Three Years of Sports Betting and G2E

After living and working in Sports Betting in South Africa for a decade, I returned to the USA and started Chalkline Sports in early 2016.

Of course, we've attended G2E each year, but as I looked over the schedule and connected with industry friends and mapped out next week, a couple of data points jumped out at me.

1. G2E 2018 is focused on educational sessions for sports betting.

In 2016: there were 4 education sessions on sports betting.

In 2017: there were 5.

In 2018: the number is 15. Plus, G2E is rolling out a full Sports Betting Symposium. The timing is perfect.

Regulated sports betting represents a massive opportunity, and we as an industry should be accelerating our immersion course in 'Sports Betting in the USA.'

Regulation, online, bettor education, responsible gaming--there's something for everyone here--whether you're the Head of Sportsbook, Director of Marketing or an Operations Manager.

2. The answer to "Who's going to be here?" is rapidly evolving.

I sat in an educational session in 2016 that included nearly everyone I knew who worked in sports betting at the time. Maybe it was because I had just moved back to the USA, but the sports betting community felt tight-knit and familiar.

Fast forward to 2018, and the number of software vendors, data vendors, game makers, regulators, media companies is incredible.

However, the sports betting 'gold rush' will bear a lot of similarities to the California gold rush. Some people will make a lot of money. Many will not. There will be some unique partnerships and pairings as companies pick dance partners.

It's about to get even more interesting.

3. The keynote speakers provide a solid snapshot into sports betting's past 3 years.

2016: Former NBA Commissioner David Stern shares the stage with AGA President Geoff Freeman. Discusses the state of the league, ticket prices, mobile distribution, and yes, sports betting.

The tone of the conversation was serious, fairly political and couched in legalese. But David Stern clearly let everybody know that regulated sports betting was good for the league and the game of basketball in the USA and beyond.

2017: Wait and see mode. The keynote shifted away from gaming in general.

The presentation was: "Maximize Brainomics: The Economic Gains From Advancing Innovative Thinking."

2018: Sports betting must be ready for primetime, because ESPN's Scott Van Pelt is keynoting. His 'Bad Beats' have drawn a following, and he's well aware of how important spreads and totals are to the masses. Should be good.

Bonus: picture of a young SVP. Check out that lovely SportsCenter logo behind him.

I hope to see you there. Drop me a line if you'll be in Las Vegas next week.