International Gaming Conference & Expo: “What's Next?”

[The Judge]

International Gaming Conference & Expo: “What's Next?”
By: The Judge
CappersMall.com
March 13, 2007

The success of the two separate 2006 conferences that the International Gaming Conference & Expo (IGCE) hosted in Dublin, Ireland and San Jose, Costa Rica has served to fuel the anticipation of their 2007 spring conference, appropriately titled, “What's Next?”, which is to be held on May 6th–8th. The original destination of the conference was to be Cancun, Mexico but due to various problems that this location presented for some of the European and Asian speakers and attendees, it will again be held in Dublin.

The IGCE, a subsidiary of The Sports Network, was created last year for the specific purpose of providing an environment in which gaming industry information and ideas could be exchanged and debated by the industry leaders themselves. The Sporting Network is widely recognized as a leader in the area of real-time sports coverage domestically and internationally, and has proven that their background, expertise and respect within the industry is most suited to undertake the conference lead in areas such as this.

Assistant Director of Conferences at IGCE, Cynthia Pagano, says that a major topic of discussion at the Cancun conference is sure to be the future of online gambling in the United States and abroad, particularly offshore. The recent crackdown by the U.S. government on online sports betting and casino operators has created an uneasy atmosphere and there remain many unanswered questions regarding the direction that international gaming companies will take in the coming months.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Act, along with the arrests over the past year of NETeller founders Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre, Betonsports CEO David Carruthers and Sportingbet Chairman Peter Dicks, has generated serious concerns from those that operate online gambling sites and an increasing number of publicly traded companies have chosen to shut out their U.S. customers. Of key interest to the attendees will be the sessions that focus on the legal ramifications of doing business with U.S. based gamblers. Some of the top legal minds in the industry including I. Nelson Rose, Martin Owens, Joseph Kelly and Fredric Gushin will speak at the conference in discussions about what has transpired and what they anticipate will occur next to both the detriment and continuance of the industry and those involved.

Representatives from many of the world’s land based, offshore and online gaming ventures are again expected to attend the spring event which features an impressive lineup of expert speakers scheduled to address the conference on a wide range of topics includingpayment processes, processors, new solutions, fraud & risk management, online security, database protection, accounting and reconciliation.Given the current legal climate in the U.S. market, this gathering is sure to attract a wide spectrum of interested parties including sportsbook operators, gaming attorneys, investors, analysts, legislators, regulators, marketing firms, advertisers and affiliate sites. Among the sponsors for the spring conference are BetCRIS and Betfair, two of the world’s online gambling leaders.

Certainly the opportunity to network with peers makes the conference an attraction, but past IGCE events have proven to not be just another assembly line type product but ratherone that has been developed by, and for experts within the industry with an emphasis on what the attendees want and what is expected from speakers. Preliminary planning is already under way for the fall conference to be held in Prague, Czech Republic.

"It is blatantly apparent," said Pagano, "that the purpose, content, direction, quality of topics and speakers, as well as the distinctiveness, particular contributory and sought after attributes of sponsors and exhibitors is essential to our success but so, too, is the venue. While we are focusing on an informative, elucidating conference filled with candid exchanges, knowledgeable speakers and the coverage of current topics necessitating answers by all in attendance, we know that the atmosphere in which we hold our conferences is critical so we offer those attending an opportunity to network, interact and relax."

Joseph Kelly, a renowned attorney and co-editor of Gaming Law Review, when asked about last year’s conference in Costa Rica said "I've been to many conferences over the years, as speaker, moderator, chairperson and attendee in some cases but this was the best opening cocktail party for those in attendance that I have seen. It was not only planned down to the last minute detail but organized in such a fashion that speakers, sponsors, attendees and exhibitors were able to interact for extended periods of time without worrying about dinner plans thanks to the repast offered, just fantastic!"

Cappers Mall is proud to be a Media Partner of this prestigious event and will have a representative in attendance to conduct interviews with several of the speakers and report on the conference in general. For more information on the International Gaming Conference & Expo, please visit www.igconference.com.

[The Judge]

CONFERENCE AGENDA


SUNDAY, MAY 6
Noon-5:00 p.m. – Registration

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Gala Cocktail Party, Networking and Exhibits

MONDAY / MAY 7
7:30-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast And Registration

9:00-9:30 a.m. - Chairperson Welcome / Keynote “What’s Next?”
● Charles Theiss
● Joseph Kelly, Esq. / Professor of Business Law / Suny College at Buffalo

9:30-10:30 a.m. - An Expert Analysis And Definition Of Today's Legal Status
What’s Next Legally? HR4411, the U.S. position and impact have drastically altered the allowable and lawful playing field for gaming world-wide. Is it time to merge, acquire, sell, challenge, move forward fearlessly or concentrate on the rest of the punters and players outside of the U.S.? What do the finest minds of the legal profession have to say, advise, recommend and discuss? This is a mandatory session to start the conference agenda with a Q&A period for as long as it takes. Whether operators or attorneys, a discussion with Messrs. Nelson Rose, Marty Owens and Joseph Kelly about the legal issues of the day is mandatory.
● Joseph Kelly, Esq. / Professor of Business Law / Suny College at Buffalo
● Martin Owens, Esq. / Partner / Law Offices of Martin D. Owens
● Nelson Rose, Esq. / Professor of Law / Whittier Law School

10:30-11:00 a.m. - Capturing Current Players And Punters...Defining Them
What’s next to keep the flow of interest and attract a sufficient number of players to kindle the flames of gaming? Are all eyes now cast in the direction of Asia? Is there any audience larger than that of the Far East and what is necessary to develop them, to capture and keep them, to create an atmosphere that appeals to their innate gambling attitudes? Will the Asian market really replace the lost U.S. one for online gaming or are their eyes on Macau and casinos, not sports and skill games of the Internet? Learn the marketing strategies, games/devices/technology created to attract and maintain the sought after audience. Discover how to do so without entertaining a U.S. based punter or player and what to do if and when they are drawn to your efforts.

11:00-11:30 a.m. – Coffee Break / Networking / Exhibit Area

11:30-12:00 p.m. - Find Out Who Has First "Dibs" On The U.S. Market
What's next when the market you would like, are afraid to embrace, calls with money to play - the punters from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia? Do you just hang up the phone? Is the profit worth the risk. Find out from some of the finest attorneys in Europe. Discover whether their expert opinions agree with those of your own legal counsel and what is the risk/reward paradigm facing you?
● Zeeshan Dhar / Barrister / English Bar

12:00-12:30 p.m. - Looking Into The Crystal Ball For Nevada And Europe
What is next for the U.S. government and the administration that is almost a certainty to be the decision maker in 2008? Will they finally legislate, legalize, regulate and tax? And, when they do, will the introduction of MGM Mirage, Caesars, Harrah's, Station Casinos and others from Nevada toll a more resounding death knell for off-shore operators defying governmental legislation right now than that very legislation was ever able to do? Will it open the doors even wider for Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill, Victor Chandler, Paddy Power and others?

12:30-1:00 p.m. - Some Say Technology Is The Real Answer To The Future. Is It?
What’s next for digital convergence and gaming law? Thanks to technology that changes the rules and the reasons, Martin Owens will respond to the question being asked from Costa Rica to Antigua and Gibraltar to Malta … are the walls really melting or is it just an apparition? One of the most controversial and outspoken critics of the current state of affairs will shake yet another tree or two. What falls out is up to Mr. Owens and those in attendance.
● Martin Owens, Esq. / Partner / Law Offices of Martin D. Owens

1:00-2:30 p.m. – Lunch (Be sure to reserve your preferred speaker table)

2:30-3:15 p.m. - Money Laundering. Is It Real Or Just Another Governmental Attack?
What is next in the area of regulatory issues, anti money laundering concerns and/or law enforcement type issues? Our speakers are international consultants whose advice is sought from Las Vegas to Tokyo. What have they discovered in their travels and their dialogues with governmental groups and clients, in the new regulations that they are helping to draft? How are the alleged criminal activities being defined and how much of the discussions concerning same are mere administrative propaganda and how much is real. It is time to listen to Fred Gushin & Bill Kisby and to ask them for answers to your questions.
● Fredric Gushin / Partner / Spectrum Gaming
● William R. Kisby / Executive Vice President, Gaming and e-Commerce / NFC Global, LLC

3:15-4:00 p.m. - There Is More To Gaming Than A Simple Wager. How Much More?
What is next beyond placing a wager on one team or the other? It is time to address the betting exchanges, skill games, fantasy games potential and alternatives to "Yankees over Detroit," or "United Manchester to win by more than one goal," or "Will Hillary be the next president of the U.S. or not?" Is it time for gaming to expand, to offer new opportunities that have the potential, or close to it, of the poker revolution? Are sportsbooks ready to go where no man has gone before and where in the vast universe is that? Find out and choose your own destinations for the future.

