25 People to Watch for 2019
GGB Magazine's 17th annual People to Watch profiles the rising stars in the casino industry.
Archive: Vol. 19, No. 1, January 2019
Features More
Arkansas Embraces Legal Gambling
Oklahoma tribes play large roll in passage, but might not benefit equally
The Esports Game
By featuring esports tournaments and esport lounges, casinos can attract a new market and create a new revenue stream.
CashTastic!
Place your bets on the latest and greatest ways to move money in gaming
ICE London Sets Record
In 2019, ICE London will be the largest edition of the ICE Totally Gaming trade show in the history of the event.
The Agenda
New Blood
Today you need to be grounded in education—particularly business, finance or hospitality—if you hope to reach senior management.
PODCASTS
COLUMNS
American Gaming Association
Keeping Up the Focus
Responsible gaming is the industry’s No. 1 priority for 2019
Fantini's Finance
What’s Up For The New Year?
Sports betting and the economy are shaping up to be the big stories of 2019
Frankly Speaking
Nuns at the Table
The Wild Wild West, craps and casino nunnery
Gaming History
17 Years of People to Watch
Every year since 2003 GGB has compiled a list of the movers and shakers in the casino industry. Here is a look at those who made the list.
Making My Point
Empathy and Persuasion
The best persuasion starts with empathy
DEPARTMENTS
5 Questions More
Cheryl Moss
Nevada Gambling Court Judge
Casino Communications More
Bo Bernhard
Executive Director, UNLV’s International Gaming Institute
People to Watch More
Climbing the Mountain
Elaine Hodgson • President & CEO, Incredible Technologies
Opening Daze
Troy Hall • Slot Director, Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, West Valley
Knowing the Score
Jeff Hamilton • Assistant General Manager, Mohegan Sun
Those Who Can, Teach
Jane Tsai • Founder and CEO, JCT Holdings
Right Time
Tim Bucher • Chief Product Officer, Scientific Games
Soup to Nuts
Charles Cohen • Vice President, PlayDigital Sports Betting, IGT
Family Affair
Cami Christensen • President and General Manager, Westgate Las Vegas
The Right Way
Charles Hiten • Chief Executive, Merkur Gaming Americas
Early Game Advantage
Bea Carson • Chairwoman, Choctaw Gaming Commission
Making the Move
Travis Lunn • President & COO, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Growing AGS
Kimo Akiona • Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, AGS
Federal Force
Amber McDonald • Compliance Officer, National Indian Gaming Commission
Driving the Bus
Michael Soll • President, The Innovation Group
Getting a Jump
Kristian Nylén • CEO, Kambi
Saddle Up
Jonathan Jossel • CEO, Plaza
Driven By Data
Trevor Taylor • Vice President of Managed Services and Consulting, VizExplorer
All Bets Are On
Laila Mintas • Deputy President, Sportradar US
Fuller House
Kenna Beaver • Senior Vice President of Products and Services for House Advantage
A New Vision
Mike Dreitzer • President, Gaming Arts
Bridging the Gap
Kelly Shaw • Vice President, Games & Systems Sales, North America, Aristocrat
Hard Rock Star
Mark Birtha • President, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain
Best in Class
Karolina Pelc • Vice President of Casino Innovation, SG Digital
Slot Science
Alex Alvarado • Vice President, Slots, MGM National Harbor
Home Sweet Home
Chad Kornett • Senior Director of Technical Compliance, Gaming Laboratories International
Product Perfection
Victor Duarte • Senior Vice President and Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Konami Gaming
New Game Review More
Voodoo Fortunes
Novomatic Americas
Sparkling Roses Color Bloom
Konami Gaming
Westworld
Aristocrat Technologies
Wild Pirates
International Game Technology
Cutting Edge More
Eye on the Prize
Product: Gaming Asset Management Environment • Manufacturer: Gaming Support
Craps Hybrid
Product: Roll to Win Craps • Manufacturer: Aruze Gaming America
AGEM More
AGEM Member Profile:
Gary Platt Manufacturing
AGEM December 2018
Board of Directors Actions
Emerging Leaders More
Hard Work Expands Horizons
Jackie Gibson, Executive Director, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Public Gaming
Regulating Success
Jordan Hollander, Deputy Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
March 13-16, 2023: SIGMA Eurasia, Festival Arena Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City, Dubai, UAE. Asia being at the forefront of modern iGaming and its growing prosperity makes it a core player in the gaming industry of the future. For more information visit sigma.world/eurasia.
