The 2024 IAG Academy Summit, currently underway at the Hilton Manila within Newport World Resorts, is a landmark event in the Asia-Pacific gaming calendar. Bringing together influential leaders, regulators, operators, and tech innovators, the summit offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s gaming industry, covering regulatory updates, operational insights, and emerging technologies. Day 2 promises to be particularly engaging, beginning with a keynote from Kevin Tan, President and CEO of Alliance Global Group and Chairman of Travellers International Hotel Group, and unfolding into a series of enlightening discussions throughout the day.
Kevin Tan’s Vision: Setting the Tone for Asia-Pacific Gaming’s Future
The summit’s second day opens with Kevin Tan’s much-anticipated keynote address. As the President and CEO of Alliance Global Group, as well as Chairman of Travellers International Hotel Group, Tan holds a pivotal role in the region’s gaming and hospitality sectors. His leadership in transforming Newport World Resorts into a premier integrated resort positions him as a leading voice in discussions surrounding the future of gaming in Asia.
Tan’s address will undoubtedly focus on the rapid changes the gaming industry is undergoing across Asia, exploring how operators can navigate both growth and challenges in a post-pandemic world. Under Tan’s direction, Alliance Global Group has expanded into a powerhouse, not just in the Philippines but also across the region. Therefore, his keynote is expected to touch on critical issues such as the integration of new technologies, shifts in consumer behavior, and how regulatory environments must evolve to foster sustainable growth in the gaming sector.
The Regulatory Framework: Insights from Leading Regulators in Asia
Following the keynote, the summit transitions into one of its most crucial discussions: the regulatory landscape of the Asia-Pacific gaming industry. In a sector where compliance and oversight are paramount, the insights of experienced regulators are essential. This panel, featuring David Green, Daniel Cecilio from PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), and Khim Oudam from Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission, offers a rare opportunity to delve into the policies shaping gaming across Asia.
As these regulatory leaders exchange perspectives, expect to hear about the significant reforms taking place within their jurisdictions. With countries like the Philippines and Cambodia seeing rapid growth in both land-based and online gaming, regulators are constantly adapting to balance innovation with the need for strict oversight. The discussion will likely highlight the rising importance of cross-border cooperation to combat illegal gambling, as well as the steps being taken to ensure the security of digital gaming platforms.
Moreover, the ongoing development of remote gaming laws will be a critical topic. With online gaming becoming a dominant force in the region, regulators are keen to establish frameworks that protect consumers while allowing operators the flexibility to innovate. Expect this panel to address the challenges and opportunities that digital gaming presents, as well as the role of blockchain and AI in future regulatory strategies.
Operator Perspectives: Navigating Growth in a Competitive Landscape
As regulatory discussions give way to insights from operators, the summit shifts its focus to the strategies driving success in Asia’s gaming market. This session brings together key figures like Trevor Hammond from NUSTAR, Newport World Resorts’ Chief Marketing Officer David Jorden, and Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma. Each of these leaders offers a unique view into the business strategies behind their respective operations, particularly in the context of market expansion and customer retention.
In the post-pandemic era, integrated resorts and casinos are facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. While there has been a strong resurgence in travel and entertainment, operators must navigate a highly competitive landscape. Trevor Hammond is expected to highlight how NUSTAR has tailored its approach to recovery, especially through targeted marketing initiatives and a renewed focus on luxury offerings. Similarly, David Jorden will likely share insights into Newport World Resorts’ marketing innovations, specifically in how digital tools are being leveraged to create more personalized customer experiences.
One key theme that will emerge from this session is how operators are rethinking their business models. As digital and mobile gaming continue to grow, traditional resorts are exploring ways to integrate new technology into their operations. Casino Plus, under the leadership of Evan Spytma, represents a forward-thinking approach to blending digital platforms with the immersive experiences of physical casinos. This session will provide valuable takeaways for how operators across Asia can remain competitive in an industry increasingly driven by technological innovation.