4:00-4:30 p.m. – Coffee Break / Networking / Exhibit Area

4:30-5:00 p.m. - Affiliates Are Going East. Does Their Future Lie There Or Is It Bleak?
What is really next for affiliates? Are they just going to conferences to look for answers or is there a definite choice for them. Do affiliate sites and organizations place themselves in harm's way with the U.S. government potentially targeting their activities? Find out if it is time for affiliates to turn to European based sites, to venues that are seemingly protective, to either find a new occupation or hide behind the skirts of the sportsbooks with which they are affiliated. It does not take three days of dialogue and networking to arrive at the answers...just one intensive session and interaction with those that know, that can explain.

5:00-5:30 p.m. - Poker's Bubble Has Burst. Who Is Blowing Up Its Replacement?
What is on the horizon for poker? Now that the bubble has a hole in it, is it about to burst in 2007 and beyond or is there sufficient player response from outside the U.S. So far, the answer is "No!" But, poker tournaments persist and TV has become the game's, and the poker site's, best ally. The giants made their money long ago. What is left from the scraps remaining? Is there life in skill games after poker? Why didn't casino games ever take off? This is the session to determine that...and more. Do affiliates, turn from sports to poker and skill games? Are there too many "tables" on the Internet right now?

7:00-9:00 p.m. – Poolside networking barbecue courtesy of Scientific Games

TUESDAY / MAY 8
7:30-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Registration

9:00-9:30 a.m. – Co-Chairperson Review Of Day One And Preview Of Today
● Charles Theiss
● Michael Caselli / Editor / Gambling Online

9:30-10:00 a.m. - The Stock Market And Gaming Seem To Be Divorcing
What is next for gaming and the financial market? It seems that IPOs are a thing of the past. Is the same true for financing and investment. Is any really needed? Sales, mergers, acquisitions, down-sizing, changing direction, fears about the taint and stigma of dealing with the offshore gaming market...has it all sent Wall Street and The City/Fleet Street into hibernation and a fast retreat. Does the U.S. apparent clout extend to London, Tel Aviv and Paris? Market value of many firms has plummeted and seems to be irreversible. Should the industry have a wait and see attitude, continue to plow ahead or simply retreat?

10:00-10:45 a.m. - Marketing, Advertising, Promotion And Sponsorships Are Still A Necessity
What's next for anyone wishing to stay the course, advertise, market, promote, merchandise, reach the waiting public that will defy governmental threats? Can you e-mail, send brochures, place ads on Internet sites, portray your product on TV, radio and in print? Where can you do this and who will take your money and ads? Europe allows Bookmakers to endorse professional teams while the U.S. issues subpoenas for anyone accepting gaming (sports) advertisements. Can the industry truly turn its back on the largest market in the world for gaming right now, the U.S., despite legislation passed? What is your danger level when you place an ad, when you accept one? Better find out in advance...like here and now.
● Michael Caselli / Editor / Gambling Online

10:45-11:30 a.m. – Coffee Break / Networking / Exhibit Area

11:30-12:00 p.m. - Content Is King But Technology Remains The Prince
What is next in the new technologies when it come to mobile content and wagering? Can that technology be applied easily, and successfully, to casino games, fantasy, poker, mahjong, backgammon and other alleged games of skill? Are there any games of skill? Does the public trust the turn of the roulette wheel on an Internet site or the card out of the shoe or dealer's hand in a game of blackjack? What are the new games, gadgets and gizmos for the gaming industry and waiting public? Will the government, Big Brother, be monitoring phone calls? Determine the legalities and learn about technology, the ways to reach your audience creatively and fearlessly.

