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Upcoming Events
IMGL/IAGR 2024 Autumn Conference
October 21 - 24, 2024
Overview
IMGL / IAGR 2024 Autumn Conference
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The Autumn 2024 Conference will be held October 21 – 24, 2024 in conjunction with IAGR at the Parco dei Principi in Rome, Italy.
Registration
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets for Rome 2024 are officially on sale, marking your pathway to the forefront of global gaming regulation dialogue.
Rome 2024 is a joint conference between the International Masters of Gaming Law and International Association of Gaming Regulators, adding greater depth to content and more opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Early bird special
Book your spot before the end of May to enjoy exclusive super early bird pricing. It’s an opportunity to invest in your professional growth while experiencing the rich history and modern vibrancy of Rome.
Your ticket includes:
- Full access to four-day conference in Rome from 21 to 24 October
- Daily lunch and refreshments
- Access to opening reception
- Access to gala dinner (featuring the International Regulatory Awards presentation)
- Access to IMGL closing reception
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Register here now!
DELEGATES: Those wishing to attend conference sessions must register as a delegate. Please choose the delegate category that is appropriate for you. Delegate registration includes all conference sessions, Opening Reception, conference luncheons, Gala Dinner, and the IMGL Closing Reception.
GUESTS: Please register your guest(s) at the same time you register as a delegate. Guest registration includes the Opening Reception, Gala Dinner, and the Closing Reception. Guest registration does not include conference sessions or luncheons.
CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancel by September 1: receive 100% refund.
Cancel between September 2 – September 30: Receive 50% refund.
Cancel between October 1 – October 11 : receive 25% refund.
No refunds starting on or after October 12.
Sponsorships
Sponsorship information can be found here
Annual 2024 Sponsors
Annual Platinum Sponsor
![Logo for Fox Rothschild LLP](https://www.imgl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Logo_Fox_CMYK.jpg)
Annual Silver Sponsors
![Logo for Jones Walker](https://www.imgl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/jones-e1680889524808.png)
Jones Walker
https://www.joneswalker.com/en/
![Logo for MELCHERS Law](https://www.imgl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMGL-Events-Sponsor-Melchers-Law.png)
MELCHERS Law
https://www.melchers-law.com/
![Logo for EM Group](https://www.imgl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EMGroup_Logo_SizesScreen.png)
EM Group
https://the-emgroup.com/
At EM Group, we believe in taking the boring off your hands with our comprehensive compliance and corporate service. Whether you need help setting up your iGaming company, applying for the right licenses, navigating global regulatory challenges, or ensuring AML compliance, we have the solutions and expertise you need to make all of it a seamless experience.
Let us handle the intricacies while you focus on what matters most – your thriving iGaming venture.
Annual Bronze Sponsor
![Logo for AGEM](https://www.imgl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMGL-Events-Sponsor-Association-of-gaming-equipment-manufacturers.png)
AGEM
https://www.agem.org/
![Logo for RMC Legal](https://www.imgl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/RMC-Legal-big-2.jpg)
RMC Legal
https://rmclegal.com/
Rome Sponsors
Closing Reception Sponsor
Schedule
Monday, 21 October
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pre Conference Training with GLI
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Networking Break
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
IAGR Arrival Luncheon
1:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Welcome & Introduction: IAGR President, Ben Haden
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
How does the regulator of 2024 balance the challenges they face today and prepare for those ahead?
Moderator:
Adam Rivers, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal, United Kingdom
Speakers:
Dave Phillips, Chief Operating Officer, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
2:05 pm – 2:50 pm
Presentation By: Andrew Rhodes, CEO, UK Gambling Commission, United Kingdom
2:50 pm – 3:05 pm
Networking Break
3:05 pm – 3:50 pm
Perspectives: Building our regulatory approach
The governance of regulators
Speaker:
Paul Newson, Principal, Vanguard Overwatch, Australia
Regulatory programs and the reality of delivery
Speaker: TBD
3:55 pm – 4:40 pm
Lessons from around the world
Navigating regulatory disruptions: Case studies and lessons from Botswana’s success story
Speaker:
Peter Kesitilwe, CEO, Botswana Gambling Authority, Botswana
Implementing an effective responsible gaming framework for a tourist casino user population
The Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) is the regulatory body charged with establishing the regulatory scheme for the conduct of casino gaming in Jamaica, including instituting measures and controls to facilitate responsible casino gaming. This session explores how the CGC contends with fulfilling its mandate to institute measures and controls to facilitate responsible casino gaming within the context of what is expected to be a largely tourist, rather than resident, user population while balancing the competing regulatory and commercial interests.
