Opening Remarks from IAGA President Harper Ko

Keynote Speech

Prediction Markets: A U.S. Debate, a Global Lesson
Prediction markets have become a focal point in the U.S. gambling and financial regulatory debate, informed by court proceedings and regulatory consideration involving Kalshi, futures contracts and the CFTC. While regulatory and industry caution remains, these developments - alongside increased engagement by established market participants - have prompted closer consideration of how such products interact with existing frameworks. This panel provides an update on where things stand and examines the U.S. discussion, including how new product verticals test existing regulatory frameworks in practice and how the US may apply European experience with products that sit between gambling and financial regulation.

Moderated by William Downey, Shareholder and Co-Chair of the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Gaming Group, the panelists include:

• Steve Hart, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson

Networking Break 

Balancing Regulation with Constant Change: Regulator Roundtable
As global regulated gambling continually redefines itself to encompass new markets, new products and new technologies, regulators must govern their licensees within existing regulations while simultaneously considering new opportunities and threats, public perception and other governmental and social responsibilities. Sounds daunting? It is. Our distinguished panel of regulators will discuss some of the critical issues they are facing and share insight into how they are approaching old and new challenges including illegal gambling and sports betting, the rapid rise of prediction market contracts, expanding data privacy requirements and more.

Moderated by CJ Fisher, a Partner and Co-Chair of the Fox Rothschild Gaming Group, the panelists include:

• David Berry, Executive Vice President - Public Engagement, and Chief Regulatory Officer, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis
• Michael Leara, Executive Director, Missouri Gaming Commission
• Karin Schnaar, CEO & Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) 

Lunch

Keynote

Integrity in Action: A 360-Degree Case Study of
Sport and Betting Collaboration
On the heels of a year marked by headline-grabbing scandals—including federal indictments of NBA and MLB figures for manipulating games and leaking insider information—sports betting integrity has never been more critical. This session presents a comprehensive case study of how legal sports betting operators, integrity monitors, and regulators can collaborate to detect and address corruption. Panelists will walk through the process: monitoring betting patterns, reporting suspicious activity, conducting multi-operator reviews, and supporting league investigations that can lead to player bans and law enforcement involvement. The discussion will highlight the effectiveness of these integrity systems in the regulated market and contrast them with the challenges faced in illegal markets, where such collaborative safeguards are absent.

Moderated by Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer for BetMGM, the panelists will be announced shortly.

Adjusting Compliance Programs to Address
Cryptocurrency Risks in Gambling
As cryptocurrency’s use becomes increasingly common across numerous consumer industries worldwide, the gambling sector is being compelled to evaluate its acceptable use within casinos and online betting platforms. With many offshore operators already embracing crypto, regulated markets must evaluate its safe use while considering challenges it presents customer anonymity, anti-money laundering (AML) concerns, and regulatory gaps. This session will explore practical strategies for updating financial crime compliance frameworks, including monitoring transactions and implementing effective controls, to stay ahead of evolving threats cryptocurrency presents in both digital and traditional bricks and mortar gambling environments.

Moderated by Louis A. Pelligrino, a Partner with Dentons, the panelists include:

• Chris Elliott, Partner, Wiggin
• Olga Finkel, Partner, WH Partners
• Marina Villalonga, Partner, Asensi Abogados

The Ethics of AI: Legal Perspectives and Best Practices in Gaming
As AI becomes increasingly embedded across industries worldwide, its adoption in the gambling sector brings new opportunities and complex ethical questions. This session will explore best practices for utilizing AI, innovative ways to engage customers and fans, and practical implementation within gaming companies—including what works, what’s evolving, and where the limits lie. Panelists will discuss the risks associated with both using and not using AI, how advisors and consultants can responsibly leverage these technologies, and reviews the latest developments in US and EU legislation, such as the AI Act. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving ethical landscape, with perspectives on technology, product design, customer support, marketing, responsible gambling, and regulatory compliance. 

Moderated by Reena Bajowala, a Shareholder with Greenberg Traurig, the panelists include:

• Jeffrey Catanzaro, Principal and US Head of Legal Managed Services, KPMG
• Frank Chesky, EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Hard Rock International
• Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI