A new online gaming conference has been announced and scheduled for May, 2011. And, unlike the vast majority of online gaming conferences, this one takes place in North America. Specifically, Las Vegas, America’s gambling capital.
So, with online gaming unregulated in the United States, why does the online gaming industry want to stage a conference there?
The organizers, BolaVerde Media Group, Lewis & Roca, and The Innovation Group, are staging the event largely as a “boot camp” for those who aspire to enter the American online gaming markets, when that’s legally allowed.
“The event will provide education and training to prospective participants in the regulated US and Canadian Internet gaming markets,” states a company news release. “Through this program, attendees will acquire a roadmap and the tools necessary to get from Point A (regulatory approval) to Point B (launch) with a firm handle on their capital, staffing, marketing and operational needs.”
The theme, “The Road to Legalization,” is designed to “introduce the land-based gaming businesses of North America to the $30 billion global iGaming industry,” organizers continue.
“The discussion has evolved beyond the speculative tone we’ve seen in recent years, and there’s a high demand for practical guidance as businesses enter uncharted territory,” explains Mark Balestra, director of BolaVerde Media Group, one of the organizing companies.
“Certainly the program will cover political and regulatory issues, but the primary focus will be on ‘how-to’ rather than ‘what-if,'” Balestra continues.
Poker pro Howard Lederer is scheduled to attend, as are executives “from the world’s leading online and offline gambling businesses, including Caesars, GTECH, Betfair, WMS and more.” CAP Listed Program Betfair is among the sponsors.
Topics do include affiliate marketing, but also many others, including “Tribal Perspectives on Internet Gambling”, “Online Gaming and Social Networks”, “Fundamental Aspects of Regulation”, and many others.
The iGaming North America conference will be held from May 2 to May 4, 2011, at the Monte Carlo Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. Get more details here.