Online registration is now open.

Click here to go to the registration page.

Sponsorships for this conference are now available.

Click here to view the sponsorship prospectus.

Gold

IGT
igt.com
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT generated approximately $6 billion in revenues in 2014 and has more than 13,000 employees. For more information, please visit merger.igt.com.

Fox Rothschild LLP
foxrothschild.com
Fox Rothschild LLP is a national law firm with nearly 750 attorneys practicing in 22 offices coast to coast. We’ve been serving clients for more than a century, and we’ve been climbing the ranks of the nation’s 250 largest firms for many years, according to The National Law Journal. Ranked by Chambers Global among the top gaming lawyers worldwide, Fox is home to one of the largest gaming law practices in the United States, complete with skilled attorneys who possess decades of experience helping clients domestically and internationally achieve success in this highly regulated industry.

Silver

Playtech
playtech.com

Playtech is a market leader in the gambling and financial trading industries. Founded in 1999 and listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, the company has more than 5,000 employees in 13 countries. Playtech is the gambling industry’s leading software and services supplier with more than 130 licensees globally, including many of the world’s leading regulated online, retail and mobile operators, land-based casino groups, government sponsored entities such as lotteries, and new entrants opening operations in newly-regulated markets. Its business intelligence-driven gambling software offering includes casino, live casino, bingo, poker and sports betting. It is the pioneer of Omni-channel gambling which, through Playtech ONE, offers operators and their customers, a seamless, anytime, anywhere experience across any product, any channel (online, mobile, retail) and any device using a single account and single wallet. It provides marketing expertise, sophisticated CRM solutions and other services for operators seeking a full turnkey solution. Playtech’s Financials division, run through subsidiary Markets Limited (formerly called TradeFX), is an established and growing online CFDs broker and trading platform provider, operating the brand markets.com. Its B2C focused offering is available in more than 100 countries and in more than 25 languages and is licensed and regulated in the EU and South Africa.

Reception Sponsor

MGM Resorts International
mgmresorts.com
MGM Resorts International develops, builds and operates unique destination resorts designed to provide a total resort experience, including first-class accommodations and dining, world-class entertainment, state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities, and high-quality retail and gaming experiences.

Bronze

Gaming Laboratories International
gaminglabs.com
For more than 25 years, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC has been the world leader in providing independent testing, inspection and certification services to the gaming, wagering and lottery industry. GLI also offers independent network and information security assessments to its regulatory, lottery and supplier clients. With 20 laboratory locations located across Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and South America, GLI is the only global organization of its kind to hold U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, 17020 and guide 65 standards for technical competence in the gaming, wagering and lottery industries.
Harris Hagan
harrishagan.com
Harris Hagan is the only UK law firm specifically dedicated to providing legal advice exclusively to all areas of the gambling industry in the UK and internationally. We have been top ranked by Chambers UK and The Legal 500, the independent legal guides to the profession, since we were established in 2004 and in October 2013 we were named “Gaming Law Firm of the Year 2013/2014” by The Legal 500.

Jones Walker
joneswalker.com
The Gaming Practice at Jones Walker, the largest in the southeastern United States, provides internationally recognized, legal, regulatory, and transactional counsel to all segments of the gaming industry throughout the world.

Kalff Katz & Franssen
kalffkatzfranssen.nl
​Kalff Katz & Franssen Attorneys at Law is widely recognised for their solid and business oriented expertise in many sectors of the entertainment industry. The firm has a strong international profile specifically in the gaming sector.

The Gaming Team of Kalff Katz & Franssen exclusively focusses on advising and litigating on behalf of the international gaming sector. Clients range from blue chip land based and remote gaming operators, manufacturers, PSP’s, ISP’s, platform providers, media companies, broadcasting companies, financial institutions, sport organisations to institutional investors.

Head of the gaming team Justin Franssen received consistent band 1 rankings in Chambers Global Guide. Chambers Global Guide comments: “He maintains a strong involvement in shaping gambling legislation in the Netherlands.” and, “he has a strong and deep passion for the industry and his clients, is very committed and works day and night.”
Mishcon de Reya
mishcon.com
Mishcon de Reya is a full service law firm with offices in London and New York, employing more than 630 people, with over 400 lawyers offering a wide range of legal services to companies and individuals.

