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Nov25.indd 1 STATESIDE This one’s for Ernie
Sharon Harris ticks off yet another successful G2E and takes a moment to recognise the numerous changes in this ever-expanding sector, as well as pay tribute to an industry hero.
expanded, reimagined iGaming Hub within the iGaming Zone.
• Not to ignore the global reality entertainment craze, G2E also debuted the first American G2E Dealer Championship. Thirty-four U.S. dealers competed for the coveted title of “Best Dealer in America.”
The week also included sad moments. Ten days before the G2E opened, Indian gaming legend Ernie Stevens passed suddenly on September 26 at age 66. Shock waves and a sense of loss rocked not only Indian Country, but everyone who ever interacted with Ernie.
That included me. Stevens led the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) for 25 years and had just been re-elected for a 13th term. He oversaw the explosive boom in tribal gaming from $11B in 2000 to $43B in 2024.
Ernie received - and deserved - all of his accolades and awards. He was a towering figure, in stature and industry presence, beginning with his Wisconsin tribal roots.
I
have finally moved into my new house and am close to selling my old home. Fingers crossed it works out; it’s been a grueling experience, and one that I don’t want to repeat anytime soon. Another year, another G2E in the record books. The annual global event continues to draw tens of thousands after 25 years. Las Vegas, the world and gaming have undergone numerous changes-positive, negative and neutral, but somehow gaming continues expanding.
The convention’s focus has changed by addressing the relevant issues of day. Review the schedules, educational rosters and types of exhibiting companies since 2001 to realize very little is the same. Gaming has evolved with the times, legislative, economic and societal changes.
12 NOVEMBER 2025
The financial explosion nationwide among its great accomplishments. The American Gaming Association (AGA) website reports impressive 2024/2025 statistics: • 46 of 50 states’ gaming’s annual economic impact hit $329B, $53B in tax revenue and 1.8 million jobs.
Wow! In 80 years, legal American gaming is light years from gangster Ben “Bugsy” Siegel’s mid-1940s dream to transform the Las Vegas desert with his Flamingo casino hotel. • Approximately 25,000 domestic and international visitors from 120+ countries, regions and territories converged on Las Vegas. A busy exhibit floor included almost 400 exhibitors showcasing their latest technologies and services.
• More than 100 educational sessions, plus an
I reviewed my files and discovered my first interactions date back to April 2006. Ernie and I met at various shows, legislative conferences and other gaming events. In 2008, I profiled him for the March Casino Lawyer magazine.
I especially enjoyed our conversations at the many National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) shows I attended over several years. Coming from Pennsylvania, which historically has little tribal history, I learned a lot about Indian cultures.
His message never changed - advocate and expand the Indian gaming segment as proactively as possible. His quiet, determined manner easily engaged people. Both Indian Country and the commercial gaming segment have lost a giant. I’d like to think that somewhere in the universe, Ernie has already made contact with some great gaming leaders of the past. There are just so many.
5/11/25 17:30
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