2025 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40
PIONEERING INNOVATION
Andrew Baca • Global Head of Product, Gaming, J.P. Morgan Payments
For Andrew Baca, the path to success is rooted in innovation.
From the early stages of his career, Baca has focused on establishing and building new business opportunities as both an entrepreneur and within organizations. He began by founding a digital agency specializing in web and mobile solutions, a venture that laid the foundation for a career built on starting net-new initiatives.
Baca’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found the Rebel Venture Fund at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a student-run venture fund designed to support early-stage startups, showcasing his dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the community.
“I learned early in my career that being resourceful and creative—necessary parts of entrepreneurship—are valuable not only as you start a business but as you work within organizations to capitalize on new opportunities,” Baca says.
In his current role as the global head of product for gaming at J.P. Morgan Payments, Baca continues to pioneer new ideas leveraging his passion for gaming and his expertise in emerging technology, and cites others within the organization as key collaborators for identifying the opportunity in gaming.
“I felt I could continue to inspire innovation in gaming but from a different angle—from outside the gaming industry,” he says. “I credit Max Neukirchen, co-head of J.P. Morgan Payments, and the entire leadership team, for their vision and for hiring someone from outside the payments and banking industry to drive the business.
“The role aligns with my passion for building new initiatives, but it is also a way to be hands-on with gaming and emerging technology, and to be supportive of the industry as a whole.”
Working with teams across North America, Europe and Asia, Baca is responsible for product development strategy and commercialization, while supporting the firm’s regulatory and compliance teams. His journey, from founding startups to shaping the future of gaming payments, reflects a deep-seated commitment to innovation and growth across industries.
Baca’s resume also includes his role as the first employee at Las Vegas-based goHUNT.com, a successful e-commerce and data platform for the outdoor industry. He then transitioned to Caesars Entertainment, where he led the creation of Black Fire Innovation, a public-private partnership designed to drive business and technological innovation across the hospitality, gaming and entertainment industries.
The role at Caesars extended beyond innovation, encompassing projects that included in-room technology, physical security, esports, and the evaluation of enterprise technology solutions. His journey in the gaming industry did not stop there; he later joined StartupNV to launch the 1864 Fund, a Nevada-based seed fund aimed at supporting early-stage companies from Nevada and non-traditional venture communities.
In addition to his professional achievements, Baca is deeply connected to his roots as a generational New Mexican, born in Santa Fe, where he actively participates in historical and Hispanic cultural preservation efforts through various organizations.
His love for the outdoors led him to volunteer with the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, where he worked on ski patrol with a focus on avalanche control. Baca is also a licensed amateur radio operator, and sits on the board of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, where he regularly participates in sheep preservation efforts throughout Nevada’s wilderness.
Baca credits his diverse range of skills and interests beyond his professional life in business and innovation as part of his ongoing inspiration. “Diversity is often cited as a contributor to strength—I find this to be true in so many ways,” he says. “I often rely upon personal interests and varying professional endeavors to find excitement and inspiration for my career.”
—AJ Mason
DRIVEN
Megan Nation • Vice President of Professional Services and Sales, Wondr Nation
Motorcyclists navigate highway traffic by creating space and maintaining it while looking for ways to move ahead. The same may be said of business startups, which disrupt the status quo while remaining strategic, nimble and responsive.
Megan Nation learned that kind of poise and agility at 14. That’s when she got her motorcycle license—legal in her home state of South Dakota—and started riding alongside her parents, first on a Suzuki 450, then a Harley Sportster 883.
“You’re like an ant next to these big semis,” says Nation. “But it was a wonderful experience, and taught me a deep sense of confidence and independence.”
Those traits will serve her well in her new role, as vice president of professional services and sales for the Mashantucket Pequot’s Wondr Nation. Founded in 2022, the iGaming arm of Foxwoods helps operators implement, manage, develop and optimize their real-money and social online casinos.
Nation first planned a career in health care administration, and studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. But she graduated in 2008, at the bottom of the job market. So she took a position selling cash-access systems, then changed lanes to join Aristocrat Gaming. Suddenly, the young woman who had never entered a casino was serving tribal operators first in the Dakotas, then New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.
“I was this little green salesperson with a lot to learn, but the gaming industry is where I found my success,” Nation says. Her goal as a professional was always “to learn people’s businesses and find what was best for them, versus trying to get something installed to make a quota.”
Nation believes innovation isn’t about technology alone, but a combination of the technical and the personal that builds a more powerful user experience. It’s achieved in part through intensive customer research, through focus groups or simply checking the online reviews. “Players are very happy to be evangelists, to tell you what they love about the platform—and if they’re not happy, they’ll be vocal about that, too. It’s incredible, the number of fan pages and Facebook groups that follow specific casinos or specific platforms. The data is a gold mine.”