Our Betting and Gaming group is recognised as a leading practice by Chambers UK and The Legal 500. Our industry knowledge and experience allows us to maximise our clients’ opportunities through the provision of expert and incisive legal advice, whilst also protecting against possible regulatory and commercial pitfalls.

We know that each of our clients is unique and, therefore, the configuration of services we provide to them will be as well. Our Tier One ranked Betting and Gaming group includes partners and lawyers from specialist technical groups who have a thorough understanding of the gaming and gambling sectors, including from the corporate, commercial, IP/IT, banking, tax, regulatory, cyber/fraud, reputation management, employment and litigation

Saiber LLC
saiber.com
Lawyers for Business, Counselors for Life.

For over 50 years, Saiber has approached the practice of law with a dual purpose:  to advocate tenaciously for our clients in times of conflict, and offer guidance and advice in our role as trusted advisors.  We continue to uphold this legacy every day, working with a diverse clientele that includes national corporations, closely-held businesses, professional practitioners, families and individuals.

Our practice encompasses virtually every area of the law, and ranges from simple, straightforward matters to complex, sophisticated litigation, corporate counseling, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory matters.  With thorough preparation, keen insight and immersive knowledge of your business interests, our lawyers are well equipped to represent you at all levels.  We bring the same level of expertise to your corporate and commercial transactions and your personal family matters.

Schneider Schiffer Weihermüller
http://www.ssw-muc.de/
SSW is one of the leading IT-Boutiques in Germany. A team of more than 30 experts provides quality and personal advise to national and international clients with a focus on IT law but under consideration of all other relevant fields of law and taxes. With 15 years of experience in the gaming sector Frieder Backu and his team represent and advise international gaming companies. This includes representation at court and before tax and administrative authorities as well as developing forward-thinking strategies in challenging regulatory environments.

Tonucci & Partners
www.tonucci.it
Tonucci & Partner is a top-tier Italian firm with head offices in Rome and branch offices in Milan, Padua, Brescia, Florence, Tirana (Albania), Belgrad (Serbia) and Bucharest (Romania).
Although T&P is a general practice fully qualified and staffed to handle any legal matters from litigation and arbitration to labour, corporate, M&A and tax, it stands out as one of the leading Italian firms when it comes to such specific business sectors as sports, media, gaming, telecommunication and Italian/European anti-trust law.
On the international front, T&P is very Eastern Europe focused and is constantly exploring good opportunities to extend its reach even further afield.

Break Sponsor

e-Management
emanagement-group.com
e-Management, one of the leading corporate service providers in the online gaming industry, has been offering clients international structuring, shareholder and directorship services, company management services and accounting and banking solutions since 1997, ensuring companies adhere to applicable local and international rules. e-Management actively manages over 160 online gaming entities worldwide, taking care of the legal, tax and compliance structure, so the entrepreneurs can focus on their core business!
Visit our website: emanagement-group.com
Or email us for more information: info@emanagement-group.com

Spectrum Gaming Group
spectrumgaming.com
Spectrum is an independent research, analysis and professional services firm serving private- and public-sector clients worldwide. Its client base includes government agencies from Singapore to West Virginia and Massachusetts, major securities firms, and commercial and tribal gaming operators. Spectrum has performed gaming analysis in areas from Macau and South Korea to emerging markets in the U.S. and elsewhere. Its services include regulatory and due-diligence services, to internet gaming and public policy to feasibility and economic-impact studies. Spectrum serves as the Executive Director for the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) and its sister companies include Spectrum Gaming Capital, based in New York; Spectrum Asia, based in Bangkok; and Spectrum-I, based in Horsham, PA.

The IMGL Dublin Conference is approved for 11.5 CLE Credits

SUNDAY, October 23

4:00 – 5:00
IMGL Membership Meeting

5:30 – 7:30
IMGL Welcome Reception
Shelbourne Dublin

MONDAY, October 24

Michael Zatezalo, President IMGL

9:15 – 9:45
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

David Stanton, T.D, Minister of State for Justice at the Department of Justice and Equality, Ireland

9:45 – 11:00
What’s up in Ireland?

Hear about the current status and latest developments in Ireland. Hear about how Ireland has become the international IT hub and what it has to offer the world of gambling.

