Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time points leader, made a return to Las Vegas for a keynote address at the 2026 Global Gaming Expo, decades after a memorable outdoor game at Caesars Palace that was overshadowed by desert heat and a grasshopper swarm. Gretzky's appearance came on the same day as basketball legend Michael Jordan’s participation in a panel at the SBC Summit Lisbon, where he discussed his high-stakes gambling history without any accusations tied to altering game outcomes.
Both athletes appeared as the sports world grapples with integrity issues, highlighted by an upcoming trial for two Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of pitch manipulation. This case is part of a broader inquiry that extends to several NBA players facing various charges, including former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, who is linked to prop manipulation cases.
The early 1990s was a golden era for both Gretzky and Jordan; Gretzky scored 40 points during the Kings’ 1993 playoff run, while Jordan averaged 41 points per game in the NBA Finals, yet both found themselves overshadowed by the stigma around sports betting in the U.S. at that time.
"I’m the worst person to bet against. If you’re going to bet, bet on me, not against me," Jordan declared, emphasizing confidence rather than gambling habits. However, during his time on stage with BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, Gretzky sidestepped the gambling subject and focused instead on the intense motivation shared among elite athletes, saying, "The best athletes in the world, and I mean this in a nice way, are really selfish. To be the best or be the lead, you have to be selfish."
In 2006, Gretzky faced scrutiny when news surfaced that his wife, Janet, and several NHL players were implicated in a betting scandal connected to organized crime. While they were not directly accused of betting on hockey, Gretzky himself firmly denied any wrongdoing.
The Global Gaming Expo took place against the backdrop of a notable construction project: the Hard Rock Las Vegas, a guitar-shaped hotel tower nearing completion. Standing 660 feet tall, the hotel will become the first tribally-owned casino on the Las Vegas Strip, with expectations for a grand opening by late next year.
In the competitive landscape of the Strip, MGM is navigating challenges, including Barry Diller’s People Inc., which holds a nearly 27% stake in the company. Recently, Diller withdrew an offer to acquire remaining shares of MGM for about $18 billion, leaving MGM contemplating a potential counter-bid. During G2E, MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle discussed efforts to "unlock the value" of MGM, which is trading near multi-year lows.
Caesars Entertainment, another key player in the market, recently gained traction with a $31 per share acquisition offer from Tilman Fertitta, creating a significant enterprise value of $17.6 billion. While shareholders welcomed the offer, regulatory approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission remains pending, as CEO Tom Reeg highlighted the immense challenges of operating as a public company.
On a different emotional note at G2E, activist Elizabeth Smart captivated attendees during her keynote interview with Meghan Speranzo. Having survived a traumatic abduction as a child, Smart inspired the audience with her resilience and urged them to maintain hope despite future uncertainties. Following her talk, she participated in a book signing, drawing a substantial crowd eager for her memoir, "My Story."
Despite not discussing gambling like Gretzky, Smart’s resilience story resonated with many.
