Headliners Announced for SBC Summit North America 2024

SBC Summit North America will feature a powerhouse lineup of conference headliners, covering everything from legislative insights to the future of women's sports, at the upcoming edition at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey.

All headliners will present or engage in Q&A sessions on the event's first full day, Wednesday, May 8, in conference room 1, hosting the exclusive 'Leaders' track.

Congresswoman Dina Titus, representing Nevada’s First District will deliver a video address to inaugurate the conference on Wednesday, May 8. Titus is championing a bold initiative to overhaul outdated gambling taxes, garnering support from both political adversaries and the Internal Revenue Service. 

Titus also opposes allocating a percentage of federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment, deeming it redundant alongside existing education and treatment initiatives. 

Jan Jones Blackhurst, a Board Member at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, will also be featured as a headliner and interviewed by Contessa Brewer, Correspondent at CNBC. With over 20 years of industry experience, Blackhurst, former Mayor of Las Vegas, educator, and vocal advocate for responsible gambling, diversity and inclusion, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the US betting and gaming industry, making her participation in the event a highlight not to be missed. 

West Virginia Delegate and President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Shawn Fluharty, is set to deliver a ‘State of the Gaming States Address’ presentation emphasizing the pivotal role of the NCLGS in developing a model gambling legislation for states to streamline and optimize the legislative process. 

Speaking to SBC Americas earlier this month, Fluharty stated, 'I believe we can produce a framework that will serve as a tool and catalyst to produce sound policy in states going forward.' Additionally, the headliner will participate in two more panels: 'Why Online Casino Legislation Hasn't Kept Pace with Sports Betting' and 'NCLGs: Disunited States - When Will Regulators Collaborate on Compliance?'

Donna Orender, former President of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a former player in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), where she earned All-Star status during her three-year tenure, will be interviewed by Wayne Kimmel, Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital. 

The conversation will delve into Orender's illustrious career in the WNBA, her impactful tenure at the PGA TOUR, her partnership with former NBA Commissioner, David Stern, her experiences as a board member of the World Surf League, and her ventures as a sports team investor. Topics will include discussions on the representation of women’s sports organizations in the sports betting industry and burgeoning interest in betting on women’s sports.

Rob Norton, President, Cordish Gaming Group/Live! Casinos & Hotels, has been instrumental in shaping the gaming landscape for the past 30 years and has navigated the industry through various transitions. He will sit for a live Q&A session led by Sue Schneider, SBC’s VP of Strategy and Growth, Americas. His background includes both riverboat gaming and land-based developments in Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

The conversation will include such issues as the potential cannibalization of brick-and-mortar establishments by online casinos, emphasizing the vital role of physical venues in job creation, economic stimulation, and community enhancement. Furthermore, he will offer insights gleaned from launching a sportsbook at Sports & Social within Live! Casino & Hotel, providing Maryland residents with the opportunity to wager on their favorite teams in collaboration with FanDuel.