Moderator: Joe Kelly, Partner, A&L Goodbody
Speakers: Sean McGuinness, Partner, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie
Jenny Williams, Regulator and adviser, formerly Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission
Lucy Cronin, Partner, Instinctif Partners
Todd Gerber, Senior Director Regulatory Compliance, IGT

11:00 – 11:15
NETWORKING BREAK

11:15 – 12:30
Intellectual Property Considerations for Entering Online Gaming Markets

Because the scope of patent protections in the US for game features differ from European protections, companies entering the US iGaming market face unique issues.  Likewise, US content providers must understand the limited IP protections available in Europe.  This panel will discuss:
IP protections in the US, the scope of patent protections on game features that are available to game developers in the US that are not available in the rest of the world;

– How European content providers work with US companies in obtaining IP licenses
– How the process of “clearing” content differs between European and US markets
– Additional considerations in evaluating what content an operator utilizes, and types of indemnities from game developers
– Brand licensing and related IP rights

Moderator: Jeremy Kleiman, Member Saiber LLC
Jon Fallon, VP & General Counsel, High 5 Games
Kaisa Patsalides, Senior Associate, Olswang
Joseph Borg, Senior Advisor, WH Partners
John Cahir, Partner, A&L Goodbody
Bill Gantz, Partner, Dentons US LLP

12:30 – 2:00
IMGL LUNCHEON WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Johnny Hartnett, International Managing Director, Paddy Power Betfair

Fire Restaurant and Lounge (off site)

2:15 – 3:15
Social Responsibility

For their own reasons, some land-based operators cite the socially irresponsible behavior of the remote gambling sector as a justification to restrict it or outlaw it entirely. Yet, technology provides many advantages to the remote sector affording it opportunities to really monitor, understand and analyze the behavior of players. With such knowledge, must come responsibility. How is the remote sector coping? Where is it succeeding and where can it do better? Jurisdictions approach these issues in different ways through inconsistent product restrictions, advertising restrictions and by imposing a patchwork of technical standards, some of which seem to work better than others? How are the regulators/legislators addressing the societal pressures on the industry and are they getting the balance right between consumer protection and providing an environment in which the industry can operate.

Moderator: Stephen Ketteley, Partner, Wiggin LLP
Speakers: Neil McArthur, General Counsel, UK Gambling Commission
Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons Lawyers
Ian Ince, Head of Regulation and Compliance, Playtech
Pieter Remmers, Director, Assissa Consultancy Europe

3:15 – 3:30
NETWORKING BREAK

3:45 – 5:00
Esports Panel – Do Players Have Real Skin In These Virtual Games?

Esports is flourishing at a phenomenal rate worldwide and with every expectation that it will continue to do so given the ever increasing number of young players. It is attracting the interest of regulated gambling operators seeking new betting markets and new customers as well as unregulated providers who offer popular products which are not available on regulated sites. It is attracting the interest of gambling regulators seeking to understand the product, whether it is a sport and whether it should be regulated by them. It is attracting the interest of lawyers seeking to establish the legal classification. In this panel, we consider the elements of eSports that might constitute licensable gambling, with a focus on the phenomenon that is “skins betting” and the likely implications. In particular:

– Which elements of eSports are most likely to attract the interest of gambling regulators and why?
– What is “skins betting” and who are the key players in the market? Who are the customers?
– Is it gambling and should it be regulated? If so, who should be regulated – website operators, games developers, platform providers?
– What are the challenges of regulating eSports gambling?
– What are the challenges for an eSports operator of being regulated?
– What are the differences between the services offered in the regulated/unregulated sectors?
– Is self-regulation sufficient?
– What should the eSports industry be doing to prepare for possible regulatory oversight.
– An update on relevant international regulatory developments.

Moderator: John Hagan, Managing Partner, Harris Hagan
Speakers: Neil McArthur, General Counsel, UK Gambling Commission
Diane Mullenex, Partner, Head of Gaming and Gambling Practices, Pinsent Masons LLP
Kevin Mullally, VP & General Counsel, GLI

6:00 – 9:30 (buses leave at 5:30)
RECEPTION AND GALA DINNER
Royal Hospital Kilmainham 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

(all panel sessions are held in the Great Room)

9:00 – 10:00
AML in Europe, US and Asia

The 4th AML directive has to be implemented in the European member states in 2017 at the latest but the European Commission has asked the member states to speed up the process because of recent terror events in Paris, Brussels. The directive might impact the land-based industry heavily.

