Delaney Gembis – AWARE inc.
Attending my first Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) conference in 2025 was an experience unlike any other. As someone new to this event but deeply committed to the future of gaming technology through AWARE’s biometric KYC solutions, I arrived eager to learn, connect, and understand how our innovations could intersect with the ever-evolving fantasy sports industry. What I discovered at FSGA was far more than a networking opportunity—it was a thriving, tight-knit community of professionals ranging from ambitious startups to industry-leading corporate conglomerates, all sharing a collective mission: to innovate, collaborate, and elevate the fantasy sports and gaming landscape.
More Than Just Networking—A True Industry Ecosystem
What struck me most about FSGA was the culture of genuine engagement. Whether you were a first-time attendee like myself or a seasoned veteran, there was a shared sense of purpose—people were not just there to exchange business cards but to exchange ideas, support one another, and explore real opportunities for growth. The panels, conversations, and impromptu meetings in the hallways made it clear that this was an industry where competitors could also be collaborators, where every discussion had the potential to spark a breakthrough.
Eye-Opening Insights from Industry Leaders
The speaking panels delivered invaluable insights into the complexities and innovations shaping the fantasy sports industry. Coming into this space with a fresh perspective, I was amazed by the variety of bespoke gameplay models and platform strategies that define this fast-growing sector. From season-long and daily fantasy sports to peer-to-peer and blockchain-based contests, the sheer diversity of fantasy sports offerings opened my eyes to the immense potential for biometric authentication and KYC technologies in this space. With so many platforms requiring airtight identity verification, it became clear how AWARE’s biometric solutions could provide a seamless and secure way to enhance compliance while improving the user experience.
The Thrill of the Pitch Contest
One of the standout moments of the conference was the pitch contest—a competitive and high-energy showcase of the industry’s brightest ideas. The innovation on display was nothing short of inspiring, with entrepreneurs presenting cutting-edge solutions designed to push the boundaries of fantasy sports engagement. The passion and creativity from each pitch underscored the dynamic future ahead for this industry, making it evident that fantasy sports are still just scratching the surface of their potential.
How AWARE Fits Into the Future of Fantasy Sports
As I left FSGA 2025, one thing was abundantly clear: the fantasy sports industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, and with that growth comes an increasing demand for secure, frictionless identity verification. AWARE’s biometric KYC solutions are uniquely positioned to support this expansion by offering robust, future-proof authentication methods that enhance security, protect users, and streamline compliance processes for operators. Whether it’s age verification, fraud prevention, or simply making the onboarding process more seamless, AWARE is ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fantasy sports.
FSGA 2025 was more than just a conference—it was an education, an inspiration, and an affirmation that the fantasy sports industry is filled with people who truly care about its evolution. I’m grateful for the connections made, the knowledge gained, and the exciting path ahead as we continue to explore new ways biometrics can elevate the gaming experience for operators and players alike. I’ll certainly be back next year, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this incredible community.
