Your guide to IMGL's spring conference to be held this year in Washington, D.C. from April 30 - May 1
WASHINGTON DC 2026
IMGL SPRING CONFERENCE Washington, D.C. USA, Apr 29 – May 1, 2026
INTERNATI of GAMING L IM
1
WASHINGTON DC 2026
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
T ake your opportunity to level up your legal game when you visit Washington, D.C. for the 2026 IMGL Spring Conference. The organizing committee has already crafted an education program that’s both in-depth and highy topical. That, plus the chance to connect with global gaming law professionals, regulators, and industry leaders in both fomal and informal networking sessions mean that D.C. should be on your calendar for 2026. Leafing through this brochure will reveal an exciting education program featuring expertise from around the
world of gaming law. Our social program, as ever, plays a big part in what you will take away from this event. With the backgrop of spring in the nation’s capital, there are a plethora of experiences that await to make your trip unforgetable. I invite you to take a moment to review what is in store within these pages. Our early-bird pricing is designed to encourage you to book early and spaces are also going fast in the conference hotel. Do act today and reserve your place and I look forward to welcoming you to D.C.. Marc Dunbar, President, IMGL
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN IMGL CONFERENCE
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR ATTENDEES
Who Should Attend? One of the unique benefits of IMLG conferences is the chance to rub shoulders with some of the most senior people in gaming law. Our conferences are must-attend events for gaming attorneys, regulators, compliance officers, and C-level leaders looking for legal insight and strategic advantage in the evolving global gaming landscape. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the foremost legal and regulatory conference in gaming—set in one of America’s most iconic cities. Venue & Logistics As we count down to the Spring conference, we want to help you prepare for an unforgettable experience. • Conference dates: April 29 – May 1, 2026 starting with our Member Meeting and Opening Reception on the afternoon and evening of April 29. • IMGL Conference: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City, Arlington, VA Take advantage of our re-booked IMGL attendee rate of $359 per night - early booking recommended. The Ritz Carlton boasts Luxury rooms and conference-friendly amenities. The venue is centrally located with easy access to D.C. via Metro or rideshare. Nearby attractions include Pentagon City Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and Georgetown. Registration available via IMGL website at www.IMGL.org Early bird rates are available now. For registration, accomodation or special request contact info@imgl.org.
The International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) returns for its spring 2026 conference, taking place in Washington D.C. from April 29 – May 1. Located at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City, Arlington, VA, this is a great jumping off point for explorations of D.C.’s many landmarks. What to Expect • Premier Global Programming IMGL’s signature conference sessions bring together top legal minds, regulators, operators, and other experts for fireside chats, in-depth panels and presentations on the most pressing legal, regulatory, and business topics in gaming. Over two information-packed days, a future- looking education program will range from Prediction Markets to Offshore Enforcement and all points in between. With a detailed look at the latest Technology and its impact on the gaming industry, and a briefing on the most exciting Emerging Markets, this really will be a chance to up your legal game. • Elite Networking Enjoy intimate and exlcusive networking events with peers from across the global gaming legal community, including receptions, the IMGL gala dinner, and D.C. cultural experiences. Many attendees to past IMGL conferences pinpoint them as the time their careers really took off. They connected with people who became colleagues as well as lifelong friends and important influences on their success as gaming lawyers and regulators. • Spring in D.C. Washington D.C. is one of the world’s great capital cities and spring is a great time to visit. Take advantage of mild daytime temperatures to visit some of the city’s greatest monuments and experience life in the beating heart of US government. It really is a city like no other, so make sure you leave time to enjoy it.