Moderator: Andrew Gellatly, Head of Global Research Services, Gambling Compliance
Greg Giordano, Partner, McDonald Carano Wilson LLP
Simon Planzer, Partner, Planzer Law
Robert Cain, Partner, Arthur Cox
Andrew Cotton, Director of Betting and Gaming, Gordon Dadds
David Hickson, Director, The Gaming & Leisure Association of Ireland

10:00 – 11:00
Sports Integrity & Betting

This panel will explore the intersection of the integrity of professional and amateur sports and betting.  The United States and Europe have very different approaches to sports betting policy.  In Europe, professional sports leagues and organizations have close working relationships with bookmakers.  In the United States, with the exception of Nevada and on a limited basis in a few other states, sports betting is generally unlawful.  Experts have estimated that the United States has an unlawful sports betting market of upwards of $400 billion annually.  The United States and Europe have very similar approaches to public policy and law enforcement with respect to many aspects of gaming and sports betting seems to be a glaring exception.  Is Europe missing something?  If not, what can the U.S. learn from Europe?  How do lawful and unlawful sports betting impact the integrity of sports?  What role does organized crime play in the unlawful sports betting market and what are the consequences of this involvement?

Moderator: John McManus, Executive VP, General Counsel and Secretary, MGM Resorts International
Mark Lipparelli, Founder, Gioco Ventures, LLC / Senator — Nevada State Senate
Andrew Lyman, Director of Group Regulatory Affairs, William Hill
Steve Burton, Director of Integrity, Governance and Sports Partnerships, Genius Sports

11:00 – 11:15
NETWORKING BREAK

11:15 – 12:15
Compliance in the online world

What compliance and licensing issues arise when online operators apply for licenses in regulated jurisdictions?   Do prior unlawful actions of online companies continue to plague the industry?  Is it becoming more costly for online operators to work in regulated markets?  For a number of years, the online gaming industry has discussed what is a “grey market” and what it means to operate in unregulated jurisdictins.  How does an online gaming company evaluate whether to do business in such jurisdictions?  How do regulators view grey markets?   Does New Jersey’s recent “Director’s Advisory Bulletin” provide any real guidance to online operators about grey markets?

Moderator: Tom Auriemma, Member, Compliance Committee, Penn National Gaming
Patrick Madamba, Counsel, Fox Rothschild LLP
Nick Nocton, Partner, Mishcon de Reya LLP
George Sweny, Chief Compliance Officer, Poker Stars
André Wilsenach, Executive Director, UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation
Tina Kilmer, Vice President Product Compliance, Scientific Games

12:15 – 1:15
IMGL LUNCHEON
Saddle Room

1:30 – 2:30
The future of horse racing

The horse racing industry is suffering and pari-mutuel (pool betting) on horse racing is decreasing in most countries. The horse racing industry is looking for additional funding and introduction of new (higher) levies. Can the horse racing industry survive in the current setup?

Moderator: Keith Miller, Professor of Law, Drake University Law School
Lorraine May, Partner, Hopkins & Huebner, PC
Donna More, Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP
Paddy Power, Head of Communications, Paddy Power Betfair

2:30 – 3:30
Daily Fantasy Sports in Europe and in the U.S.

Daily fantasy sport is one of the hottest legal issues in the US. Right now DFS is an active topic for lawmakers, regulators, or law enforcement officials in almost two dozen states. Meanwhile, Draftkings and Fanduel have made their entries into the UK with a pool betting to compete with the likes of Mondogoal, Oulala and Sportego. Will DFS be successful?

Moderator: Nick Casiello, Chair, Gaming Practice Group, Fox Rothschild LLP
Jeffrey Haas, CIO, DraftKings
J. Kelly Duncan, Partner, Jones Walker LLP
Qurino Mancini, Partner, Global Head of Gaming & Gambling Practice, Tonucci & Partners
Marc Ellinger, Partner, Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, L.C.

3:30 – 3:45
NETWORKING BREAK

3:45 – 4:45
Brexit – will it impact the gambling industries? Positively, negatively or not at all? And what should we do, and how should we prepare?

The electorate of the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. In a situation where this vote by the populous is not binding, but where the UK is a very important gambling market, the panel will discuss how this development will impact the gaming, betting and lottery industries, both terrestrial and online. Will there be changes in the UK itself and elsewhere in Europe, when might they arise and how should operators and their advisers prepare for what may well be very significant challenges?

Moderator: Tony Coles, Consultant, Gordon Dadds
Susan Breen, Partner, Head of Betting & Gaming Group, Mishcon de Reya
Fred Gushin, Managing Director, Spectrum Gaming
Birgitte Sand, Director, Danish Gambling Authority
Nyreen Llamas, Partner, Hassans International Law Firm

5:30 – 7:30
CLOSING RECEPTION
Trinity College Library

Sunday, October 23

With a seamless blend of traditional luxury and contemporary convenience, The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel provides the backdrop for an exceptional visit in Ireland’s capital city. Housed in a 200 year-old, historic building, the hotel features recently refurbished rooms and suites. Enjoy beautiful views of Dublin. The hotel offers some of the city’s best dining, as well as two vibrant bar and lounges. Additional amenities include a five star spa, salon and a modern Health Club. Explore the surrounding city – Trinity College, Grafton Street, and many other landmarks are moments away.

Monday, October 24

Awards Luncheon

12.30 – 2.00

Fire Restaurant
A short walk from the Shelbourne the Fire Restaurant will host the IMGL Awards Luncheon.

Fire Restaurant Dublin is located in the heart of Dublin city centre in the popular Dawson Street and St Stephens Green vicinity. Offering exclusive dining options in a histrical dining room including the best private dining in Dublin, Fire Restaurant is consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Dublin. Fire Restaurant’s central location has the added benefit of neighbouring Dublin’s lively bars, theatres and luxury hotels.

Fire Restaurant rates among the top 10 Dawson Street restaurants in Dublin and our dedicated team will ensure you have a night to remember. Praised for Irish hospitality at its finest, you will immediately feel welcomed by our tea of professionals who are passionate about what they do.

Reception and Gala Dinner

6.00 – 9.30
Royal Hospital
The busses will depart from the Shelbourne at 5.30.

The hospital was built in 1684 as a home for retired soldiers and continued in that use for over 250 years. The style is based on Les Invalides in Paris with a formal facade and a large courtyard. The Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London was completed two years later and also has similarities in style. A priory, founded in 1174 by Strongbow, existed on the site until the English closed it down in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.

In recent years, Royal Kilmainham Hospital has become a popular location for concerts during the summer months.

Tuesday, October 25

Luncheon
Tuesday we will enjoy lunch in the Saddle Room at the Shelbourne. The Saddle Room is an old favourite that offers a relaxed atmosphere. Reinvented as a steak and seafood restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it offers a contemporary menu using only the finest Irish ingredients.

Closing Reception
5.30 – 7.30

Trinity College Library

Trinity College was founded in 1592, modelled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and of Cambridge, but, unlike these, only one college was ever established; as such, the designations “Trinity College” and “University of Dublin” are usually synonymous for practical purposes. It is Ireland’s oldest university.

Originally it was established outside the city walls of Dublin in the buildings of the dissolved Augustinian Priory of All Hallows. Trinity College is now surrounded by Dublin and is located on College Green, opposite the former Irish Houses of Parliament. The Library of Trinity College where the closing reception is held contains over 4.5 million printed volumes and significant quantities of manuscripts (including the Book of Kells), maps and music.

Host Hotel and Accommodations

The IMGL 2016 Autumn Conference will be held at The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel. With a seamless blend of traditional luxury and contemporary convenience, The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel provides the backdrop for an exceptional visit in Ireland’s capital city. Housed in a 200 year-old, historic building, the hotel features recently refurbished rooms and suites, brimming with 5-star amenities like pillowtop mattresses, marble bathrooms, and free high-speed Internet.

The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
27 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin, Ireland

Special IMGL group rates are available for 349 — 399 EUR per night.

This rate is only valid through August 30th.

Click here to make your reservation.

At the exclusive five star Shelbourne Hotel, the prevailing ethos is about attention to detail. Whether it’s a demanding bride, an international celebrity, a head of state or the entire Irish Rugby team, the staff are trained to please with panache and a smile. The hotel is so iconic, that a documentary series was created following its inner works.

View the documentary series here.

Coming soon

Coming soon