Crown Resorts’ Evolution: A Conversation with Ciarán Carruthers
One of the highlights of Day 2 is undoubtedly the interview session titled “A Conversation with Ciarán Carruthers,” the CEO of Crown Resorts. Moderated by IAG’s Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew W. Scott, this conversation offers a deep dive into Crown’s recent journey, from overcoming significant regulatory challenges to reclaiming its position as a leader in the Australian gaming industry.
Crown Resorts’ story is one of resilience. Having faced intense media scrutiny and the suspension of its casino licenses in Melbourne and Sydney, the company underwent a rigorous process to address regulatory concerns and rebuild its reputation. Carruthers, who played a key role in steering the company through this tumultuous period, will share insights into the leadership strategies and corporate governance reforms that helped Crown regain its licenses.
As Crown Resorts now looks toward the future, Carruthers will also discuss the company’s broader strategy, including plans for technological integration and customer experience enhancements at its flagship resorts. His reflections on navigating public perception, improving compliance, and fostering innovation will resonate with other industry leaders facing similar challenges.
Harnessing Technology: Smart Gaming Tables and AI in Operations
The afternoon sessions of Day 2 are dedicated to the role of technology in reshaping the gaming industry. These discussions will appeal to both tech enthusiasts and industry professionals eager to explore the next wave of innovations driving the sector forward.
A standout panel titled “Hot Gaming Tech: Get Smart Tables” will bring together experts such as Graeme Croft, formerly of MGM China, Stephen Moore of Walker Digital Table Systems, and Angel Australasia’s CTO Aaron Raj. This session will explore how smart tables are transforming the traditional gaming experience. Smart tables, equipped with advanced sensors and data-tracking capabilities, offer casinos the ability to monitor game flow, track player behaviors, and optimize dealer performance.
The conversation will likely focus on the dual benefits smart tables provide—both enhancing the player experience and offering operators valuable data for improving efficiency. Expect the panelists to discuss the future of table games in a world increasingly influenced by digital technology and how smart tables are leading the charge toward more personalized and interactive gaming environments.
Following this, Clayton Peister from Differential Labs will lead a highly practical workshop on the use of AI in gaming operations. The session, titled “Using AI to Distil Meaningful Strategies from Raw Data,” will be a hands-on exploration of how AI can help operators make sense of player data to develop more targeted marketing strategies. Peister’s workshop will guide participants through the process of organizing raw player data, analyzing behavioral trends, and using AI models to predict promotional sensitivity—allowing operators to optimize their marketing spend and boost profitability.
Supplier Insights: The Role of Technology and Partnerships in Asia’s Gaming Growth
As the summit approaches its conclusion, the final panel will feature insights from some of the industry’s leading suppliers, offering a broader perspective on the future of gaming in Asia. Speakers from companies such as Light & Wonder, Konami, Aristocrat, and Aruze will share their views on how technological innovations are shaping the region’s gaming landscape.
This discussion will likely touch upon the integration of new gaming technologies, such as electronic gaming machines and mobile platforms, and how they are transforming the player experience across Asia. With markets like Japan and the Philippines seeing significant growth, suppliers are eager to explore how their products can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
Partnerships between suppliers and operators will also be a key focus of this session. As gaming companies look to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, collaborations with suppliers are becoming increasingly important. These partnerships not only help operators integrate the latest technologies but also provide valuable insights into market trends and customer preferences. Expect this session to highlight the importance of close collaboration between suppliers and operators as the key to driving innovation and ensuring long-term success in Asia’s gaming industry.
The 2024 IAG Academy Summit is not just a reflection on the current state of the gaming industry but also a preview of its future. As the event wraps up, anticipation is already building for next year’s rebranding of the summit into IAG Expo. Scheduled to take place at the Marriott Grand Ballroom at Newport World Resorts—the largest ballroom in the Philippines—IAG Expo 2025 will expand into a large-scale exhibition showcasing the latest in gaming technology, products, and services.
The event will incorporate several key elements from the summit, including the IAG Academy IR Awards and networking events like Manila After Dark, ensuring that it remains a must-attend gathering for industry professionals. IAG Expo will serve as both a learning platform and a hub for collaboration, reflecting the rapid evolution of Asia’s gaming industry and the role of innovation in its continued growth.