GameCo is sponsoring Betting on Sports 2017, the second edition of the largest international sports and betting trade conference at Olympia Conference Centre in Kensington.
Ahead of the 12-15 September event, we spoke to the company’s CEO Blaine Graboyes about what he is looking forward to at #boscon2017, his perfect sporting event, and how sports and betting can work better together.
SBC: What are you looking forward to at Betting on Sports?
BG: Looking at understanding the EU and international market around esports and gambling. And sharing our new Video Game Gambling Machine (VGM) products with the audience. Also, I’m excited to meet other exhibitors and understand other products and services in the space.
We appreciate the opportunity to network with senior executives, especially worldwide leaders in esports and gambling, and to share our perspective on the casino of the future and how new technology and innovation will bring new customers and drive incremental revenue.
SBC: What are you promoting at Betting on Sports?
BG: GameCo’s VGM is the first platform to bring video game play to the casino floor, engaging a new generation of casino customers. The first video game skill-based gaming platform approved by any regulator in the United States – GameCo’s patented VGM proprietary arcade-style cabinets allow a player’s skill to determine the payout and winnings while maintaining the same casino-based economics as slot machines.
GameCo is developing VGM games under license from major game developers and entertainment IP companies, including Paramount’s “Mission Impossible” and “Paranormal” brands, “SOULCALIBUR™ II” with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” from StudioCanal S.A.S.
SBC: Where can betting work together more closely with sport?
BG: Collaboration between casino operators, regulators, game publishers and regulated gaming manufacturers on new products and services that bring together video games, esports and casinos. It’s essential to bring betting into the regulated market – a great example is skins betting with video games.
Right now, this is unregulated and creates challenges for gamers and regulators. GameCo is a licensed gaming manufacturer and is interested in finding new opportunities to work with game publishers and esports teams to provide them with fair, safe, and regulated opportunities for gambling.
SBC: What sports betting partnership has stood out in the past 12 months?
BG: Nevada allowing esports book betting is watershed in opening a new, regulated market for sports betting and esports. Working with organizations such as the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) is critical to ensure the integrity of potential betting opportunities.
Leaders such as the Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas have been driving the market opportunity for esports book betting. Downtown Grand has also created a regular esports program with weekly tournaments and viewing parties. It’s so interesting to see how esports and casinos are aligning.
SBC: Describe your perfect sporting event
BG: Something that makes me feel appreciated like a VIP! There’s still so much opportunity to create a destination for gamers, which are such a large underserved demographic for casinos. Imagine a casino that’s specifically designed to attract gamers and provide them with an experience that cannot be delivered anywhere outside of the hospitality and amenities offered by today’s integrated resorts. The casino of the future will bring new technology and experiences specifically for the gamer audience.
