Georgia’s Gaming Future Takes Center Stage as NCLGS Brings National Leaders to Savannah

SAVANNAH, GA: Georgia is approaching an important crossroads in the national gaming landscape, with growing interest in the potential expansion of gambling raising important questions about economic development, public policy, regulation and the future of the industry. Against that backdrop, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) will bring together legislators, regulators, tribal leaders, gaming executives and policy experts from across the country for its 2026 Winter Meeting, December 9-12, at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.

Georgia has increasingly become part of the national conversation about the future of gaming. Discussions surrounding casino gaming, sports betting, online wagering and other forms of gambling have put the issue on the radar of state policymakers and business leaders. While the future of expansion remains a matter for Georgia’s elected officials, the decisions made in the coming years could have significant implications for the state’s economy and its role in the national gaming industry.

The timing of the NCLGS meeting provides a unique opportunity to examine those issues from a national perspective. A centerpiece of the Winter Meeting will be two sessions examining the potential future of gaming in Georgia: the case for destination casino resorts and the opportunities and challenges presented by mobile and online gaming.



On Thursday, December 10, the NCLGS Casino Committee will present “Big, Beautiful Brick and Mortar: The Case for Brick-and-Mortar Gaming.” The discussion will explore how Georgia could structure a casino industry that aligns with its economic development priorities while complementing and potentially enhancing its existing tourism, entertainment and gaming sectors. Panelists will examine what states should consider before opening the door to destination resorts and land-based casinos, including potential economic benefits, investment, employment, regulatory considerations and the risks associated with expansion.

The panel will be chaired by West Virginia Senator Jason Barrett, NCLGS Vice President.

Participants include:



• Andrew Lee, Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Gaming Association
• Matthew Meek, Gaming Deputy Director in the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office
• Arthur Mothershed, Chief Growth Officer, Wind Creek Hospitality & Tribal Council Member, Poarch Band of Creek Indians
• Ryan Soultz, Vice President of Government Relations at Boyd Gaming

Following a luncheon keynote by Gretchen Corbin, CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, the conversation will turn to the digital marketplace.



A General Session, “Mobile and Online: You Have the Floor” will bring together executives and regulatory experts to examine the future of online sports betting, iGaming and gaming technology. As more states consider entering or expanding regulated digital gaming markets, policymakers face important questions involving economic opportunity, employment, investment, tax revenue, competition, consumer protection and responsible gaming.

The session will be chaired by Ohio Senator Bill DeMora, NCLGS Treasurer

Participants include:

• Nikki Evans, General Counsel of the Missouri Gaming Commission
• Charmaine Hogan, Global Head of Government Relations at Playtech
• Howard Glaser, Global Head of Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel at Light & Wonder
• Brandt Iden, Vice President of Government Affairs at Fanatics Betting & Gaming

The semi-annual NCLGS Meetings are the only national conferences where sitting legislators convene to discuss gaming policy. The 2026 Winter Meeting program will feature legislator-led sessions, regulatory and industry panels, responsible gaming discussions, and networking events with policymakers and industry leaders from across the country.

The room block at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is full.

We have secured a block of rooms at a special group rate at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, conveniently located just a short walk from the conference venue. The discounted room rate is available through November 17. Reserve your room here.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations wishing to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders. Sponsoring this event positions your organization at the center of gaming policy dialogue, with meaningful, lasting visibility among the decision-makers who matter most.

CLE Note: The NCLGS Winter Meeting in Savannah has been approved to offer 10 general CLE credits by the State Bar of Nevada.

For more information, visit NCLGS.org



Key Contacts:

Sponsorship: Josh Faber

Events: Jenna Wheeler

Legislative: Wayne Marlin

Media: Sherry Amos

SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss gaming-related issues. The NCLGS semi-annual meetings, which are open to the public, attract numerous state legislators as well as regulators, gaming operators and suppliers, attorneys, lobbyists, media, and other stakeholders to discuss all aspects of regulated gaming, as well as the risk implications of unregulated gaming. NCLGS meetings are proudly produced and organized by Spectrum Gaming Group, which serves as Executive Director.