Gaming
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Joseph Hasson, Chief Operating Officer, Mohegan
11:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Jay Snowden, CEO and President, PENN Entertainment
12:00 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
Keynote Luncheon – Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoree: Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)
Keynote Speaker: Honorable Mikie Sherrill, Governor, State of New Jersey
Industry Leaders
1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Tim Drehkoff, CEO, Rush Street Gaming
1:55 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Tom Reeg, CEO, Caesars Entertainment
2:20 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Jim Allen, CEO, Hard Rock International; CEO, Seminole Gaming
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
East Coast Gaming: The New Frontier
From New England to Atlantic City as well as Pennsylvania, Delaware and other locations, the entire East Coast gaming industry is focused on the emergence of three New York downstate destination casinos. Which properties and locations will survive? Which will thrive?
Moderator: Jacques Cornet, ICR
Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO, Monmouth Park
Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO, Resorts Atlantic City
George Goldhoff, President, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Kevin Jones, Chief Strategy & Legal Officer, Gentings Americas
3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closing Reception: Until We Meet Again