As a leader, Nation describes herself as “driven and very relationship-focused. I like to take big challenges and calculated risks.”
In April, following 10 years with Aristocrat, she joined Wondr, and moved from Las Vegas to Connecticut to start building her department.
She’s excited “to go from ground zero and execute on a vision” under President and CEO Anika Howard and Wondr’s entrepreneurial team. “We have a nice growth trajectory, and want to be stewards of the conversation” around the future of iGaming and its use of artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality and other experiential advancements. “The rate at which these technologies are evolving is so quick, it’s hard to imagine what it will look like six months down the road, much less six years.
“We’re in such a fortunate chapter of gaming,” says the Kellogg University executive MBA. “It’s dynamic, ever-changing and ever-evolving, and that’s what appealed to me coming to Wondr Nation. Our whole mission is to reimagine gaming experiences.
“And obviously with a startup like this, the world really is our oyster.”
—Marjorie Preston
ANALYTICS OPPORTUNITY
Jeremy Hirst • Director of Casino Optimization & Analytics, Tangam Systems
Jeremy Hirst makes no apologies for growing up nerdy. He makes no excuses for getting great grades in his Bannockburn school in Victoria, Australia. “I particularly loved math and science, so it seemed natural to pursue this at university,” he says. “I majored in mathematics and statistics at the University of Melbourne in Australia.”
Yet Hirst hadn’t given much thought to where his career should go with those degrees. “I just figured I would do something I enjoy and work out the details later,” he says.
Gambling crawled into the picture when he secured a job as a part-time dealer at a Crown Casino in Melbourne while still at the university.
“Initially it was just a job where I could earn some money while I studied,” he says. “However, I quickly became enamored; the whole industry is built on mathematics, which naturally appealed to me.”
Turns out, Crown had a graduate program with a temp job on the analytics team. “By the time I graduated with my undergrad degree, I had a permanent position.”
Hirst saw analytics as a way to contribute to the development of the industry. “Analytics also meant I had the opportunity to work across more facets of the business,” he says.
To date, Hirst has worked in gaming optimization, customer analytics, marketing and loyalty, game design, and game protection. Always something new. Always different challenges.
“If I ever get bored, I think that would be my cue to move on from the industry,” he says.
Moving to Tangam Systems in June 2022 opened a new window of opportunities.
“Long before I joined, the idea of working for them appealed to me,” says Hirst, who is director of casino optimization & analytics for the company. “Tangam is a leader in the gaming analytics space, with exceptional people and a great company culture.”
His role permits Hirst to intersect with operators around the world, many of them leaders in the industry. Working remote from Auckland, New Zealand, Hirst also works to use his knowledge and experience in advanced analytics to develop solutions to both current and future issues gaming operators face.
“I primarily work with clients across the Asia Pacific region. This requires a lot of travel,” says Hirst, who relaxes by being home, given the extensive amount of travel he does. His schedule calls for many a 5 a.m. start to the day and trips to the Canadian headquarters.
Hirst can cite colleague after colleague who have guided him along the way, but one in particular is David Croft, senior vice president of gaming optimization and strategy at Tangam Systems.
Croft gave him his initial analytics job at Crown more than a decade ago. “I had no experience, no qualifications and purple hair, yet he still gave me a shot. I have David to thank for much of my foundational knowledge in gaming and, as my current manager, he both supports and challenges me every day,” says Hirst, whose hobbies include building items such as a Windsor chair.
One of Hirst’s mantras in his approach to work is a focus on what’s next. “In five years, I’d like to still be focusing on ‘what’s next,’ and am looking forward to finding out what that is.”
Analytics is not going away anytime soon. The buzz around AI alone should keep the industry on a positive trajectory for years. And more operators have come to realize that data is king.
“I’m excited to see how better data and more powerful analytical techniques change the landscape over the coming years,” says Hirst.
Hirst can venture an educated guess or two. Changes in focus, for example.
“In Australia and New Zealand, we’re seeing significant regulatory reform across every major jurisdiction, with increased focus on AML and responsible gaming. Across the world, online gaming is also changing the landscape.”
—Bill Sokolic
FOCUS ON FINANCE
Boris Borisov • Vice President, Finance, Caesars Entertainment
It should not come as a surprise that students who immerse themselves in finance, accounting and economic courses while still in public school end up in professions that focus on finance, accounting and economics. Boris Borisov attended high school where the curriculum centered on math and did undergraduate work at the University of Economics in Varna in his native Bulgaria. He earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce economics in 2009.
