NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern may be a featured speaker on the American Gaming Association’s Global Gaming Expo 2016 (G2E) before greater than 25,000 gaming industry professionals in Las Vegas on Thursday, September 29. G2E is the world’s largest casino-gaming conference and happens from September 26-29 on the Sands Expo and Convention Center. 

Stern can have a talk with AGA’s President and CEO Geoff Freeman in regards to the way forward for sports betting and its impact on major professional sports, in addition to how the NBA’s expansion parallels the casino gaming industry. Additionally, Stern will highlight how the NBA successfully embraced corporate social responsibility, with initiatives like NBA Cares, as a long-term approach to enhance the business’ brand.

For the primary time in G2E’s 16-year history, prominent speakers will take the stage on all four days of the show. Along with Stern’s participation on Thursday, September 29, G2E’s main stage will host speeches by leaders in technology, security and gaming:

• Frances Townsend, former homeland security advisor to President George W. Bush – Monday, September 26: Townsend’s presentation, “The Power of Being Fearless presented by Global Gaming Women,” will inspire attendees to have the courage to steer. After her time serving at the Homeland Security Council, Townsend joined CNN in 2008 and currently serves as a senior national security analyst for CBS News. Additionally, Townsend is the president of the Counter Extremism Project, a not-for-profit, non-partisan, international policy organization formed to combat the growing threat from extremist ideologies.    

• National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. and AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman – Tuesday, September 27:  Marking the primary time the leaders of the casino industry’s two key sectors share the G2E main stage together, Stevens and Freeman will cope with how both associations can benefit each other and really represent the industry as a complete. Attendees will learn the problems facing gaming today and know how unity makes all of the gaming industry stronger.

• Scott Klososky, tech expert and author – Wednesday, September 28: Known for his unique perspectives on technology and business culture, Klososky will detail how casinos can best align with new developments in technology including the web of Things, wearable devices, big data, the cashless society and cyber security. Klososky is a former CEO of 3 successful tech start-up companies; and principal of Future Point of View, a digital consulting firm inquisitive about teaching technology to non-technology leaders. He's a founder and part owner of Alkami Technology, a second-generation online banking platform that gives users with expanded banking options. As a pacesetter in digital and online tools, he shares a uniquely new but seasoned view of the trends and topics which are changing the business landscape.

“Commissioner Emeritus Stern, a proponent of legalized, regulated sports betting, will offer a singular perspective on a topic that has rapidly evolved and represents a vital growth opportunity for the industry,” said Andrew Ortale, AGA’s vp of industry services. “Our robust lineup of speakers might help to make G2E a must-attend event for gaming industry professionals for all four days of the show.” 

In October 2015, Stern echoed current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in calling for legalized sports betting. “I’m with Commissioner Silver. There must be federal legislation that says, ‘Let’s go all of the way’ and feature betting on sports. It’s OK. It’s going to be properly regulated,” Stern said. 

For 30 years, Stern assisted in shaping the NBA into the industry it's today. Stern is credited with the rise in approval for basketball worldwide through the 1990s and 2000s, in addition to the creation of the WNBA. Stern oversaw the proliferation of the NBA globally, from its expansion into Canada to televised games in countries across the globe. 

Read More... [Source: Gaming Industry News]