What I Learnt at G2E 2024

Introduction

Live Dealer Games and Live Casino occupied a small part of the exhibition. In fact, I could only find three live casino providers with stands: Playtech, Evolution, and Authentic Gaming (Light & Wonder).

This is mainly due to how online gaming, particularly Live Dealer games, is regulated in the United States.

While Live Dealer games can be played online in the grey market, only five states—Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—are regulated and allow legalised Live dealer gaming. The barriers to entry are pretty high, with the regulators requiring the providers to have local studios from which to stream their games.

It’s an expensive business, so only four live casino providers, Evolution, Playtech, Aythentic and On Air Entertainment, have a presence in the US.

So, as far as Live Casino goes, it was a bit disappointing, but I learnt a few things worth sharing.

Evolution at G2E

As usual, the Evolution stand was busy, and the familiar faces were courting existing and new customers. Evolution has the biggest presence in the US, was the first to enter this space, and has the biggest penetration.

As for games, the US is way behind on what’s available in the rest of the World, but Crazy Time has made it across the water and was recently released in Michigan.

I got a sneak preview of a new gameshow, Pirates Bounty, which I assume is a new gameshow for the Rest of the World Market. I guess we’ll learn more about this at ICE 2025.

I met Sanda Skuja, Senior Product Marketing Manager responsible for marketing the new games Evolution and Ezugi produce.

She’s also a dab hand at taking photographs.

Lightning Roulette is Live at the Venetian

Timed for G2E, Lightning Roulette made its way onto the Venetian’s floor. It’s the first Land-based installation of Lightning Roulette in the US and the first in Vegas.

It’s been modified for the American audience, so there’s a Zero and Double Zero on the wheel.

Unfortunately, the game was closed when I went to see it, but it’s in a prime location, so it should get plenty of play from passersby.

Playtech

I had my customary meet-up with Kevin Kilminster, who told me what’s happening at Playtech Live.

The big news is their tie-up with MGM. They’ve already released live-streamed Roulette and Baccarat from the floor of MGM Grand in Las Vegas and are also in partnership with MGM to build a new studio on the floor of the casinos, a Las Vegas first and something I thought I’d see a few years ago.

During the week, Playtech also streamed its Live Trivia Quizzes from outside the Bellagio, with fountains in the background—well, while the F1 Stands don’t obscure them—and Celebrity presenters adding an exciting twist to these free-to-play general knowledge quizzes. Look for the schedules, dates, times, and where to join.

Did someone mention Sweepstake Casinos?

It seems to be a hot topic in Vegas. These free-to-play casino games, which involve buying tokens you can redeem for cash, seem to circumvent some of the strict regulations in the US.

Only one Live Casino provider currently has its games available on these platforms (Iconic21—Formely Beter Live), but it’s possible we’ll see Playtech Live games join them in the future.

Authentic Gaming

There wasn’t much to see on the Light & Wonder (Authentic) Stand, apart from a new game, 88 Fortune Live, a live dealer roulette game with multipliers.

I didn’t get a chance to get a close look, as too many people were in the way, having their photos taken with the wheel.

The live games being produced recently by Authentic haven’t been that great, so I hope this is something different that delivers exciting gameplay for their sake.

By all accounts, the 88 Fortune brand is well-known to slot players, something that’s passed me by, I’m afraid.

On Air Entertainment

I learned that On Air Entertainment was at the conference but chose not to have a stand, opting for meeting space in the Venetian Hotel instead. How did I know this? Well, I sat next to the Director of Marketing of Games Global on the flight out, who filled me in on their plans.

What Else?

As they say, what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas. In my case, that meant most of my money, as I like a good gamble, and it would be rude not to while in the capital of gambling.

I reached my peak early on the first day, getting my first Royal Flush with a Hand Pay while playing Double Bonus Video Poker.

Sadly, my high was followed by five days of lows, and I came away one of the 96% of people who leave Vegas a loser. What must it be like to be part of the 3% who break even and the 1% who turn a profit?

Lucky 8 Anyone!

Eights are meant to be lucky. Someone didn’t get the memo on this one!

Oh well, there’s always next year!