March 15-16, 2023: IGSA Technology Summit Focus: Sports Betting, Italian American Club, Las Vegas, NV. This must attend summit will focus on four key topics: Sports Betting, Cashless and Credit wagering, Metaverse and Cyber Risk and Security. For more information visit www.igsa.org.
March 21-23, 2023: ASEAN Gaming Summit, . Organized by AGB (Asia Gaming Brief). For more information visit https://aseangaming.com.
March 21-23, 2023: CasinoBeats Summit (Spring iGaming Week), . Organized by KPMG and Gaming Malta. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/casinobeats-summit.
March 27-30, 2023: Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country. San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA. https://www.indiangamingtradeshow.com/510/indian-gaming-tradeshow-home.htm
March 29-30, 2023: Prague Gaming & TECH Summit ’23, Vienna House Andel’s Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. Produced by Hipther. For more information, visit Hipther.com.
April 19-20, 2023: SAGSE Latin America, Hilton Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Closed and exclusive event for operators, regulators and sponsors. For more information visit https://www.sagselatam.com/en.
April 19-20, 2023: East Coast Gaming Congress & NexGen Forum, Hard Rock & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. For sponsorship or conference information, visit ecgc.us or contact Donna Vecere at [email protected].
May 9-11, 2023: SBC Summit North America, . The Leading Sports Betting and iGaming event in North America. Organized by SBC. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-north-america.
May 11, 2023: 23rd Annual AGEM + AGA Golf Classic, Boulder City, NV. Swing into the 23rd Annual AGEM/AGA Golf Classic Presented by JCM Global tournament with thrilling contests and a wide selection of amazing raffle prizes. For more information visit https://www.americangaming.org/event/agem-aga-golf-classic.
May 15-19, 2023: SIGMA Americas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. SiGMA America’s first event for the market is perfectly timed to connect its wide-reaching network in the West with Latin America’s leading suppliers, operators, and affiliates. For more information visit sigma.world/americas.
May 23-25, 2023: CasinoBeats Summit (CBS), InterContinental in St Julian’s, Malta. Produced by SBC. For more information, visit SBCEvents.com.
May 23-25, 2023: Gambling & Risk Taking Conference, Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV. Produced by UNLV. For more information, visit www.unlv.edu/igi/conference.
May 25-27, 2023: Gambling Brasil, Frei Caneca Convention Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Produced by Afiliados Brasil. For more information, visit GamblingBrasil.com.
June 13-15, 2023: Canadian Gaming Summit, offers multiple and creative ways to connect with your staff, peers, suppliers and clients. Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more information visit https://www.canadiangamingsummit.com.
June 20-23, 2023: International Gaming Summit (IAGA), Belfast, Ireland. A premier event that brings together leaders from all global gaming sectors, the Summit will provide operators, suppliers, attorneys, investors, bankers, regulators and other advisor delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and discuss the most important issues facing gaming. For more information visit https://www.theiaga.org/2023-summit-preview.
July 17-19, 2023: AML Bootcamp + Cage Operations Conference, Sycuan Casino Resort, San Diego, CA. Join us at Sycuan Casino Resort in beautiful San Diego, CA for our single day AML Bootcamp and Cage Operations Conference. Our theme is "Learn, Connect and Belong" to this Gaming Community that is focused on best practices and education around tools and automation that enhance the gaming experience in uncertain times. For more information visit https://skiild.com.
July 19-22, 2023: SIGMA Asia, Manila, Philippines. With an eye towards new horizons, the SiGMA Group heads to Manila, connecting the sharpest minds in the sector, and bringing a vast network in the West closer to Asian suppliers, operators and affiliates. For more information visit sigma.world/asia.
August 8-10, 2023: OIGA Conference & Tradeshow, Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa, OK. Lively, fun, informative, high-energy assembly of some of the biggest names in the gaming and hospitality industries. https://oiga.org/tradeshow.
September 4-7, 2023: SIGMA Balkins & CIS, Limassol, Cyprus. With the New Gambling Act of 2020 creating a more responsible, accountable, and well-regulated Land-based and iGaming sector in Serbia, the nation has the potential to host an even more robust, flourishing economic industry, attracting firms and talent from far beyond its shores as its local market swells. For more information visit sigma.world/cis.