Speaker:
Anna Harry, General Counsel, Casino Gaming Commission, Jamaica
4:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Lessons from around the world
The gambling recovery information network: An international lived-experience collaboration
Speaker:
Matt Smith, Betknowmore, Head of External Affairs, Betknowmore, United Kingdom
5:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Closing Remarks
6:00 pm – 8:15 pm
IAGR Welcome Reception
Location TBD
**IMGL MEMBERS WELCOMED
Tuesday, 22 October
8:30 am – 8:45 am
Opening Remarks: IAGR President, Ben Haden
8:50 am – 9:35 am
Are gambling regulators equipped to regulate an increasingly ‘AI-driven’ industry?
Moderator:
Simo Dragievic, Co-Founder, The Game Safety Institute, United Kingdom
Speakers:
Mark Pace, Vice-President, IGSA & GSA Europe Managing Director, United States
Dr. Ian Gauci, Managing Director, GTG, Malta
Sukriti Verma, Head of Analysis, Department for Culture Media and Sport, United Kingdom
9:40 am – 10:40 am
Exploring the implementation of self-exclusion
Ready when you are: Providing Australians with a one-stop self-exclusion option
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) launched BetStop – the National Self Exclusion Register in 2023.
More than 18,000 Australians have self-excluded in the first 6 months of operations – making a significant contribution to reducing gambling harm in Australia.
The ACMA will present on the program’s delivery and provide its reflections on the register’s first year of operations, including the lessons that other jurisdictions can learn from Australia’s experience.
Speaker:
Matthew Anderson, Manager, National Self-Exclusion, Australian Communications and Media Authority. Australia
The layered approach to self-exclusion
Drawing from experience gleaned from the UK TalkBanStop partnership, Jack Symons will explore the value of layering tools and support to improve player protection outcomes. In this presentation, we will review the role of banks, self-exclusion schemes, blocking software, treatment services, and other stakeholders and how we can reduce harm by taking a collaborative approach to a complex problem.
Speaker:
Jack Symons, Founder/CEO, Gamban, United Kingdom
Best practice self-exclusion standards
Speakers:
Dr. Margaret Carran, Associate Professor in Law, University of London, United Kingdom,
Simon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, Casino Guru, Slovakia
10:40 am – 10:55 am
Networking Break
10:55 am – 11:40 am
AI in practice
How can we trust what other people say about AI?
Speaker:
Chris Percy, Lead R&D Consultant, Playtech, United Kingdom
Integrating AI and cyberpsychology for effective detection and intervention of harmful online gambling behaviors: A data-driven approach
Speaker:
Dr. Maris Catania, Safer Gambling Senior Consultant, SG:certified, Malta
11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Effective regulation through technology and innovation
Speaker:
Tom Mace, Senior Vice President, Regulator Services, Sportradar
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
IAGR Luncheon
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sustainability
Safer by design: How should regulators respond to emerging concerns with ensuring gambling products and environments are safe for all?
