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Carried by the rising tide of positive economic and financial data, the AGEM Index climbed at a rate not seen since October 2011. With two months of positive growth in the United States labor market, coupled with rising GDP, consumer spending and confidence, the broader equities markets took note of the encouraging recovery. For the third consecutive month, the majority of global gaming suppliers recorded a gain in their stock price.

The entertainment industry is firmly in the business of selling experiences—hopefully, exciting experiences. It is simply wrong to compare this to the retail industry, which is in the business of selling stuff. Of course, when shoppers shop in a retail outlet, they gain an experience, but the main goal of shopping is to arrive home with one’s purchases. Entertainment is quite simply different.

It’s been more than 20 years now—1988 to be precise—since Las Vegas-style gaming on tribal government land was given an acid test to determine its legality. Knowing full well that the precedent setting outcome would open up the flood gates with other tribal governments wanting to exercise their right to engage in this new and potentially lucrative business, Congress went into hyper drive passing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

What are you doing to drive market share and awareness at your property? Being able to communicate with a customer in real time effectively, efficiently and measurably has always been the elusive holy grail of marketing. But how do we initiate a dialogue with customers? How do we get customers to buy in? How do we measure our effectiveness? Those are the questions that every marketing professional has asked themselves ...

It’s no secret that casinos have been running uphill for the past few years. Using Las Vegas as a barometer, the Bank of America Gaming Market Overview 2012 stated that gaming revenues declined by 10.5 percent in 2008 and 9.6 percent in 2009, but cautiously predicted an upswing. Nationwide, the numbers were steady but lagging, with Native American casinos holding their own despite the downturn.

Moving government to act, for any purpose, is a difficult and time-consuming process. Anyone who has spent any amount of time in government relations work knows that changing the status quo in government is done by inches, not feet, and definitely not miles. It is a step-by-step process. This maxim is being tested once again, this time in Florida. Florida is in the thralls of multiple debates ...

On Friday, Feb. 24, the news of Dennis Gomes’ death had hit, and it hit hard. Gomes was CEO and co-owner of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, and he had a long and illustrious career in the gaming industry—one that impacted many he knew throughout the years. It didn’t take long for an outpouring of remembrances to come out from his friends and co-workers. It was clear this man was loved and is going to be very missed.

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) and its 118 global members introduced the idea of the AGEM Trade Show Index two years ago to provide important feedback to trade show organizers around the world. It’s important to note that AGEM members form the foundation for all trade shows that feature slot machines and table games.

So it’s April—that brings to mind a myriad of symbols and events … cherry blossoms, Easter bunnies, the annual National Indian Gaming Association conference … and yes, that dreaded tax deadline. But taxes don’t have to be a negative blip on the calendar. Tribal taxes actually pose an incredible opportunity via tribal governments’ inherent rights to claim exemption from certain taxes and impose others.

Ojibwe traditions have always emphasized the value of reflection. Generations of our people have looked to the old ways that still mean so much us, even in the 21st century. But people are not the only ones who study their reflections to see how they can be better. Businesses also must reflect on the past to ensure vibrant futures. In 2011, Fortune Bay Resort Casino was a model of how to do that.