G2E 2026 puts casino investment and industry pressures in the spotlight

Casino investment, shareholder expectations and disputes over prediction markets were all hot topics at this year’s Global Gaming Expo held in Las Vegas.

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky was among the headline speakers. He joined BetMGM chief executive Adam Greenblatt for a conversation about sporting ambition and preparation. Elsewhere, leaders from MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment addressed the pressures facing major casino businesses.

The event brought together commercial and US tribal gambling interests. This was against a major new resort taking shape on the Strip.

Casino chiefs address shareholder pressures

MGM Resorts chief executive Bill Hornbuckle used his keynote appearance to argue that the company was undervalued.

This comment came after People Inc withdrew the offer to buy MGM’s remaining shares. The transaction would have valued the business at approximately $18 billion.

Caesars chief executive Tom Reeg, meanwhile, discussed the constraints of leading a listed business. Shareholders had approved Tilman Fertitta’s acquisition proposal. However, the transaction still required approval from the US Federal Trade Commission.

Reeg questioned whether quarterly reporting encouraged decisions that served businesses over the longer term.

“We’re forced as public companies to think in 90-day increments far more than is healthy for any business.” — Tom Reeg, chief executive of Caesars Entertainment

Hard Rock development signals further investment

Construction of Hard Rock’s guitar-shaped hotel tower was a visible reminder of continued investment in Las Vegas, the world gambling centre. This is a 660-foot, 42-storey tower that will form the centrepiece of Hard Rock Las Vegas. It is expected to become the first tribally owned and operated casino on the Strip.

Officials were targeting an opening in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Tribal operators had a strong presence at G2E. Tribes and states are continuing to oppose prediction market operators. The dispute was another part of the wider debate about the future of US gambling.

Gretzky and Smart bring a different perspective

Gretzky focused on dedication, routine and respect. Gambling was less of a part of his keynote conversation.

Activist Elizabeth Smart also addressed the event. She spoke about resilience in an interview presented by Global Gaming Women. Her appearance was followed by a signing of her memoir, My Story.

For British gambling businesses, the commercial discussions offered a view of how major international operators approach investment and shareholder demands. The reporting pressures described by Reeg are also relevant to listed businesses considering projects whose returns extend beyond a quarterly results cycle.

Alongside the keynote programme, G2E’s official website highlights technology, payments, security and compliance among the exhibition’s core areas. This gives the event relevance beyond the US casino market.

British operators and suppliers face similar questions about funding growth while meeting shareholder expectations. The US debate over prediction markets also raises questions relevant to the UK about how emerging betting products should be regulated and what protections consumers should receive.