September 18-21, 2023: Tribalnet Conference & Tradeshow, Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA. For more information visit www.tribalnetconference.com.
September 19-21, 2023: SBC Summit Barcelona, Fire De Barcelona, Montjuic. The global betting and igaming show. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-barcelona.
September 21-23, 2023: East Coast Game Congress (ECGC), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, NJ. Bringing leaders from government, suppliers and operators into one place where their ideas can be placed in the broadest context. For more information visit https://eastcoastgamingcongress.com.
October 9-12, 2023: Global Gaming Expo, G2E is the one place to see the people, products, and ideas to drive your business forward and define the future of gaming. Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, NV. www.globalgamingexpo.com/en-us.html
November 1-3, 2023: SBC Summit Latinoamerica, Seminal Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL. The conference and trade show for senior executives in the Latin American betting and gaming industry. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/en/sbc-summit-latinoamerica.
November 14-18, 2023: SIGMA Europe (Malta Week), Malta, MFCC (North Gate). Returning to its roots, SiGMA Europe attracts an international and diverse lineup of industry leaders to its annual Malta Week event, bringing a convergence of expo, conference, and networking. For more information visit sigma.world/europe.
November 23-24, 2023: BEGE, IEC, Sofia, Bulgaria. BEGE is one of the leading gaming and entertainment exhibitions in Europe. The show gathers 85+ exhibitors and over 6000 visitors from over 60 countries. Over the years, the event has gained the attention of leading companies and established itself as a preferred business venue and became meeting point for the gaming society. For more information visit www.balkangamingexpo.com.
November 23-24, 2023: EEGS IEC, Sofia, Bulgaria. The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is an annual gaming conference which brings together more than 50 speakers and 300+ delegates from all over world. With hundreds of leaders and thriving companies from the land-based and online gaming industry in attendance, EEGS covers groundbreaking subjects and discussions based on the latest trends, developments, and insights.For more information visit eegamingsummit.com/.
December 8-11, 2023: The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Resorts World, Las Vegas, NV. The only gaming conference in the United States that focuses on legislative decision-makers. https://nclgs.org/index.php/events.
March 15-16, 2023: IGSA Technology Summit Focus: Sports Betting, Italian American Club, Las Vegas, NV. This must attend summit will focus on four key topics: Sports Betting, Cashless and Credit wagering, Metaverse and Cyber Risk and Security. For more information visit www.igsa.org.
March 21-23, 2023: ASEAN Gaming Summit, . Organized by AGB (Asia Gaming Brief). For more information visit https://aseangaming.com.
March 21-23, 2023: CasinoBeats Summit (Spring iGaming Week), . Organized by KPMG and Gaming Malta. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/casinobeats-summit.
March 27-30, 2023: Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country. San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA. https://www.indiangamingtradeshow.com/510/indian-gaming-tradeshow-home.htm
March 29-30, 2023: Prague Gaming & TECH Summit ’23, Vienna House Andel’s Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. Produced by Hipther. For more information, visit Hipther.com.
April 19-20, 2023: SAGSE Latin America, Hilton Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Closed and exclusive event for operators, regulators and sponsors. For more information visit https://www.sagselatam.com/en.
April 19-20, 2023: East Coast Gaming Congress & NexGen Forum, Hard Rock & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. For sponsorship or conference information, visit ecgc.us or contact Donna Vecere at [email protected].
May 9-11, 2023: SBC Summit North America, . The Leading Sports Betting and iGaming event in North America. Organized by SBC. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-north-america.
May 11, 2023: 23rd Annual AGEM + AGA Golf Classic, Boulder City, NV. Swing into the 23rd Annual AGEM/AGA Golf Classic Presented by JCM Global tournament with thrilling contests and a wide selection of amazing raffle prizes. For more information visit https://www.americangaming.org/event/agem-aga-golf-classic.
May 15-19, 2023: SIGMA Americas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. SiGMA America’s first event for the market is perfectly timed to connect its wide-reaching network in the West with Latin America’s leading suppliers, operators, and affiliates. For more information visit sigma.world/americas.
May 23-25, 2023: CasinoBeats Summit (CBS), InterContinental in St Julian’s, Malta. Produced by SBC. For more information, visit SBCEvents.com.
