CONFERENCE PREVIEW
IMGL spring conference: Vancouver, a hub for the future of gaming law
W hen Rome was announced as the venue choice for the 2024 autumn conference, there were some approving noises from both IMGL and IAGR members. After all, Rome is one of the world’s great cities with world heritage sites on virtually every corner. In the end, the event in October more than justified the excitement. The week started on Monday morning with a well-attended workshop from sponsors GLI, and the conference itself got started that afternoon. As the IAGR part of the program, the focus was regulatory with contributions from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. On Tuesday the focus broadened to take in AI, self-exclusion and cross-border enforcement. Tuesday was also the day the social program started in earnest with the opening reception on a balmy evening with a world-class view over Rome (pictured). Program and panelist contributions from IMGL started on Wednesday and the focus switched to how regulators work most effectively with the industry to achieve common goals. Panel sessions were broken up with some excellent keynote The IMGL Spring Conference 2025 is meticulously structured to provide attendees with an in-depth understanding of the current state and future trajectory of the gaming law sector. The thoughtfully curated program goes beyond surface-level updates; it delves into the intricate complexities and emerging V ancouver, British Columbia, will serve as the dynamic backdrop for the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) Spring Conference, scheduled from April 23rd to 25th, 2025. This highly anticipated event, renowned for its exceptional blend of high-quality educational content and unparalleled networking opportunities, promises to be an indispensable gathering for gaming law professionals across the globe. Prepare for an immersive experience that blends cutting-edge insights with the vibrant energy of a world-class city. A deep dive into the evolving gaming landscape
speakers, including from Andrew Scott, Commissioner of the organization which oversaw the fines handed out to Crown, the Australian casino group and the country’s largest private employer. It was a chastening tale which will be featured in the IMGL Magazine in 2025. The gala dinner was a glitzy affair that made the most of the Parco Principi’s excellent facilities. Attendees were treated to music from local jazz trios and the food was a wonderful mix of traditional Italian with a few special twists. Emerging Jurisdictions: The conference will dedicate significant attention to analyzing the burgeoning gaming landscapes of both the Americas and Asia. Expert panels will dissect the specific regulatory environments in key jurisdictions, examining the opportunities and challenges faced by stakeholders. For the Americas, the focus will be on California, Texas, Alberta, British Columbia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. In Asia, the spotlight will be on Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Botswana, and Ghana. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the potential for growth, the hurdles to market entry, and the specific legal considerations in each region. This segment aims to provide attendees with a comparative analysis, allowing for more strategic planning and informed decision-making. There were a few bleary-eyed faces the following morning, but most made the effort to attend a fourth day of insights and action points. There were some differences to the program on the final day with technology getting a mention. There was still a good crowd in the room for one of the unlikely standout panels of the week when five lawyers had a fascinating discussion on Malta’s Bill 55. It is testament to the quality of the arguments that the audience remained engaged right up to the end. M&A and Finance in the Gaming Sector: The conference recognizes the increasing significance of mergers and The closing reception was at one of Rome’s exclusive hotels challenges that shape the industry’s evolution. Key thematic areas that will be extensively explored include:
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IMGL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2025
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