For these reasons, the focus of the first GSATS was on Blockchain, and it was designed to specifically separate fact from fiction, clarify misunderstandings and misconceptions and discuss how blockchain-based applications were being used in other highly regulated industries.  The conference was a huge success.

 For the following year, IGSA decided to once again tackle a technology that was garnering a lot of attention.  The 2019 GSATS focused on Artificial Intelligence.  Technology companies described how AI was helping business streamline decision making using machine learning techniques based on data from multiple sources.  The conference included industry suppliers describing about how AI was being used to identify players who may be on a self-harming path and how AI was a great tool for Responsible Gaming.  Arguably, the most interesting presentations were related to the importance of data and how the millions of records in gaming company databases, was potentially not ideally suited for machine learning purposes.  Indeed, the presentations from the data scientists, really put a fine point on the need for complete and accurate data.

Unfortunately, COVID interrupted the traction that GSATS had gained.  No in-person gatherings meant no GSATS in 2020.   Given the total uncertainty in the industry and the slow recovery from the pandemic, IGSA decided against hosting a GSATS in 2021 as well.  The industry was still in a bit of turmoil in 2022 but given the ubiquitous nature of online meetings, IGSA decided to host a virtual GSATS focusing on the newest gaming vertical in the US, sports betting.

The 2022 Sports Betting GSATS was the first foray into an online-only GSATS and the difference between virtual and in-person was quite clear.  The latter was by far superior in terms of excitement, interaction, and value derived.  While successful despite its challenges, IGSA decided that going forward, online events would be limited to short duration webinars and not a day-long, or worse, two-day, event.   

IGSA focused on its 25^th year anniversary in 2023, planning an event to celebrate this auspicious anniversary and the people that made it happen.  The celebration was part of IGSA’s Annual Member Meeting and saw the largest attendance in a long time.

2024 was a type of reboot for the Technical Summit.  Rather than focus on a single technology, the 2024 GSATS Focused on Emerging Technologies.  The conference included discussions on how AI is going to disrupt the industry.  There was an impressive presentation and demonstration of how Augmented an Virtual Reality is being integrated into land-based casinos.  Continuing the theme of emerging technologies, there was a fascinating presentation on Metaverse Casinos and how they will change the gaming landscape.  While some presenters touched on AI and it’s potentially transformative effects on labor, another presentation focused on using AI to summarize real-time video and identify suspicious behavior – truly remarkable.  There was also a presentation and demonstration of incredible 3-D glasses-free technology with a wide array of uses, both within and outside the gaming industry.  In short, there was a lot of technology for regulators and legislators to opine on and to consider. 

As part of an effort to continuously improve GSATS, we conducted an anonymous survey seeking input on the venue, format, content, and any other pertinent comments.  We were very grateful to receive a significant number of responses and very happy to hear the respondents considered the event to be worthwhile of their time, informative, fun and that the size allowed for conversations and connections which cannot happen in larger conferences.  While overall GSATS was a success, we did get feedback on things we could improve upon and we are implementing those suggestions in GSATS 2025.

So, for 2025, we are once again going to be holding GSATS at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Phoenix and at the same time of year.  This year’s GSATS will Focus on Evolving Gaming through Technology.  AI will surely be featured as will Cryptocurrencies.  We also expect robust discussions around true Cashless and how Payment Processing technology can make that a reality.  We expect that there will be presentations on Responsible/Safer/Sustainable Gaming, discussions on how the industry can use technology to tackle Illegal Gaming, and Cyber Resiliency and Security, especially as it pertains to data breaches of the personally identifiable information required to be provided for gaming licensure.

We look forward to hosting you for what promises to be another great 2-day educational conference!