G2E kicks off 25th anniversary edition in Las Vegas with over 25,000 attendees expected, robust education program

The 25th anniversary edition of the djbet Gaming Expo (G2E) officially kicks off its expo floor today, as the doors open at The Venetian Resort. Over the next three days (October 7–9), more than 25,000 industry professionals from 120+ countries are expected to visit nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing innovations across casinos, djbet, sports betting, hospitality, and more. While education sessions and keynote talks began on October 6, today’s opening marks the heart of the event, with the expo floor transforming into a showcase, a meeting ground, and a launchpad. Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President for G2E at RX, described this year's edition as a "vital" meeting point for the industry in conversation with djbet. “For our 25th anniversary, we are raising the bar," she confirmed. For suppliers and operators alike, today’s opening signals what they came for: new deals, partnerships, and product reveals. The anniversary format is being used not just to celebrate G2E’s history but to push forward with more experiential, interactive, and media-forward features. "Attendees can expect an elevated experience in every aspect of the expo, from our reimagined show floor with the introduction of The Strip, which organizes all experiences into one convenient location, to new networking programs that provide more ways for relationships to be built and strengthened," Carrison confirmed. One of the most talked-about new features is the inaugural G2E Dealer Championship, where 34 nominated dealers from U.S. regulated operators will compete in blackjack and roulette rounds judged on technical skill, hospitality, and game control. Held in The Strip section of the expo (Hall D), the championship schedule spans all three expo days. Participants represent a who’s who of major properties, from Las Vegas icons like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Wynn, to tribal casinos, regional venues, and online operators. Each competitor will be judged on technical skills, game control, and hospitality by a panel of table game executives, with a cash prize and the title of “Best Dealer in America” at stake. This year’s floor also introduces new and revamped zones that reflect the industry’s evolving needs. The Meeting Zone uses AI-driven tools to help attendees schedule and streamline networking opportunities, while the Media Zone provides space for interviews and on-site content creation. The djbet Zone has also been expanded, underscoring how digital platforms continue to gain relevance in regulated markets worldwide. In addition to the activity on the floor, G2E 2025 is hosting a robust education program with over 100 sessions and 330 speakers, offering insights from across the djbet gaming ecosystem. Topics range from responsible gaming and regulatory frameworks to technology adoption, payments innovation, and the growing role of digital platforms. The main stage program, in particular, is set to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing issues, with the participation of leaders across the industry. Programming began Monday with Progress or Pressure: How Tribes Can Harness Innovation on Their Terms. The panel featured tribal leaders for discussions centered on balancing sovereignty with innovation, navigating new technologies, and the challenges of illegal and unregulated markets. It also served as a tribute to Ernie Stevens Jr, longtime leader of the Indian Gaming Association, who passed away at 66 in late September. Today’s programming includes several marquee one-on-one sessions and panel talks. At 8:45 a.m., AGA President & CEO Bill Miller will deliver the traditional "G2E Welcome Remarks & Setting the Stage" as the official kick-off to the event. Biller's address will be immediately followed by "Inside the C-Suite: Gaming’s Future in Focus on Stage", a session featuring one-on-one conversations with three major industry leaders: Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International; Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment; and Jason Robins, CEO of DraftKings. The conversations will address investor expectations, regulatory landscapes, expansion strategies, and competitive pressures in both regulated and unregulated markets. You can find the full schedule for today below - The Real Work Starts After the Deal Closes - Lines, Limits, and Leverage: What It Takes to Launch a Tribal Sportsbook- Sweepstakes Casinos Today: Where We Stand and What Comes Next- Beyond the Ordinary: How Choctaw Creates Exceptional Guest Experiences and Operational Performance (sponsored by Agilysys)- The Evolving Role of Regulators in the Online Casino Landscape- Building Brand Value Through Responsible Gaming Education 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM (Late Morning Sessions) - Boom or Bust? The High-Stakes Game of Industry M&A and Corporate Finance- Profit per Square Foot: Navigating Casino Floor Pricing Models- AML Best Practices: Evolving to Meet New Compliance Challenges- Omnichannel djbet Strategies for Enhanced Player Engagement- Building a Speak-Up Culture for Proactive Compliance in Gaming- Always On, Always Relevant: Conversion and Engagement with eSimulators (sponsored by Omniva) - High Stakes Finance: Capital and Debt Market Trends- The Future Is Social: Amenities That Attract Tomorrow’s Players- From Startup to Unicorn: Strategic Growth for Next-Generation Companies- AI, IDs & Biometrics: Strengthening Trust in Gaming- Digital Meets Physical: The Evolving Live Casino Landscape & the Power of Partnerships- Navigating Trends in Responsible Gaming Litigation - “One Big Beautiful ?”: What Recent Federal Tax Changes Mean for the Gaming Industry- Digital Jurisdiction: Protecting Tribal Gaming Data Beyond Borders- Game Settings for Success: Proven Ways to Boost Machine Profit with Manufacturer Options- Rethinking Engagement: Data-Driven Casino Communications- Fighting Back: How States are Addressing Illegal and Unregulated Gambling- AI and the New Era of Player Safety