Speaker:
Simo Dragievic, Co-Founder, The Game Safety Institute, United Kingdom
The positive play approach: A responsible gambling new innovation
Speaker:
Dr. Mary Donohue, CEO & Founder, The Digital Wellness Center, Canada
2:05 pm – 2:50 pm
Gambling and the Law®: Licensed Operators in Gray and Black Markets
Speaker:
Professor I. Nelson Rose, Professor Emeritus, Whittier College, United States
2:50 pm – 3:05 pm
Networking Break
3:05 pm – 3:50 pm
Illegal Gambling: Perspectives and Actions from the IAGR working Group
Moderator:
Ian Angus, Programme Director, Gambling Commission, United Kingdom
3:50 pm – 4:00 pm
IAGR Group Photo
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
IMGL Board of Directors Meeting (Affiliate Members Welcomed)
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
IAGR Annual General Member Meeting
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
IMGL/IAGR Joint Opening Reception, Casina Valadier
**20 minute walk from the Parco dei Principi through the Villa Borghese Park
Wednesday, 23 October (Joint Day with IAGR)
8:30 am – 8:45 am
Opening Remarks: Quirino Mancini, President of IMGL & Ben Haden, President of IAGR
8:50 am – 9:35 am
How does the regulator, the regulated and the interested and affected parties work best together?
The gambling sector stakeholder ecosystem is a wide and complicated one, where all approach from a different perspective, with different values and goals that they are trying to achieve.
Or is it. This panel will explore this statement, seeking to provide a fresh perspective on where the opportunities to work better together really exist in 2024. Where are the moments and why hasn’t it worked in the past. Where are the lines that can’t be crossed and where and who can provide the previously unexploited opportunities.
Is now the right time to rip the co-operation rulebook of history up and create something different?
Moderator: TBD
Speakers:
Atle Hamar, General Director, Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority, Norway
Annette Kimmitt, CEO and Non Executive Director, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, Australia
9:40 am – 10:25 am
The Local Picture: Gambling in Italy
After several postponements due to a disfavourable political climate, the long-awaited reorganisation of the Italian gaming market finally kicked off earlier this year with the enactment of Legislative Decree no. 41 of 25 March 2024, encompassing the relevant frame legislation including the general requirements concerning the online gaming licence tender expected to be called in the coming months. This panel will provide a real time update on the progress since made by the Italian authorities and also discuss the prospect, challenges and opportunities afforded by one the largest, competitive, dynamic and crowded European markets.
Moderator:
Quirino Mancini, Partner, Tonucci & Partners, Italy
Speakers:
Stefano Sbordoni, Managing Partner and Founder, Sbordoni & Partners, Italy
10:25 am – 10:40 am
Networking Break
10:40 am – 11:40 am
Emerging Market Challenges
Moderator:
Karen Sierra Hughes, Vice President of Latin America & Caribbean, Gaming Laboratories International
Speakers:
Neil Montgomery, Founding and Managing Partner, Montgomery, Brazil
Tanisha Khanna, Associate, Nishith Desai Associates, India
Gifty-Rita Amoah, Deputy Director, Gaming Commission of Ghana, Ghana
Ivo Bozukov, Chief Strategy Officer, SportPesa Group, United States
11:45 am – 12:05 pm
A framework for independent research using industry funding: The Massachusetts model
This presentation explores the institutional approach of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to research casino gambling and sports wagering activities. Specifically, a research mandate has been conferred upon by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission by legislative enactments and funded by proceed from gaming licensees that are deposited into a dedicated Public Health Trust Fund.
We’ll probe the ethical considerations associated with industry funding, even in instances of indirect financial support, and how the Massachusetts model has navigated those considerations to advance knowledge in the public health interest.
Presenter:
Bonnie Andrews, Research Manager, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
12:05 pm – 1:00 pm
Joint Luncheon
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Responsible Gambling Programs: From a Compliance Burden Towards Commitment and Success
Most gambling licensees are familiar with varying and diverse RG requirements under their (sometimes numerous) national / regional licences. Similarly, gambling regulators have experienced political and media pressure to act against problem gambling.
This panel inquires the commitment towards RG and success stories around RG. Where have we seen political and regulatory commitment to RG? Where do we see gaps and shortcomings in RG programmes, services and know-how? What is the role of the regulator and what the role of the regulated? Where have we seen consistent and effective measures? And last but not least: what does ‘success’ mean in the area of RG?