May 23-25, 2023: Gambling & Risk Taking Conference, Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV. Produced by UNLV. For more information, visit www.unlv.edu/igi/conference.
May 25-27, 2023: Gambling Brasil, Frei Caneca Convention Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Produced by Afiliados Brasil. For more information, visit GamblingBrasil.com.
June 13-15, 2023: Canadian Gaming Summit, offers multiple and creative ways to connect with your staff, peers, suppliers and clients. Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more information visit https://www.canadiangamingsummit.com.
June 20-23, 2023: International Gaming Summit (IAGA), Belfast, Ireland. A premier event that brings together leaders from all global gaming sectors, the Summit will provide operators, suppliers, attorneys, investors, bankers, regulators and other advisor delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and discuss the most important issues facing gaming. For more information visit https://www.theiaga.org/2023-summit-preview.
July 17-19, 2023: AML Bootcamp + Cage Operations Conference, Sycuan Casino Resort, San Diego, CA. Join us at Sycuan Casino Resort in beautiful San Diego, CA for our single day AML Bootcamp and Cage Operations Conference. Our theme is "Learn, Connect and Belong" to this Gaming Community that is focused on best practices and education around tools and automation that enhance the gaming experience in uncertain times. For more information visit https://skiild.com.
July 19-22, 2023: SIGMA Asia, Manila, Philippines. With an eye towards new horizons, the SiGMA Group heads to Manila, connecting the sharpest minds in the sector, and bringing a vast network in the West closer to Asian suppliers, operators and affiliates. For more information visit sigma.world/asia.
August 8-10, 2023: OIGA Conference & Tradeshow, Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa, OK. Lively, fun, informative, high-energy assembly of some of the biggest names in the gaming and hospitality industries. https://oiga.org/tradeshow.
September 4-7, 2023: SIGMA Balkins & CIS, Limassol, Cyprus. With the New Gambling Act of 2020 creating a more responsible, accountable, and well-regulated Land-based and iGaming sector in Serbia, the nation has the potential to host an even more robust, flourishing economic industry, attracting firms and talent from far beyond its shores as its local market swells. For more information visit sigma.world/cis.
September 18-21, 2023: Tribalnet Conference & Tradeshow, Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA. For more information visit www.tribalnetconference.com.
September 19-21, 2023: SBC Summit Barcelona, Fire De Barcelona, Montjuic. The global betting and igaming show. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-barcelona.
September 21-23, 2023: East Coast Game Congress (ECGC), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, NJ. Bringing leaders from government, suppliers and operators into one place where their ideas can be placed in the broadest context. For more information visit https://eastcoastgamingcongress.com.
October 9-12, 2023: Global Gaming Expo, G2E is the one place to see the people, products, and ideas to drive your business forward and define the future of gaming. Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, NV. www.globalgamingexpo.com/en-us.html
November 1-3, 2023: SBC Summit Latinoamerica, Seminal Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL. The conference and trade show for senior executives in the Latin American betting and gaming industry. For more information visit https://sbcevents.com/en/sbc-summit-latinoamerica.
November 14-18, 2023: SIGMA Europe (Malta Week), Malta, MFCC (North Gate). Returning to its roots, SiGMA Europe attracts an international and diverse lineup of industry leaders to its annual Malta Week event, bringing a convergence of expo, conference, and networking. For more information visit sigma.world/europe.
November 23-24, 2023: BEGE, IEC, Sofia, Bulgaria. BEGE is one of the leading gaming and entertainment exhibitions in Europe. The show gathers 85+ exhibitors and over 6000 visitors from over 60 countries. Over the years, the event has gained the attention of leading companies and established itself as a preferred business venue and became meeting point for the gaming society. For more information visit www.balkangamingexpo.com.
November 23-24, 2023: EEGS IEC, Sofia, Bulgaria. The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is an annual gaming conference which brings together more than 50 speakers and 300+ delegates from all over world. With hundreds of leaders and thriving companies from the land-based and online gaming industry in attendance, EEGS covers groundbreaking subjects and discussions based on the latest trends, developments, and insights.For more information visit eegamingsummit.com/.
December 8-11, 2023: The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Resorts World, Las Vegas, NV. The only gaming conference in the United States that focuses on legislative decision-makers. https://nclgs.org/index.php/events.
