Prediction markets, AI and new technology take center stage at G2E

The biggest topic of conversation at this year’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas is likely to be about a company that won’t even attend the industry’s largest gathering.

Kalshi, the largest of the nation’s prediction markets, is at odds with gaming regulators from across the country, including Nevada. State officials contend Kalshi takes sports bets illegally, and that will likely be the topic of keynote addresses and education sessions at the four-day conference that runs Monday through Thursday at The Venetian Expo.

Prediction markets won’t be the only thing talked about by the estimated 25,000 attendees from more than 120 countries and multiple American Indian tribes, now in its 27th year. Annually, G2E is the marketplace for theories and ideas about gaming and a showcase for more than 400 exhibitors to present new products to customers.

Another hot topic expected to be discussed is the increasing presence of artificial intelligence on the gaming floor with numerous sessions devoted to AI issues.

Trade show opens Tuesday

A vast trade show floor opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday, following the first of 138 education sessions spaced out across four days. The first of the education sessions featuring speakers and panels on various topics begins Monday at various meeting rooms throughout The Venetian.

Among the largest trade show exhibitors: Las Vegas-based IGT.

Hector Fernandez, CEO of the market’s dominant gaming equipment manufacturer, said IGT this year has focused more on how the company delivers its concepts to customers than just rolling out new products.

“For players, the best moments feel effortless,” Fernandez said from IGT’s Las Vegas headquarters. “They don’t think about the technology behind the game or the systems running in the background. They don’t think about payment or loyalty or analytics. They simply play.

“When you get it right, something special happens,” he said. “The room leans in, engagement increases and players choose to return.”

Fernandez said IGT is accomplishing the new strategy by changing how the company connects with its customers. Instead of having experts in multiple disciplines that communicate their specialty to the customer, one person learns and knows all the disciplines and communicates the whole package.

“Given the four segments of businesses that we have — FinTech, systems, land-based gaming and iGaming — we need to demonstrate to operators how we can make the whole experience seamless,” he said.

Fernandez considers it “removing bureaucratic organizational friction” and he believes that will set IGT apart from other manufacturers.

Another change coming to IGT will be a rebranding to be unveiled on the show floor.

As for Kalshi, Fernandez stands firmly with the state’s ability to regulate gambling and believes prediction markets are attempting to circumvent the law.

“The U.S. has been very clear that the states have the authority and power to decide whether they have gambling within the states and the rules by which operators have to abide by. Perfect examples are Hawaii and Utah. They don’t want any form of gambling, so they don’t have it.”

Yet Kalshi and other prediction markets have advertised nationally that they operate in every state. A company representative on Thursday confirmed Kalshi would not be present at the show.

Appeals courts have ruled for both sides of the prediction market debate and New Jersey has already asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue, which is expected to occur sometime next year.

One of the keynote highlights Tuesday will be round-table discussion featuring the CEOs of three of Las Vegas’ largest casino companies, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts Ltd.

Another highlight of G2E 2026 will be the staging of a three-day tournament competition to find the best casino dealer in North America. The sponsoring American Gaming Association said 50 contestants would compete for bragging rights.

G2E is open only to gaming industry professionals.