WASHINGTON DC 2026
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
11:30am IP, Advertising and Platform Liability in iGaming Advertising restrictions, affiliate ecosystems, platform responsibility for third-party content, and cross-border marketing compliance. Recent enforcement actions and best practices. Panelists will be drawn from marketing counsel, advertising regulators, platform operators, affiliate networks. Moderator – Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner, WH Simion, Romania
3:00pm IMGL Member Meeting 5:30pm Opening Reception
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
8:00am Continental Breakfast BLOCK 1: IGAMING: REGULATION, GROWTH & RESPONSIBLE EXPANSION 8:30am Welcome and Conference Overview IMGL President, Marc Dunbar, IMGL President 9:15am State-by-State iGaming Landscape: Lessons from Recent Rolloutsl Comparative analysis of U.S. state legalization, licensing models, tax frameworks, and enforcement trends between 2023 and 2025. Case studies of successful and struggling markets, key takeaways for operators and regulators. Panelists to include state regulators from mature and emerging markets, multi-state operators, policy advisors. Moderator – Jeff Ifrah, Founding Partner, Ifrah PLLC 10:15am Offshore, Onshore, Convenience Store – Illegal Gambling and Enforcement Options This panel will discuss the three major veins of illegal gambling: offshore operators bringing web-based games; domestic entities running online sweepstakes games; and the continued proliferation of illegal slots across the US. Multi-agency coordination and enforcement strategies. Panelists will comprise DOJ representatives, state regulators, state attorneys general, law enforcement. Moderator – Josh Kirschner, Associate, Nelson Mullins
12:30pm IMGL Networking Luncheon
BLOCK 2 – PREDICTION MARKETS: LEGAL STATUS, PRODUCT VARIANTS & INEGRITY 2:00pm From Sports Betting to Political Markets: Legal and Ethical Boundaries in Prediction Markets Explore the regulatory distinctions between prediction markets and traditional gambling, with attention to U.S. federal and state issues. CFTC oversight, commodities law implications, and the debate over event contracts. Panelists invited from federal regulators (CFTC), state regulators, prediction market operators, legal scholars. Moderator – Ali Bartlett, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig 3.00pm What Does Online Wagering on Horse Racing have in Common with Kalshi and the Tribes? A discussion of Churchill Downs Tech Init Co. v. Michigan Gaming Control Board et. al, the Interstate Horse Racing Act and state and federal court holdings as to pre-emption and bet location. Does this mark the end of the “hub and spoke” model and do the states stand to lose control over gaming within their borders? Could these cases up-end state regulatory bodies? Moderator – Laura D’Angelo, Partner, Jones Walker LLP 6:30pm – 10:00pm IMGL Gala Dinner, Hay Adams Hotel
11:15am Networking Break
FRIDAY, MAY 1
Panelists to be invited from privacy counsel, Data Protection Officers, international operators, EU and state regulators. Moderator – tbd 12:30pm IMGL Networking Luncheon BLOCK 4: NEW AND EMERGING JURISDICTIONS & MARKETS 2:00pm Global Frontiers: Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia iGaming Entry Strategies Market sizing, localization, payment rails, and regulatory friction when expanding internationally. Cultural considerations, responsible gaming, and building local partnerships. Panelists to include international operators, local counsel from emerging markets, market analysts, government affairs professionals. Moderator – Tomas Enrique Garcia Botta, Partner, MF Estudio Abogados, Argentina 2:45pm Geopolitics, Trade, and Gaming Regulation How global trade agreements, sanctions, and international relations shape emerging gaming markets. Currency controls, repatriation challenges, and navigating geopolitical risk. Panelists to be drawn from international trade lawyers, geopolitical analysts, operators with global experience, risk consultants. Moderator – tbd 3:30pm Closing Remarks and Conference Wrap-up 5:00pm IMGL Closing Cocktail Reception
8:00am Continental Breakfast BLOCK 3: THE UNSTOPPABLE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE GAMING INDUSTRY 9:15pm The Legal Future of Generative AI in Gaming Products With GenAI being used to create narratives, avatars, even odds-setting tools, the legal framework is still catching up. IP ownership, licensing, regulatory compliance, fairness concerns, and player protection. Panelists to be drawn from: tech developers, gaming regulators, IP attorneys, AI ethicists Moderator – Garrett Barlow, Partner, Musick Peeler & Garrett LLP 10:15pm Cybersecurity & Incident Disclosure: New Rules for Operators Evolving cybersecurity requirements for gaming operators. Incident disclosure obligations (SEC, state regulators, international). Best practices for breach prevention, response, and cyber insurance. Panelists will comprise CISOs from gaming companies, cybersecurity counsel, regulators, incident response experts. Moderator – Bob Fontaine, Deputy General Counsel, Virginia Lottery 11:15am Networking Break 11:30pm Data Privacy in a Borderless Gaming World Navigating conflicting regimes (GDPR, U.S. state privacy laws, Latin American frameworks) when operating a multi-jurisdictional gaming platform. Cross-border data transfers, localization requirements, and player data rights.
