G2E Las Vegas, arguably the largest gaming trade show in the world, gets under way at the Sands Expo and Convention Center today.
The event attracts exhibitors and attendees from around the world and – along with the London show – provides a platform for leading suppliers and manufacturers to launch their very latest products.
This year’s event is expected to see a host of new games unveiled for the first time, particularly a number of licensed slot products from the major manufacturers.
Now is an interesting time for the Nevada gaming industry. President Obama flew into Las Vegas on Sunday to continue his campaign for re-election but opinion is divided over whether his policies have helped or hindered the state’s key industry.
His opponents are running TV ads claiming that under his watch the economic downturn has exacerbated the local economy’s problems and failed to address a rise in unemployment. There is also uncertainty over the president’s attitude towards online gaming – seen by many as an opportunity to boost gaming revenues – and how this may play out if he is successful in his re-election bid in November.
This week’s show will no doubt shed light on the industry’s feelings towards the incumbent administration and provide an insight into the future direction of the US gaming industry in general.