12:00-12:30 p.m. - Payment Processing Options Are Shrinking But There Are Alternatives
What is next for payment processing? Has gaming become as close to a cash business as possible? Who and what is the next Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Google, YouTube and Second Life on the Internet when it comes to payment processing? Seamless, integrated and efficient payment solutions are a necessity in an ever shrinking world of payment utilization. What are the security issues, risk management problems, governmental constraints and legal complications, auditing procedures, fail-safes and opportunities. Payment processing is at the top of the list of the industry's concerns. What is the answer? What are your questions?
● Salim Adatia / Chief Operating Officer / TST - Technical Systems Testing

12:30-1:00 p.m. - The Vast U.S. Market Will Be Captured By Survivors, Street Bookmakers Or Europe. Is History Repeating Itself?
What is next for players and punters, particularly those from the U.S.? Will they only make the remaining offshore entities even richer or will they turn to street Bookmakers, who will rise like illegal stills in the era of Prohibition in America? Are any European bookmakers going to step up and take wagers from the U.S. or is that a potential powder keg and step down? The options and advantages, alternatives and liabilities, governmental mine fields must be analyzed, risks evaluated versus benefits and profits. How much is at stake?
● Mickey Charles / President & CEO / The Sports Network
● John Cargnello / President & CEO / TST - Technical Systems Testing

1:00-2:30 p.m. – Lunch (Be sure to reserve your preferred speaker table)

2:30-3:15 p.m. - There Are New Plateaus And Levels For Gaming. Find Out What They Are
What is next to differentiate one gaming destination from the other? Is it really necessary to do or will one's current client base and reputation suffice? Is growth inevitable with fewer operators online, offline, land-based, offshore, less inclined to expend funds on marketing and technology and content to wait out the present malaise through 2008-2009? Can gaming companies get involved with sports on a global basis? Have BetFair, Ladbrokes and others set the tone with sponsorships of teams? What about individual stars? Should one be concerned about wagering influences with teams and players? It is time to delve deeply into the broad spectrum of gaming and its relationship to sports on an international basis.

3:15-4:00 p.m. - Discuss And Question Whether Antigua's Legal Victory Has Any Teeth
What is to follow Antigua's legal victory over the U.S. and does it really have any impact at all? What protection do other jurisdictions afford gaming operators and the punters/players themselves? Are the banks and credit card companies going to cater to the demands of governments like the U.S. or challenge them? What are the hazards involved beyond relentless badgering, discomfort and legal fees? This is where you will learn what those involved on the frontlines of this battle see as the likely result.
● Joseph Kelly, Esq. / Professor of Business Law / Suny College at Buffalo

4:00-4:30 p.m. – Coffee Break / Networking / Exhibit Area

4:30-5:30 p.m. - Will You Stay The Course? Discover What Some Of The Industry Leaders Are Doing
What is next for the survivors? It is more than the name for a highly rated TV program. Listen to, and interact with, the offshore gaming operations that were there first, continue to grow, expand, take over those retreating, continue to operate as they always have. Who better to speak, and question, about their choices, direction, technologies being pursued, plans for the future, new vistas, marketing, affiliate programs, competitive approaches, growth projections, answers to legal challenges and more? What is the state of the industry today and where do you fit in? Will their answers to your questions help you make that determination?

5:30-6:00 p.m. – Closing remarks and final Q&A – Open Forum

[Deck]

u going judge?

[Dr. Jack]

Great article Judge

[The Judge]

Originally Posted by Deck

u going judge?

Yes I am, Deck. Cappers Mall is a media sponsor of the event and I will reporting on the conference for Jack. I am really looking forward to it.

[Deck]

have a good time and soak up as much as you can cause i am sure people will have a lot of questions for you.

[The Judge]

Due to Cappers Mall's status as a Media Partner for the International Gaming Conference & Expo, all registered Cappers Mall members are being offered a 30% discount on the $995 early bird registration fee for the conference until this Sunday, March 18th. After that date, the 30% discount will apply to the full price registration fee of $1500.

Any one interested in attending this event should email Dr. Jack at jack@cappersmall.com and he or I will arrange for the discount. I will be in Dublin for the conference and would enjoy seeing any of my Cappers Mall friends there.

[The Judge]

Originally Posted by The Judge

Due to Cappers Mall's status as a Media Partner for the International Gaming Conference & Expo, all registered Cappers Mall members are being offered a 30% discount on the $995 early bird registration fee for the conference until this Sunday, March 18th. After that date, the 30% discount will apply to the full price registration fee of $1500.

Any one interested in attending this event should email Dr. Jack at jack@cappersmall.com and he or I will arrange for the discount. I will be in Dublin for the conference and would enjoy seeing any of my Cappers Mall friends there.

The fee for the conference has been adjusted to $1095 and the early registration deadline has been extended to March 31st. All members of Cappers Mall are still entitled to a 30% discount of these rates.

