ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — January 20, 2026 – Casinos and lotteries, the two largest gaming industries in the United States, are rapidly converging, creating opportunities and challenges for both verticals. A panel of experts will chart the future of this critical trend at the 29th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) to be held April 14–15, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
With the 2026 theme “Gaming in Transition,” ECGC—the longest-running gaming conference in the country—will examine the key forces converging to reshape the global gaming industry. Conference Co-founder Lloyd D. Levenson, CEO of Cooper Levenson, noted: “Lotteries and casinos often operate in the same states but have long been wary of each other. That wariness is giving way to partnerships, and our panel will explore how that trend is evolving.”
Conference Co-founder Michael Pollock, Senior Policy Advisor to Spectrum Gaming Group, added: “As the gaming landscape continues to change, the industry needs to understand how lotteries and casinos are approaching both online and land-based gaming, and our panel is uniquely positioned to provide that insight.”
Confirmed speakers for the panel, “Casinos, Lotteries: Transitioning from Frenemies to Friends” are:
- James Carey, Director, New Jersey Lottery, former New Jersey Deputy Attorney General (moderator)
- Daron Dorsey, President & CEO, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)
- Bill Lerner, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Americas Investment Banking at CBRE
- Paul Sternburg, Vice President of Business Development at Allwyn, former Director of Massachusetts Lottery
- Bishop Woosley, Woosley Gaming Advisors, former President of North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), former Director of Arkansas Lottery, former Arkansas Assistant Attorney General
A distinguished group of gaming CEOs and other leaders will deliver keynote addresses at the event. Additional speakers and panel topics will be announced in coming weeks.
The entire 2026 ECGC program will tackle key issues including artificial intelligence, prediction markets, iGaming expansion, and the implications of full-service casino resort development in the Downstate New York market.
ECGC will also present its Lifetime Achievement Award to the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) in recognition of its longstanding commitment to the integrity and principles of gaming licensure.
Over nearly three decades, ECGC has welcomed an unmatched roster of speakers, including six sitting, former, and acting governors of New Jersey and every CEO who has led the American Gaming Association. The 2026 conference will again offer premier opportunities for sponsorship, networking, professional development, and high-level business-to-business engagement.
For more information or to register, visit www.ecgc.us or contact Angela Robinson at arobinson@cooperlevenson.com.
About East Coast Gaming Congress
The East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) is the premier gaming conference on the East Coast and one of the most respected forums for the casino, iGaming, sports betting, and lottery industries. Bringing together top executives, regulators, elected officials, and thought leaders, ECGC provides unmatched insights into emerging trends, regulatory developments, and business opportunities shaping the future of gaming. Now in its 29th year, ECGC continues to serve as a must-attend event for stakeholders across the industry.