G2E Preview: Reflecting on 25 years of G2E

With the 25th Global Gaming Expo on the horizon, I’ve found myself reflecting on the expansive history of achievements and the role the trade show has played in shaping today’s legal, regulated gaming industry. Over the past 25 years, G2E has become more than just an annual event. It has become the central meeting for the gaming industry: a place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and innovation is on full display. 

As we prepare for the milestone anniversary this October in Las Vegas, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the show where gaming’s future comes to life. 

Since its launch in 2001, G2E has grown alongside the industry it has served. At the first show, we welcomed just under 10,000 attendees. At the time, the industry was just beginning to navigate the transition to digital platforms and more sophisticated operations. G2E provided exactly what gaming needed: a central gathering place where manufacturers, operators, regulators and suppliers could collaborate on solutions to shared challenges. The expo filled that need – and has continued to evolve in step with the industry. 

From its roots in traditional casino operations, the show now encompasses the full spectrum of modern, legal, regulated gaming – sports betting, iGaming, emerging technologies, payments and beyond. While the topics may evolve, the goal remains the same: to provide a platform for meaningful conversation, practical insights and real business opportunities. 

At its core, G2E has always been about connection. Many of the industry’s most significant partnerships, deals and innovative breakthroughs can trace their origins back to conversations on the trade show floor. It’s a place where executives map out strategy over coffee or drinks, product launches spark neighboring ideas and long-term collaborations begin with a single conversation. 

It’s also a statement of the industry’s resilience. During periods of uncertainty – whether during times of economic uncertainty or the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic – G2E has served as a rallying point. It has provided a forum for the industry to regroup, share lessons and move forward with purpose. Time and again, G2E has proven to be more than a trade show: it’s a reflection of the community behind it. 

Last year’s record attendance of over 25,000 leading industry experts, exploring more than 400 exhibits and participating in over 100 educational sessions, proves that G2E’s relevance is stronger than ever. We’re not just keeping pace with industry growth, we’re driving it forward. As we look to the 25th anniversary show in Las Vegas, we’re building on that momentum in new and exciting ways. 

This milestone offers a moment to recognize how far we’ve come but, more importantly, it’s an opportunity to look ahead. Innovation doesn’t stop and neither does this industry. G2E 2025 will showcase the people, products and ideas shaping gaming’s next chapter – and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. 

Here’s to 25 years of growth, leadership and progress – and to the future of the show and industry that we’ll continue to build together. 

Alex Rivera

Writer

My goal is to explain how gaming, esports, and betting intersect in ways that readers can actually understand, without stripping away the entertainment that makes the space compelling.

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