It’s hard to believe that my year as IAGR President is just about to come to an end as we prepare for our annual conference next week.

What a year it’s been. It’s been one of change and development for IAGR. We’ve said goodbye to some long serving members of the extended team and we’ve welcomed in new ones.

Earlier this year, we farewelled Mariah Echele and Cyrrhian Goldstein who had successfully managed our Secretariat and communications functions for a number of years. We now have Michelle and Mikel from Full Scope Management providing IAGR’s Secretariat function and Sean Harnett has propelled our communications function to new heights.

Cedrick Chiloane from Mpumalanga Economic Regulator also stepped down as Board Secretary, and Ofwa Mary Alide, from National Lotteries Board/Malawi Gaming Board, has stepped up to the plate to serve in this position.

In the past 12 months, I’ve travelled to different parts of the world and talked at length with a variety of regulators, experts and industry players. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s been really interesting to learn about different approaches to regulation and how both regulators and industry are adapting as online markets boom.

The insights I’ve gained not only will help IAGR better serve its membership, but will give me additional context for future decisions within my role here at Norwegian Gambling Authority.

With gaming regulation being such a specialised field, sharing insights is one of our core membership benefits. Over the years, our enewsletter has been the primary communication for giving members access to news, research and opinions that broaden a regulator’s outlook on a variety of issues.

In January, we hit send on a revamped enews with a more mobile friendly format which is more accessible on the go. We’ve added regular content sections such as our feature, research spotlight and legal updates – and most of our news stories now offer scoops from relevant regulators or subject matter experts.

Behind the scenes, we’ve put a considerable amount of work into our strategy. How should we best leading gaming regulation into the future? What are the opportunities and challenges IAGR confronts to continue to grow its membership and extend its reach and impact? What services ought we consider offering to best support our members? How can we better engage with the broader industry? These are some of the questions we’ve been asking as part of a comprehensive review of IAGR’s raison d’tre.

I’m excited to see this work advance and look forward to helping shape our direction into the future.

Next week, I look forward to seeing both old faces and new at IAGR2019 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It’s four days of excellent and highly relevant content, and opportunities to network with delegates from all of the world.

A big thank you to the organising committee which has included staff from Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (Jamaica), Casino Gaming Commission (Jamaica) and Liquor & Gaming NSW (Australia).

This will be my last event as IAGR President, so please do say hello at our social events or during the breaks at the conference.

Last of all, I’d like to acknowledge the outgoing Trustees on IAGR’s Board –

David Rebuck (New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement), Blair Cairncross (New Zealand Gambling Commission), Birgitte Sand (Danish Gambling Authority) and Susan Hensel (Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board). Bheki Mlambo from Mpumalanga Gambling Board also resigned from the Board earlier this year. Thank you for your contribution to IAGR and advancing gaming regulation internationally.

Good luck in regulating the game.

Trude Høgseth Felde

IAGR President