Moderator:
Dr. Simon Planzer, Partner, PLANZER LAW, Switzerland
Speakers:
Francesco Rodano, Chief Policy Officer, Playtech, United Kingdom
Tracey Parker, Vice President, Policy, Standards and Accreditation, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
1:50 pm – 2:35 pm
Navigating through the challenging waters of regulatory approvals for Mergers and Acquisitions and IPOs
M&A activity increased drastically since 2020, and even after the increase in interest rates, M&A activity remained very strong. M&A activity in the gaming sector is also characterised by gaming regulation that needs to be followed in the process of a change of corporate control or public listing, with operators involved in the transaction and their regulators ideally working in unison in order to allow for a smooth changeover. However, proper planning is key ,as certain regulatory procedures related to fitness and properness, and regulatory good standing assessments, just to mention a couple, may prove to be challenging due to the time constraints and possible multi-jurisdictional licensing. The panel will assess the complex world of M&As from a gaming regulatory perspective and how can both regulators and operators face the challenges posed by an acquisition or public listing process that would benefit both.
Moderator:
Reuben Portanier, Partner, Advisory & Compliance, GTG, Malta
Speakers:
Anton Kaszubowski, Founder & Managing Director, SBC Advisory Partners, United Kingdom
2:35 pm – 2:50 pm
Networking Break
2:50 pm – 3:35 pm
Cross-border advertising and promotional practices: where is it going?
Advertising and promotion restrictions in the gaming space are having a massive impact on the choices which gaming operators are making across the European Union. With landmark reforms underway in Ireland and different approaches impacting in other EU jurisdictions, this serves to highlight the lack of a harmonised regulatory approach across the European Union for gaming promotions and ad campaigns.
This panel will question what tips the balance in terms of advertising restrictions, and what makes a jurisdiction attractive (or indeed, unattractive) to establish in? Against the backdrop of a multitude of different rules and requirements across the EEA and beyond, how do businesses make smart choices in relation to licensing?
Moderator:
Joe Kelly, Partner, A&L Goodbody, Ireland
Speakers:
Patricia Lalanda, Partner, Loyra Abogados, Spain
Pedro Cortés, Managing Partner, Lektou, Macao
3:40 pm – 4:25 pm
Responsible Cashless Payments
This panel will summarize the current landscape of cashless gaming regulation to identify those measures that various legislators have taken to address problem gambling. We will then explore the data that is available to the gaming operator and, potentially, the cashless casino patron. Finally, we will debate the utilization of this data to aide the casino patron in addressing responsible gaming and problem behaviors.
Moderator:
Jennifer Carleton, Chief Legal Officer, Sightline Payments, United States
Speakers:
Marie Jones, Attorney, Fox Rothschild, United States
Giorgi Tsamalaidze, CLO, Random Systems Georgia, Georgia
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Influencers in the Gaming Wild
Integrating social media influencers into the casino environment poses regulatory risks with potential compelling financial and reputational rewards. Regulators, responsible gaming practitioners, suppliers, and operators should adopt a nuanced approach to align influencer strategies with evolving regulatory expectations, ensuring the benefits of social media marketing are captured while contributing to broader regulatory goals.
The panel will discuss where the legal, policy, and social norm lines are being drawn, what lessons can be gleaned from various jurisdictions, and how the area may evolve in the future.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers:
Peter Czegledy, Corporate, Technology, Gaming, eSports and Space Tech Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP, Canada
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Joint Gala Dinner, Parco dei Principi
Thursday, 24 October (Half joint day with IAGR)
9:00 am – 9:10 am
Opening Remarks: Quirino Mancini, President of IMGL & Ben Haden, President of IAGR
9:15 am – 10:15 am
RG programmes and the Use of Player Data
The 21st century ‘consumer-citizen’ is leaving a massive trail of data to platform owners. On the one hand, user privacy in relation to their ‘big data’ is protected by data protection laws. At the same time gambling operators are supposed to analyse user data to protect their users under consumer protection laws and RG requirements.
In this dichotomy of interests, are the two sets of interests truly exclusive and jointly exhaustive? Does data protection exclude or limit the potential of RG measures? And are there further interests involved that we have neglected thus far?
What are the current regulatory requirements and prohibitions? How will and should online gambling operators use of player data in the future. And what can regulators do amid such diverse user interests? How can cashless gambling contribute to RG measures.