INTERNATI of GAMING L IM
5
WASHINGTON DC 2026
THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Outdoors & Recreation: • Rock Creek Park – Hiking trails, picnic areas • Tidal Basin – Cherry blossoms and paddleboats in spring • Canal Boat Ride in Georgetown Performing Arts & Entertainment: • Kennedy Center – Theater, music, rooftop views • Arena Stage – Local theater productions • 9:30 Club – Live music venue Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences: • Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – Peaceful historic gardens • Eastern Market – Farmers market and artisan goods • Wharf District – Waterfront dining, live music, boating
Monuments & Memorials: • Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Memorial • Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Museums & Cultural Sites: • Smithsonian Museums: National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Hirshhorn Museum • National Gallery of Art • International Spy Museum Neighborhoods & Historic Areas: • Georgetown – Historic streets, waterfront dining, shopping • U Street Corridor – Jazz clubs, nightlife, local flavor • Adams Morgan – Eclectic dining, murals, nightlife • Dupont Circle – Cafes, bookshops, cultural events Iconic & Historic Restaurants: • Old Ebbitt Grill – Classic American fare, historic ambiance • Ben’s Chili Bowl – Legendary half-smokes and chili • 1789 Restaurant – Seasonal, upscale Georgetown dining • The Dabney – Mid-Atlantic cuisine, wood-hearth cooking Trendy & International Flavors: • Le Diplomate – French brasserie • Rasika – Modern Indian cuisine • Mikko Nordic Fine Foods – Scandinavian specialties • El Secreto de Rosita – Pan-Latin cuisine and cocktails
DINING IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Casual & Quick Bites: • Founding Farmers – Farm-to-table American favorites • Shake Shack (Dupont Circle) – Fast, casual comfort food • Good Stuff Eatery – Burgers and shakes
TRAVEL & ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Airports: •
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 15–20 min to hotel • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 40–60 min to hotel • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): ~1 hr drive Transportation Options: • Metro (nearest station: Pentagon City) • Taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle • Recommend using a transit app for Metro schedules International Attendees: • Check visa and passport requirements well in advance. • Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and any layovers.
A Network: 300+ private practice and in-house gaming lawyers, regulators, industry advisors and academics from every major gaming jurisdiction globally A Resource: Access some of the top minds in gaming law with long experience and practical expertise through our member magazine, conference and masterclass events A Platform: Build your professional reputation along with IMGL through the member directory of our website, contributing to the IMGL magazine and taking part as a speaker or panelist at events. NOT ALREADY AN IMGL MEMBER? The International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) is an invitation-only, non-profit corporation dedicated to education and the advancement of the gaming law profession, and to establishing an exchange of professional information. When you join the IMGL you become part an exclusive network of the world’s leading gaming lawyers, regulators, advisors and educators. Members benefit from biennial conferences in North America, Europe and elsewhere, regular receptions and other networking events at leading industry events and the opportunity to participate in regular Masterclass events and to read and contribute to our in-house pubication, the IMGL Magazine. IMGL membership brings benefits to members and to their professional practice
Applications to join may be made by individuals in the following categories:
• General Member •
• •
Affiliated Member – Educator Affiliated Member – Advisor
Affiliated Member – Regulator
•
Affiliated Member – Executive In The Corporation
• Affiliated Member – New Gaming Attorney
The good news is, by joining us in D.C. you already meet one of the main qualification criteria to become an IMGL member. Reach out to Brien@IMGL.org to be introduced to a sponsor, walk through the simple application form and start reaping the rewards of IMGL membership. We look forward to welcoming you to the world’s leading association of gaming lawyers.
INTERNATI of GAMING L IM
7
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Annual Platinum Sponsors
Annual Gold Sponsors
Annual Silver Sponsors
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Take your place as an industry leader by sponsoring an IMGL conference. Sponsor Benefits
Sponsorship of an IMGL conference is a great way to advance awareness and engagement with your organisation among our valuable and influential audience. Associate sponsors can get involved for as little as $5000 with a range of price points to match your budget and objectives. Depending on the level of sponsorship taken sponsoring companies recieve these valuable benefits • Complimentary delegate & guest registrations to conference sessions; • Complimentary delegate & guest registration to the social program; • Personal invitation to “Sponsors Recognition Reception” hosted by IMGL Executive Committee; • Adverts in the IMGL Magazine. our quarterly publication; • Sponsor recognition at conference & in multiple IMGL online adverts for conference; • Standalone conference sponsor marketing banner displayed at conference; • Logo & company description in sponsorship section of conference page on IMGL website; • Sponsor marketing materials displayed at conference registration booth; • Enhanced recognition via photos on IMGL social media & website; • Logo on conference sponsors banner displayed at conference. For information on joining our impressive rosta of sponsors, please reach out to brien@IMGL.org
INTERNATIONAL MASTERS of GAMING LAW ® IMGL 8
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker