Wayne Gretzky made his return to Las Vegas, revisiting a city where he once played in an outdoor hockey game held amid the desert heat and a swarm of grasshoppers. This time, however, he was addressing attendees at the 2026 Global Gaming Expo, sharing the stage with top industry executives. The event coincided with another high-profile appearance by Michael Jordan, adding to the day’s significance as both legends participated in discussions centered on sports and integrity.
At the SBC Summit Lisbon, Jordan joined a panel with Carsten Koerl, CEO of Sportradar, and Jason Robins, CEO of DraftKings. While reflecting on his history with gambling, Jordan recalled his considerable betting activities on golf and table games. He emphasized that, despite his past, he has never bet on his own games or his team, the Chicago Bulls.
Their appearances come at a notable time, as the integrity of sports is being scrutinized. Next month, two Cleveland Guardians pitchers are set to face trial over allegations concerning game manipulation. This case will be linked with various other issues involving several NBA and college basketball players, including Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, who is implicated in an illegal poker case. Additionally, former NBA players Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley are reportedly involved in charges related to prop manipulation, with Beasley’s co-defendant expected to plead guilty soon.
Gretzky reminisced about his prime, reflecting on the 1993 NBA Finals where Jordan led the Bulls to victory and he himself made significant contributions during the Stanley Cup Finals with the Los Angeles Kings. Both athletes were at the pinnacle of their sports during a time when betting was often seen as taboo in the U.S.
In his dialogue with BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, Gretzky shifted focus away from the realm of gambling, instead emphasizing his passion for sports and the drive that motivates elite athletes. He noted the necessity for determination and a certain degree of selfishness among top competitors.
Throughout his career, Gretzky has cultivated a reputation for respect for those around him. "The best athletes in the world, and I mean this in a nice way, are really selfish,” he stated. “To be the best or be the lead, you have to be selfish. You have to be dedicated to practicing hard, to preparing well, to getting into a routine.”
In the mid-2000s, Gretzky faced allegations involving his wife Janet and several NHL players linked to a betting scandal, known as "Operation Slapshot," although no one was accused of wagering on hockey games.
This year’s G2E, hosted by the American Gaming Association, unfolded against the backdrop of a nearly finished, 660-foot tall Hard Rock guitar hotel in Las Vegas, set to be the centerpiece of the Hard Rock Las Vegas resort, the first tribally-owned casino on The Strip. Although minor delays have been experienced, completion is projected for late next year, with a timeline suggesting the resort may not hold a grand opening until after next year’s G2E.
In a showcase of competitive pressures, two significant Strip corporations are maneuvering through turbulent financial waters. Barry Diller's People Inc holds a 27% stake in MGM, valued at approximately $18 billion. Recently, Diller withdrew an offer to buy the remaining shares of MGM, leading to speculation about MGM's potential interest in acquiring People Inc. At G2E, MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle remarked that the company is vigorously working to unlock its value, despite current trading issues placing its shares around $30.
Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment, also facing challenges, was buoyed by a recent acquisition bid from entrepreneur Tilman Fertitta, which could potentially take the company private. The $31-per-share offer marked a substantial premium and received shareholder approval, although it still awaits regulatory clearance.
In another noteworthy keynote, activist Elizabeth Smart inspired attendees with her resilience. Smart was abducted at 14 years old and later rescued. During her talk with Meghan Speranzo, she encouraged those present to maintain positivity amidst challenges. She emphasized that life holds unpredictability, stating, “You don’t know what disaster is awaiting around the corner. The small, happy moments will carry you through your worst and darkest moments.” After her talk, she offered to sign copies of her memoir, "My Story," to eager attendees, quickly filling the line for autographs.