Moderator: Elizabeth Lusk,
Dr. Tony Schellinck, CEO, Focal Research Consultants
Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO & Founder, SBC & Sport Global Group, United Kingdom
Jochen Biewer, Managing Director, Chevron Group, Germany
10:20 am – 11:00 am
Presentation: Suitable or Not Suitable to for a Casino Licence – That is the Question
During 2021, a Victorian Royal Commission found Crown unsuitable to hold its licence. The same occurred in two other states in separate inquiries. Crown’s Australian flagship casino operation was in Melbourne in the state of Victoria, where it employed over 15,000 people and hosted 200,000 patrons each week. According to the media it was “too big to fail.”
This will be conducted in a presentation format, followed by an interview where we discuss the fate of Australia’s largest casino.
Speakers:
Andrew Scott, Commissioner and Deputy Chair VGCCC, Australia
Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons, Australia
11:00 am – 11:15 am
Networking Break
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Sports Integrity
The crucial role of bookmakers in the ongoing fight against event manipulation
Moderator: Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner, WH Simion & Partners, Romania
Speakers:
Ludovico Calvi, United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports, United States
Cristian Radu, General Legal Counsel, Superbet
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Joint Luncheon
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Crypto Panel
Many companies like Stake and Roobet are global brands just based on their crypto offerings. It’s one of the fastest growing casino segments globally and it’s fostering some game types like crash games, binary option games, financial props betting, etc. that are becoming more and more popular.
This topic will also question whether MICA is a watershed moment for widespread adoption of crypto as a payment method.
Moderator: TBD
1:50 pm – 2:35 pm
Cybersecurity
Given the recent cyber-attacks what are best practices and what should casinos be doing to protect employee and customer information.
Moderator: TBD
2:35 pm – 3:05 pm
Networking Break
3:05 pm – 3:50 pm
Bill 55 and its impact on international iGaming regulations
The panel will explore the origins and application of Malta’s Bill 55 on iGaming operators licensed in Malta. The panelists will discuss its immediate impact within the European Union and the UK as well as its potential implications around the world.
Moderator: James Scicluna, Founder & Managing Partner, WH Partners, Malta
Speakers:
Marc Dunbar, Partner, Jones Walker, United States
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Closing Reception, St. Regis Hotel
**IAGR Members Welcomed
Events
Events will be posted soon.
Accommodations
The IMGL has secured a room block at the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa with a start date/end date of October 20 to October 26, 2024 for a Single Room starting at €473.00 a night, inclusive of breakfast and VAT. Reservations by attendees must be received on or before August 20, 2024.
You may book here
We have also secured room blocks at The Hoxton and Hotel Albani. Please see below for further information.
Book Hotel Albani
Please email manager.rom@albanihotels.com for reservations and refer to the confirmation internal numbers below. Room rates are inclusive of breakfast.
check-in 20.10→ dbl/twin or DUS→ confirmation internal number 336694
check-in 22.10 →dbl/twin or DUS→ confirmation internal number 336695
check-in 23.10 → dbl/twin or DUS→ confirmation internal number 336696
check-in 24.10 →, dbl/twin or DUS→ confirmation internal number 336697
check-in 25.10 → dbl/twin or DUS→ confirmation internal number 336698
check-in 26.10 → dbl/twin or DUS→ confirmation internal number 336699
– twin/double room € 200,00
– double room as single use € 190,00
Book The Hoxton
Dates: From 20/10/2024 – 27/10/2024
Booking Instructions:
Go here, click on Add Code and select Group Attendee.
Enter Code: IMGL
ROOM TYPES & PREFERRED RATES AGREED FOR THE PERIOD
Room Type Price Single Occupancy: €325
Price Double Occupancy: €347
***Free cancellation up to 30/09/2024 , 20 days prior to arrival***
Rates include Breakfast and VAT.
Rate Available until 21/08/2024
After this date we can offer best available rates, subject to availability.
Speakers
Speakers will be posted soon.
See and Do
Conference brochure
TBD