Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player in history, returned to Las Vegas for the 2026 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and delivered a keynote presentation reminiscent of his athletic prowess during the 1990s. This appearance comes years after his playing career ended in 1999, before the Vegas Golden Knights joined the NHL. Notably, Gretzky shared the stage with Michael Jordan, who participated in the SBC Summit Lisbon, discussing sports integrity amid ongoing concerns about gambling in professional sports.
Jordan, a legendary basketball player and six-time NBA Finals MVP, spoke candidly about his past gambling habits on various platforms. He acknowledged his extensive betting activities, stating, "I’m the worst person to bet against. If you’re going to bet, bet on me, not against me." Although he has never been linked to game tampering, a trial involving two Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of manipulating pitches is set to begin, raising further questions regarding sports integrity.
Both athletic icons made appearances while issues of gambling ethics loom large in sports. Following these events, notable figures from the NBA are facing legal troubles. For instance, Chauncey Billups is involved in an illegal poker case, and several players are implicated in charges related to prop manipulation, with one co-defendant in Malik Beasley’s case planning to plead guilty.
Reflecting on their prime years, Jordan averaged 41 points per game during the 1993 NBA Finals while leading the Chicago Bulls to victory, and Gretzky was exceptional too, registering 40 points in that postseason with the Los Angeles Kings. This period also saw both athletes thrive in an era when sports betting was largely deemed inappropriate in the U.S.
While Gretzky did not delve into gambling during his talk with BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, he expressed his love for sports and discussed the relentless motivation needed for elite athletes. Gretzky emphasized the necessity of a dedicated, somewhat selfish approach to be at the top of their game, stating, "The best athletes in the world, and I mean this in a nice way, are really selfish."
His career was etched with controversy during 2006 when allegations surfaced regarding his wife Janet and several NHL players placing bets tied to organized crime. Despite the scandal, Gretzky firmly denied any personal involvement in the betting activities known as "Operation Slapshot."
The backdrop of G2E featured the nearly complete construction of the Hard Rock's guitar-shaped hotel tower, soaring 660 feet over Las Vegas. Anticipated to open in late 2024, the Hard Rock Las Vegas marks a significant addition as the first tribally-owned casino on The Strip.
As the gaming industry continues to adapt, insiders remain alert to the rapidly changing landscape. Corporate maneuvers are notable, with Barry Diller's People Inc. holding a substantial stake in MGM, which faced challenges last month when Diller retracted an offer to acquire the remaining shares, valuing MGM at around $18 billion. CEO Bill Hornbuckle acknowledged the company's undervaluation amid fluctuating stock prices.
Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment, MGM’s major competitor, received a boost from a deal with entrepreneur Tilman Fertitta, promising to take the company private with an enterprise value of $17.6 billion.
On another inspirational note, Elizabeth Smart, a prominent activist, shared her harrowing survival story after being rescued from abduction in 2003, encouraging G2E attendees to remain hopeful during difficult times. Her emotional appearance was complemented by a signing of her memoir, "My Story," where she resonated profoundly with the audience, reminding them, "You don’t know what tomorrow will bring."
The G2E 2026 event underscored the convergence of sports and gambling, highlighting both the challenges and the resilience within the industry.
