The upcoming SBC Summit North America, to be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey next month, has announced its lineup of conference headliners. Scheduled for May 8, the event’s first full day, speakers in the exclusive “Leaders” track are set to address a diverse array of issues impacting the gambling sector.
Kicking off the conference with a video address is Congresswoman Dina Titus, who represents Nevada’s First District. Titus is spearheading an initiative aimed at modernizing outdated gambling taxes, a move that has gained support from various quarters, including political adversaries and the Internal Revenue Service.
Additionally, Titus opposes the allocation of federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment, citing redundancy in light of existing education and treatment initiatives.
Jan Jones Blackhurst, a Board Member at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, will also attend the event as a headliner. Interviewed by Contessa Brewer, Correspondent at CNBC, Blackhurst brings over two decades of industry experience to the table. Blackhurst is a former Mayor of Las Vegas, educator, and vocal advocate for responsible gambling, diversity, and inclusion.
Shawn Fluharty, West Virginia Delegate and President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), will deliver a “State of the Gaming States Address,” emphasizing the crucial role of the NCLGS in shaping gambling legislation across states.
“I believe we can produce a framework that will serve as a tool and catalyst to produce sound policy in states going forward,” he said.
Fluharty will also participate in two additional panels: “Why Online Casino Legislation Hasn’t Kept Pace with Sports Betting” and “NCLGS: Disunited States – When Will Regulators Collaborate on Compliance?”
Donna Orender, Former President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a former player in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), will engage in a discussion with Wayne Kimmel, Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital.
The conversation will delve into Orender’s career, including her tenure at the WNBA, partnership with former NBA Commissioner David Stern, and experiences as a board member of the World Surf League. Topics will include the representation of women’s sports organizations in the sports betting industry and the growing interest in betting on women’s sports.
Rob Norton, President of Cordish Gaming Group/Live! Casinos & Hotels, will participate in a live Q&A session led by Sue Schneider, SBC’s VP of Strategy and Growth, Americas. With three decades of experience in gambling, Norton will offer insights into the potential impact of online casinos on brick-and-mortar establishments.
He will also discuss the importance of physical venues in job creation, economic stimulation, and community enhancement, drawing from his experience launching a sportsbook at Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland.