Good Giant’s Recap of G2E 2024

Was the palpable buzz in the air at G2E 2024 real? You bet it was. From the moment we stepped into the expo hall, the excitement was contagious, and we couldn’t wait to dive in. Over the course of four packed days, we had the opportunity to meet with several amazing partners from all over the country. With more than 15 meetings across breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, it’s safe to say we’ll be hitting the gym after this!

The expo hall was nothing short of awe-inspiring, with high-tech, interactive displays from the gaming industry’s top innovators. From VR experiences to AI-driven gaming solutions, the industry is clearly pushing boundaries. But it wasn’t just about the tech—it was about how these innovations are actively shaping the future of casinos and gaming.

A Couple Key Takeaways:

1. The Competitive Landscape Is Evolving - With an uncertain economy and new casinos popping up in many markets, competition is fiercer than ever. Simply having a strong marketing plan isn’t enough anymore. Success will come to those who can pair innovative marketing technology with a strong brand and agile marketing strategies. There was plenty of buzz around how CRM systems, programmatic advertising, and data analytics are giving casinos deeper insights into their players, allowing them to personalize their marketing. The takeaway? Properties that embrace these tools and remain agile are best positioned to thrive, even with economic uncertainty on the horizon. If you’re not leveraging advanced marketing tech, you risk falling behind.
2. iGaming and Online sports Betting is Growing - One of the most exciting trends was the continued rise of iGaming and online sports betting. With more states exploring regulatory changes, this market is heating up quickly. The challenge for many operators is integrating these offerings with their brick-and-mortar operations without cannibalizing their core business. This was a hot topic during many sessions, with experts stressing the importance of creating a seamless experience for players, whether they’re betting from home or at the casino. The operators who can strike this balance and maintain the integrity of their physical spaces are going to lead the charge in this rapidly growing sector.
3. Mastering the Fundamentals - Despite all the innovation on display at G2E, one key reminder stood out: not all properties have mastered the basics. It was a valuable reminder to see that many casinos still aren’t executing their fundamental strategies as effectively as they could be. Whether it’s player loyalty programs, CRM management, or even consistent brand messaging, there’s still a huge opportunity for many properties to get the fundamentals right before chasing the next big trend. The takeaway here? Despite all the noise, don’t lose sight of the basics. A strong foundation in the essentials is what will set properties up for success when it comes time to adopt new technologies and strategies.

All in all, G2E 2024 reinforced that while tech and trends are pushing the gaming industry forward, its core strategies—backed by a great brand and smart marketing—will determine who wins in this competitive space. We left the event feeling inspired and ready to help our partners tackle the challenges ahead. Until next time, G2E!