The 28th annual East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC), set for April 15-16, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, promises a slate of thought-provoking panels and expert speakers addressing the future of gaming across multiple sectors.
The event, known for its cutting-edge discussions on commercial casinos, sports betting, igaming, and more, will gather leaders and innovators to tackle the rapid shifts reshaping the industry.
A Sneak Peek into “Future Shock: Confronting Unprecedented Changes in Gaming”
This year’s featured panel, titled “Future Shock: Confronting Unprecedented Changes in Gaming,” will explore the biggest challenges currently facing the gaming sector. Issues like licensing concerns, market share competition, and the rise of unregulated slot machines will be at the forefront of the conversation. Experts will also weigh in on the rapid expansion of igaming and iLottery markets, which have created a new wave of opportunities—and risks—within the industry.
The session will be moderated by Lynne Levin Kaufman, co-chair of the Gaming Law Practice Group at Cooper Levenson. Play’n GO will sponsor the panel, ensuring that the focus remains on the intersection of technology, innovation, and regulation in modern gaming.
The session will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the future of the gaming landscape:
- David Brace, Principal at Continent 8, will discuss the importance of innovation and technology in the sector.
- Mary Jo Flaherty, Interim Director at the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, will share insights on regulatory efforts and industry oversight.
- Shawn Fluharty, President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States and Head of Government Affairs at Play’n GO, will delve into the evolving legislative landscape and its impact on operators.
- Chris Grove, Co-founding Partner at Acies Investments and EKG Ventures, will address market dynamics and investment opportunities in the gaming space.
- Yael Harel Hertz, CEO of TheLotter Group, will talk about the growing role of online lotteries and their integration into the broader gaming ecosystem.
- Andrew Winchell, Head of Government Affairs at Betr, will examine the legal and regulatory challenges facing new sports betting platforms.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, these experts will help attendees understand who the winners and losers will be in this new world of gaming, and how existing operators can adapt to remain competitive.
A Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim Allen
In addition to the high-level panels, the conference will honor Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International, with a prestigious lifetime achievement award. Allen’s leadership has helped transform Hard Rock into a global entertainment giant, and his contributions to the gaming industry have been nothing short of remarkable.
The award is a nod to his decades of work in the industry, which includes overseeing the growth of Hard Rock’s casino empire and leading Seminole Gaming’s push into sports betting.
Why ECGC Matters to the Gaming Industry
The East Coast Gaming Congress has become a must-attend event for anyone involved in gaming. Whether you’re an operator, investor, regulator, or tech innovator, ECGC offers valuable networking opportunities and insights that can help shape the future of the industry.
From legislative updates to deep dives into the latest trends, ECGC remains one of the most important gatherings for professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. As gaming continues to expand into new verticals like online betting, esports, and digital lotteries, events like ECGC provide a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas, collaborate, and drive innovation.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the future of sports betting, exploring the latest in igaming, or understanding the implications of new regulatory frameworks, ECGC promises to deliver on all fronts. With expert speakers, engaging discussions, and opportunities to network with top professionals, the 2025 conference is shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent years.
The East Coast Gaming Congress has long been at the forefront of charting the path for the future of gaming. This year’s conference promises to continue that tradition, offering attendees a look at the innovations and changes that will shape the industry for years to come.
