Another year approaches its end, as 2024 slowly becomes our past, 2025 the present and a wave
of opportunity defines gaming's future.
There is an air of change as the regulated gaming world looks to welcome a new entrant in Brazil
(which features frequently in this issue), and the eyes of those in Las Vegas might just wander over
to the UAE.
Of course, Las Vegas has seen some major change of its own of late, with the Tropicana and the
Mirage both recently closing their doors, to make way for a baseball stadium – very much in
theme with Las Vegas' expanding sporting ambitions – and Hard Rock's Guitar Hotel in Las Vegas
(what a sight that will be).
Elsewhere, the sweepstakes vertical was the talk of G2E and for good reason. It already
represents a billion-dollar industry and, as that figure grows, questions are now being asked about
regulation as it faces opposition from various sectors.
But, even from more traditional forms of gaming like land-based casino, sports betting and
fantasy sports, there is a huge deal to come in 2025.
Indeed, when looking back at 2024, there is no better measure of how well the industry
performed than the Global Gaming Awards Americas ceremony in October.
At the Venetian in Las Vegas, the biggest collection of C-level executives in gaming came
together to celebrate the success of the past year – and there were some very recognizable
winners.
Wynn Resorts, which will lead the charge in the aforementioned UAE, was crowned
Land-Based Operator of the Year, while FanDuel went home as Digital Operator of the Year.
A variety of tier-one operators and suppliers triumphed elsewhere,
with Aristocrat Gaming claiming no less than three Awards, while The San Manuel Band of Mission
Indians won Responsible Business of the Year for the fourth consecutive occasion – and Amy Howe
won American Executive for the third year in a row. (Wow!)
We review every winner in this November/December issue. Elsewhere, we speak with Keith
Whyte of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the 'Goddess of Slots,' and Ted Pappageorge
of the Culinary Union.
We also continue our traditional land-based casino reviews, speak to industry experts about
payments and compliance in our Viewpoints section, and provide a special edition of our regular
product reviews - focusing on the four products that triumphed at the Global Gaming Awards.
All that and more as we see off a successful 2024. From everyone at Gaming America, we'd like
to wish you a prosperous 2025 ahead
