Las Vegas Review-Journal – It didn’t take long for American Gaming Association CEO Geoff Freeman to comprehend one of the casino industry’s key dynamics.
As the new face on Capitol Hill for gaming, Freeman works closely with representatives of the major casino operators and slot machine manufacturers to further the industry’s collective interests.
The industry is relatively young by many standards; casinos have been infiltrating U.S. jurisdictions outside of Nevada and New Jersey only since the early 1990s. The American Gaming Association, founded in 1995, was created to protect the industry’s common causes in Washington D.C., much like other trade associations for carmakers, banks, lodging companies and the travel industry.
Gaming leaders work together, but the industry operates in a highly competitive environment, said Freeman, 38.
That aspect creates some friction in the room.
“Our companies are pitted against each other every day,” said Freeman, who took over as the association’s leader on July 1. “In lodging, you’ll find a street corner with a Hilton on one side and Marriott on the other. But with gaming, a locality might have just one license available, and that can disrupt any collegiality that has been built. The competitiveness has been the most eye-opening.”
After little less than three months on the job, Freeman will oversee his first Global Gaming Expo beginning Sept. 23 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The four-day trade show, convention and conference — which is jointly produced by Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association — is the gaming industry’s largest annual gathering.
The 2013 G2E will cover 286,000 square feet of exhibit space and will feature more than 455 exhibitors displaying the newest slot machines, casino management systems and other gaming-related products. The trade-show floor is nearly 10 percent larger than last year’s show and will be the largest show floor since 2008. G2E 2013 will be more than double the size of the inaugural event in 2001.
Based on preregistration figures, the 2013 G2E attendance is tracking more than 20 percent ahead of the nearly 25,000 people who attended the 2012 show. G2E officials expect to exceed last year’s numbers.
“Of course, I’ll take full credit,” Freeman joked.