[The Judge]

FOR RELEASE
March 18, 2007
Contact: Federico Schiavio
fschiavio@igconference.com
215/441-5887



IGCE Concentrates on Subject Matter and Speakers for Dublin Conference May 6-8

(Hatboro, PA) —The International Gaming Conference & Expo (IGCE) has focused entirely on the subject matter and quality of speakers addressing the chosen topics for its forthcoming conference in Dublin, Ireland, May 6-8. With a stated theme of “What’s Next?” regarding the world of Internet gaming, an IGCE spokesperson has responded to press inquiries noting that networking of attendees, exhibitors and sponsors is a ‘natural outgrowth’ of any conference and that emphasis on it by other conferences is a clear indicator that proper consideration has not been afforded topics and presenters.

“IGCE was established by a coterie of organizations and personalities known world-wide for their experience and proficiencies in the area of conferences,” stated Federico Schiavio, Director of the IGCE. “While IGCE is a separate and distinct organization, it is guided and directed, advised and counseled, by those for whom the industry has nothing but the highest regard, people with reputations that are unequalled anywhere else. For example, Mickey Charles, a near legend in the industry, has spoken at or chaired conferences in Tokyo, Dublin, Bangkok, Paris, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, Antigua, London, Amsterdam, Cannes, Nice, Lausanne, Grand Bahamas, San Jose (Costa Rica) and elsewhere. A more respected and knowledgeable person to offer insights and suggestions regarding our efforts simply does not exist. He is joined,” continued Mr. Schiavio, “by Joe Kelly, Martin Owens, Michael Caselli and others of similar esteem, authority and reputability.

“We concentrate on presentation with in-depth discussion and inquiry, not just a ‘well done’ to all regardless of their commentaries. Ours is an introspective offering that addresses the issues facing the industry in detail. As a matter of fact, we will be offering all attendees this year the opportunity to reserve a place and sit with presenters of their choice at each luncheon. It is an ongoing learning process and that is our full intention, complemented by first class sponsors and exhibitors.”

The chosen venue destination is The Burlington Hotel, a four-star locale with proximity to the city, airport, shopping, tourist attractions and all that Dublin has to offer. Pricing for the conference, indicated the spokesperson attending to registrations, has been adjusted to a competitive $1,095 USD with an early bird special of $750 USD until March 31st.

The focus of the conference, billed as “What’s Next?” is to attempt to determine the direction of the gaming and gambling industries in the U.S. and abroad, particularly off-shore.

Mr. Schiavio indicated that the expert roster of speakers, well-known and respected names from around the globe…legal, financial, technical, governmental and others…offering advice, opinions, direction and answers to “What’s next?” will be finalized this week.

Additional information on the conference is available by emailing info@igconference.com, contacting Federico Schiavio at fschiavio@igconference.com or by calling 1-215/441-5887.

About The International Gaming Conference & Expo
The IGCE was created to address issues within the gaming industry, from Las Vegas to London, to cover land-based ventures, offshore and online Internet efforts. Its founders are experts within the industry and IGCE sets itself apart by separating the organization from those that are conference organizers. By so doing, each conference is focused upon coverage of every topic of interest and importance to its attendees with a reach and reputation that is able to gather together the most important voices within the industry covering a range of topics unequalled anywhere else.

[Romanowski]

thejudge get me a betfair tshirt

[The Judge]

Originally Posted by Romanowski

thejudge get me a betfair tshirt

We'll see.

[The Judge]

Originally Posted by The Judge

The fee for the conference has been adjusted to $1095 and the early registration deadline has been extended to March 31st. All members of Cappers Mall are still entitled to a 30% discount of these rates.

It seems that I failed to mention that the early reistration fee is $750 minus 30% if anyone is interested.

[The Judge]

The International Gaming Conference and Exposition that was scheduled for May in Dublin has been cancelled.


Gregg...

OK, the long and short of it is that we are going to put things off and not get into a "tug of war" with all the other conferences on the planet, the ones that are creating a logjam for exhibitors, speakers, attendees, sponsors, etc. Frankly, we can afford to accommodate everyone and that is what we are doing in response to lots and lots of people who want to come to ours asking us to do so. Not a problem.

More as we move forward and open to all suggestions.

Thanks.

Mickey Charles
CEO - The Sporting Network


Since I had already made plans to be off work for that week, I am going to Costa Rica and Panama instead. If everything goes according to plans, I will have a very unique opportunity to spend some time with some very influencial people in the offshore gambling industry and will report back to Cappers Mall.