The Weekender: G2E, G2E, And More G2E
Trying to catchup on the whirlwind that is G2E? Straight to the Point has you covered, along with the topic of the hour: Sweepstakes.
The Bulletin Board
ABOVE the FOLD: A look at the three biggest stories of the week.
— It’s all about the Sweeps.
— Mixed views on 2025 gambling expansions.
— G2E reads of the week.
HOUSEKEEPING: A look at recent podcasts, featured articles, and more from yours truly.
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Sweepstakes Takes Over G2E
I devoted an ungodly amount of words to sweepstakes this week, and if I told you there wasn’t an ungodly amount more coming, I would be lying.
Throughout the week, sweepstakes invaded not only every G2E discussion but also far too many entries in my newsletter.
In my G2E preview on Monday, I wrote about sweepstakes being the “unofficial topic” of G2E 2024: “I always say that a new theme runs through just about every session, and I suspect that this year, that theme will be sweepstakes and other gray games.”
On Tuesday, I highlighted the use of cease-and-desist letters by states to pursue what they believe to be illegal gambling, including sweepstakes.
In this week’s feature column, published on Friday, I asked, “Who Won The G2E Sweepstakes Battle?”
Sweepstakes invaded G2E this year, with supporters and detractors laying out their case for or against the sweepstakes model. But, did anyone win?
California, Texas, and Other Expansion Efforts
California sports betting was another hot topic of conversation at G2E. Tribal leaders said that while a ballot initiative in 2026 is possible, 2028 is the more likely target.
“There was a lot of exhaustion,” CNIGA Chairman James Siva said at G2E. “I was exhausted, and a lot of California leaders in this room were exhausted, but we never stopped talking about sports betting. At every CNIGA meeting, we were laying out a game plan. Everyone said maybe we should take a pause. We will take (off) an election cycle (in 2024) and keep working on this.”
In the meantime, California tribes are also expressing some concerns and skepticism about sweepstakes operators in the state. As Victor Rocha said, as only Victor can, “If the Vampire Squid called Sweepstakes Gambling insists on sticking its blood funnel into California, we will chop it off.” Look for more from me on California in this week’s newsletters.
A panel devoted to gambling expansion efforts in Texas painted a very rosy picture of efforts in the Lone Star State. Look for my thoughts on the Texas conversation in tomorrow’s newsletter.
Here are some tidbits from Ryan Butler on tribal efforts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota and online casinos in Florida. Butler later tweeted more tidbits from G2E on Oklahoma, Minnesota, and California.
I’ll be writing about each of these states in the near future.
Reads of the Week: G2E Edition
From CDC Gaming Reports: G2E: Nevada Gaming Board chair concerned about money laundering in Las Vegas casinos
From CDC Gaming Reports: G2E: Mergers, acquisitions still in vogue in the gaming industry
From CDC Gaming Reports: Crackdowns on offshore sports betting can start with ‘cease & desist,’ but may not end there
From Covers.com: Texas, Trouble, and Sports Betting Staying Power: Rounding Up G2E 2024
From The Nevada Independent: Indy Gaming: Debate over smoking in casinos takes center stage at G2E
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Housekeeping
The Forecast is a premium service that provides quarterly reports and weekly updates on the US online gambling sector. I created it specifically for individuals and organizations interested in an unbiased, clear-cut assessment of the landscape.
It will launch in November, costing $2,600 annually (just $50 per week).
Reach out here for more details or to register your organization for The Forecast.
PODCASTS:
This week’s guest on the Talking Shop Podcast was Steve Bittenbender, one of the best in the business at following legalization efforts and regulatory changes in the US.
COLUMNS:
This week’s featured column examines the very contentious discussions surrounding sweepstakes at G2E, including the key actors debating sweeps, the potential weak link in the sweepstakes chain, and which side is winning.
Look for the October installment of the Ruddock Report over at CasinoReports.com this week. I’ll also be publishing a separate column on, guess what, SWEEPSTAKES, for the good folks over at Casino Reports.
Why hire Steve Ruddock? Over the years, Steve has advised startups, national gambling companies, government agencies, and investment banks on a wide variety of topics.
Whether you’re looking for market research, want to raise your brand awareness, or are trying to develop responsible gaming strategies, Steve can help with honest, balanced, no-nonsense analysis of the situation.
Steve’s unique experience and insights are often the missing piece to the puzzle.
Reach out for more information: Straight to the Point Consulting.