Wayne Gretzky, recognized as the NHL's all-time points leader, made an appearance in Las Vegas this week during the 2026 Global Gaming Expo. The hockey legend, who last played in the league in 1999, took part in the conference amid discussions around sports gambling integrity. This year’s expo featured a notable occurrence, as both Gretzky and Michael Jordan participated in major gambling-related events on the same day. While Gretzky spoke in Las Vegas, Jordan was part of a panel at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, alongside industry figures like Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl and DraftKings CEO Jason Robins.
Jordan reflected on his history with gambling, revealing that he has engaged in considerable betting on various games, although he has never been implicated in betting against his own team. Both legends' appearances at this crucial juncture come as the industry grapples with integrity issues, sparked by a forthcoming trial involving two Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of involvement in match-fixing.
The ongoing legal troubles extend beyond the baseball diamond, affecting numerous NBA and college basketball players, including charges against Chauncey Billups for illegal poker activities. Recent reports indicate that a co-defendant in a related case involving former NBA player Malik Beasley plans to plead guilty.
Throwing back to their peak eras in the 1990s, both stars thrived in their respective sports when betting was largely frowned upon. Jordan quipped, "I’m the worst person to bet against. If you’re going to bet, bet on me, not against me." In contrast, Gretzky focused his panel discussion on the traits that define elite athletes and expressed his admiration for others in sports instead of directly addressing any past gambling scandals, including accusations in 2006 concerning his wife Janet and several NHL players and their involvement with a gambling ring.
In Las Vegas, the 2026 G2E served as a backdrop to the nearly completed Hard Rock guitar-shaped hotel tower, which is expected to become a significant attraction on the Strip. Although minor delays have been reported, the Hard Rock casino is set to open by late next year, right before the next Global Gaming Expo.
The Hard Rock's development comes amid growing challenges for prominent Strip casinos. MGM Resorts is navigating a complex situation following a recent withdrawal of an acquisition proposal by Barry Diller's People Inc., which controls nearly 27% of MGM. Following this development, MGM’s CEO Bill Hornbuckle addressed the potential for a counter-offer regarding ownership, asserting the company's value amidst fluctuations in stock prices.
Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment has regained ground with its recent acquisition by Tilman Fertitta, following a major offer that has strengthened its position in the market, pending regulatory approvals. During this transition, Caesars CEO Tom Reeg shed light on the anxieties tied to managing a publicly traded company.
In addition to sports figures, Elizabeth Smart delivered a heartfelt keynote on resilience during G2E. A victim of abduction who has transformed her experience into a story of empowerment, Smart encouraged attendees to stay positive through adversity. Her talk struck a chord, invoking cheers from the audience, and she participated in a book signing thereafter, confirming her impactful presence at the event.
