HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (October 3, 2006) – Indian gaming, which is an estimated $1.3 billion industry in Florida, will be the focus of a special session at the 2nd annual Florida Gaming Summit, Oct. 16-17 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino here.

Philip N. Hogen, Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, headlines a panel discussion that will examine the key issues facing tribal gaming both nationally and in Florida. Joining Mr. Hogen on the panel are Jason Giles, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel of the National Indian Gaming Association, and Keller George, Wolf Clan Representative and Chairman of the Oneida Indian Nation Gaming Commission.

“Indian gaming nationwide is a $23 billion annual business, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida is a significant contributor to this fast-growing industry,” said panel moderator Charles Anderer, Director of Trade Events for Ascend Media Gaming Group, conference co-producer.

“The Florida Gaming Summit will analyze such issues as Congress’ concern with ‘reservation shopping’ by tribes, state compacting, the status of Class II gaming and other critical matters.”

James F. Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, will deliver the Opening Keynote Address. Other keynote speakers include Bernard Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., and Mara Giulianti, Mayor of Hollywood.

The Florida Gaming Summit kicks off with an Oct. 16 reception, followed by a daylong program that examines gaming’s place in tourism, politics, and the region. For complete information visit www.floridagamingsummit.com.

Florida Gaming Summit sponsors include Advanced Electronic Systems Inc., Bally Technologies, Becker & Poliakoff, Cooper Levenson, Cope Linder Architects, Gaming Laboratories Inc., International Game Technology, South Jersey Industries, US Bank, and WMS Gaming. For sponsorship information, contact Lesley Grashow: lgrashow@ascendmedia.com.

Working journalists can request credentials through Paula Leach: pleach@spectrumgaming.com.

About the producers:
Ascend Media Gaming Group (www.ascendgaming.com) is the leading producer of trade magazines, newsletters and trade shows serving the gaming industry worldwide. Publications include IGWB, Casino Journal, Slot Manager and Indian Gaming Business. Ascend produces the Southern Gaming Summit, Bingo World, New York Gaming Summit, and Casino Marketing, among others.

Spectrum Gaming Group (www.spectrumgaming.com) is an independent, full-service international gaming consultancy that provides economic and feasibility studies, impact analyses, regulatory services, customer-service audits, and operational assistance. Spectrum publishes the Gaming Industry Observer newsletter and produces the East Coast Gaming Congress and Pennsylvania Gaming Congress.