At the NEXT Summit New York 2025, leaders from the gambling industry, legal sectors, and emerging tech fields convened to explore the evolving landscape of gaming and wagering. Conversations focused on adapting to regulatory pressures, strengthening responsible gambling initiatives, and managing economic volatility. Throughout the summit, panelists emphasized that the key to thriving in this dynamic industry lies in maintaining strategic flexibility and fostering innovation.
Proactive Compliance and Responsible Gambling Strategies Are Essential for Long-Term Industry Stability and Trust
One of the key sessions, “Crisis Management for Operators: Responding to Regulatory and Legal Threats,” stressed the critical role of robust compliance systems. Speakers such as Penn Entertainment’s Christopher Soriano and BetMGM’s Jeremy Kolman highlighted that a proactive compliance culture is more effective than a reactive approach. They advocated for transparency, risk mitigation, and collaboration between compliance teams and leadership to safeguard companies against regulatory and legal pitfalls.
Gaming Industry Leaders Highlight Innovation and Compliance as Keys to Growth at NEXT Summit New York 2025Responsible Gambling (RG) was another major theme, with panelists agreeing that it must be embedded into corporate strategy rather than treated as damage control. Companies like BetMGM and Kindbridge have led by example, integrating player protection and intervention measures early into their operations. However, concerns were raised about states like Tennessee, where minimal revenue is allocated to addiction prevention, revealing a need for better regulatory alignment to adequately support harm prevention.
Gaming Industry Remains Resilient Amid Economic Uncertainty, Driven by Innovation and Entertainment Trends
Economic volatility was also front and center during discussions, with Drive by DraftKings CEO Meredith McPherron acknowledging that market instability poses risks to the gambling sector. However, she maintained that economic downturns often foster innovation. McPherron emphasized that the gaming industry’s foundation in entertainment and community ensures its resilience, even in challenging times, suggesting that companies that innovate can continue to thrive despite financial uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, the summit highlighted the gaming industry’s adaptability and forward momentum. Developments in AI-driven responsible gambling tools, the rise of prediction markets, and the growth of skill-based gaming are creating new avenues for engagement. The deeper fusion of gaming with mainstream entertainment not only keeps the industry vibrant but also strengthens its ability to navigate both regulatory changes and economic fluctuations, ensuring a promising future for gambling enterprises.
