Seattle conference report
Farce or tragedy? Gambling reform has turned into a saga with uncertain outcomes
Superb Seattle events celebrated IMGL@20 in style I MGL’s spring conference was so packed full of highlights that it is hard to do justice to the event in a report. As ever, the networking was second to none with time to Delegates to the IMGL spring conference were treated to the full West Coast welcome as well as some incisive and important presentations.
allowed tribes to become more self-reliant and support their community needs. Having established a presence in the brick-and-mortar space, there is now a challenge to move from a site-based model to one which meets customer demands and expectations for mobile play. The prospect of gambling activity taking place both on and off Indian lands presents tribes with a choice. Until now they have had to make a value judgement as to whether it is worth getting into commercial gaming accepting the responsibilities that brings under state regulation and the consequent reduction in tribal sovereignty. The alternative is to renegotiate their tribal- state compact or pass on the opportunity to enter the fastest growing gaming segment. Panellists in Seattle were excited about the possibility that technology could square some of these circles. Server- based machines can be deployed to overcome restrictions on slots or Historical Horse Racing (HHR) can substitute for randomized machines. Technological advances are
catch up with old friends, expand the contact list and deepen relationships in a wonderfully conducive atmosphere. The Gala Dinner at the spectacular Chihuly Garden and Glass installation was a night that no one who attended could forget. The schedule, which ran from the opening reception through the Next Gen Pub Crawl to the closing reception watching dolphins swimming in Elliott Bay, was a triumph of hospitality and organization. Tribal Gaming led the agenda But, in case anyone should get the impression that it was all play and no work, the conference content was the most memorable part of our time in Seattle. With the location and topicality of the issue, it was no surprise that tribal gaming was front and centre of the program. Gaming has
IMGL Magazine • July 2022 • 47
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