Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia kicked off yesterday at The Venetian Macao casino resort. The three-day event, co-organised by Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association (AGA), welcomed 6,500 pre-registered visitors from 95 countries, according to the organisers, who previously revealed they are expecting 12,000 visitors for this year’s edition. “The Asian gaming industry is currently undergoing a transformation that is presenting numerous exciting opportunities,” said Hu Wei, President of Reed Exhibitions, Greater China, at the opening ceremony of the event yesterday. “G2E Asia is the perfect place for industry professionals to meet and discuss business opportunities.” The tradeshow debuted in 2007, defining itself as the premier show for the Asian gaming entertainment industry. According to the organiser, all casinos in Asia have a presence at the event. The co-organiser also expressed strong confidence in the market. “We have more exhibitors here than ever before. More buyers here than ever before. Interest is at its peak. This market continues to have great potential. When you look at China, the penetration within China is still quite minimal. The sky, the potential here, is enormous,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association, on the sidelines of the opening ceremony. Bullish outlook With regard to the gaming revenue downturn, the AGA President, despite the worries, claims that uncertainty exists in every market and that despite short-term decisions the investments made here are for the long run. He also expressed faith in non-gaming developments and that of the region in general. “The market in Macau is stabilising. We are seeing that. The number is still quite strong. This is still a US$27 billion market, the largest market in the world. I know there are members that are here – they are making investments for the long-term. They intend to be here for many, many years to come and they are very optimistic about the future,” said Mr. Freeman. “Macau is already generating billions of dollars in non-gaming revenue. Different properties have a different emphasis here,” said Freeman. “In Macau, there is a bright future for non-gaming. It has great potential. But it has to move in concert with the customers. It’s what the customers are interested in. It’s developing here in Macau. People should feel very good about the development that’s already happening on the non-gaming front. We’re very excited for what they would do in the future.” “We have 1,000 casinos in the United States. There is plenty of room for growth across Asia. Japan is obviously a market that people are interested in. Korea is doing some new things. There is plenty of room for Macau to grow and other markets to grow simultaneously,” he added. A decade of networking Striding into the 10th edition this year, G2E Asia kicks off with 180 exhibitors, representing a 12 per cent increase from the previous edition, with over 40 per cent of them joining for the first time, and 80 per cent from overseas. The exhibition area has also tripled in size since it started 10 years ago to more than 9,200 square metres now. The organiser is also expecting more than 800 VIPs and buyers, and around 4,000 conference delegates, in addition to over 12,000 visitors from all major gaming operators and regulators in Asia and beyond. One of the highlights of this year’s showcase is the fast-growing iGaming Zone which has more than doubled the number of exhibitors since 2015. Over 65 per cent of those are new companies. The zone gives the growing iGaming community direct market access and a networking platform with over 50 iGaming exhibitors showcasing their latest solutions and products from Asia and abroad. Today, Macau’s gaming regulator, Paulo Martins Chan, Director of the Gaming Inspection and Co-ordination Bureau (DICJ), is expected to deliver a talk on ‘Transformation in Changing Conditions’ and will also attend the 1st Gaming Regulators Networking Luncheon with his counterparts from Asia and beyond to exchange views, share updates and export co-operation opportunities at a time when the gaming market in Asia is fast-changing and rapidly growing.
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