“I’ve also always had a love for math and data analytics, and those skills have definitely helped me stand out in finance, especially during my time at Caesars,” says Borisov, a native of Shumen, Bulgaria, who is vice president, finance for Caesars Entertainment.
Like a number of industry employees, Borisov didn’t first see himself working in the gaming industry. Once hired as internal auditor in 2015, he was drawn to the fast pace of gambling, and Caesars’ culture in particular.
“I enjoy working in a high-energy environment, and the gaming industry offers that and more,” he says. “It’s a diverse business, with a lot of moving parts, which keeps things challenging and interesting.”
As for Caesars, he sees both the company and his colleagues as a second family. “I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who have recognized my values, performance, dedication and effort, and that’s played a huge role in my growth at the company,” he says.
Borisov appreciates the number of mentors, formal and otherwise, who have impacted his career along the way. Michael Grey, senior vice president of finance, Sean McBurney, regional president, Derek Frost, vice president of finance, and Gene Lee, chief analytics officer, stand out. “One lesson they’ve all emphasized is to stay humble and to remember that you’re only as good as your last performance. That mindset keeps me grounded and motivated every day,” says Borisov, a veteran traveler, who likes to explore new places with his wife and young daughter.
The economic and financial side of the industry has relied more and more on technological transformation. Data, machine learning and AI are becoming increasingly important tools for tasks like forecasting and financial analysis. “At Caesars, we’re already using these technologies to improve key financial processes,” Borisov says.
In the wider industry, growth is expected to come from both online and brick-and-mortar gaming, driven by technology advancements. “This will likely lead to more mergers and acquisitions, which will require financial leaders in the gaming space to develop new skills and adapt to evolving industry needs,” Borisov says.
When asked if he had a fallback plan should the gambling industry not be the one, Borisov might have gone back to bartending, a profession he enjoyed as a side hustle during college. “That was a lot of fun, and maybe I’ll go back to that after I retire.”
—Bill Sokolic
CRACKING THE MULTIPLAYER CONUNDRUM
Karolina Pelc • CEO, BeyondPlay; Vice President, FanDuel
Founding BeyondPlay—with its software system that allows multiple players to play the same casino game with a pooled stake—was something of a sliding-doors moment for Karolina Pelc. After a long period working as a consultant to major operators such as William Hill, Gamesys and Hard Rock Online, she was interviewing for “a very prestigious corporate role.”
However, one of her friends intervened.
“He told me, ‘Don’t go for it. This is the time,’” she says. “I was still consulting, but in the evenings I was working on the deck and then I started the money raise.”
It wasn’t Pelc’s first attempt. A previous startup, focused on live casino, “failed completely,” she recalls.
That did provide lessons which informed BeyondPlay’s development. Chief among them, not giving up. “I went to a small network of investors, some of them my personal friends and and people I work with,” she says of the first startup. “It was pretty hard to be rejected by them, because it triggers the imposter syndrome, thinking I wasn’t good enough.
“Many people at that point would have just folded and gone for the safe corporate job. But I iterated and came up with a different idea that addressed all the weaknesses they spotted in that first fundraising process.
“That’s something I always repeat; rejection is part of the journey. If you want to build a startup and if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you have to accept that.”
The multiplayer concept captured the industry’s imagination and ultimately led to its acquisition by FanDuel, meaning BeyondPlay is one of—if not the—quickest turnarounds from startup to sale in gaming, ever. But Pelc says it’s not a three-year-old company. Instead, it is “a combination of my 20 years in the industry, my track record, my network,” she says.
And while there are some similar businesses, BeyondPlay is the most visible and arguably the closest to taking the multiplayer gaming concept to market. It’s not live yet, though now it has FanDuel’s expertise and resources behind it.
And Pelc admits operators have proven quite hesitant about embracing such innovation. “It’s a difficult product from the technical complexity level, but it’s also a difficult product to get buy-in for,” she says. “There’s a lot of skeptics that think the gambling experience has not changed over the years and doesn’t need to innovate to that level.
“You’re fighting quite a few different complexities around it. Then there’s obviously the regulation and licensing; no one knows which license it falls under. It’s different in every country, so it’s extremely difficult on that level.”
This created a degree of trepidation. Pelc is building a product that is totally new to the industry, and doing so in public. “There are two approaches,” she says. “You only talk about things when you’ve done them or you talk about them sooner.
“For me, because it was such an innovative product, we needed to raise money and we needed operators’ interest. It was very much about building momentum because that (multiplayer) trend didn’t exist. I was one of the very first people to start talking about it.
“So the more I talked about BeyondPlay, the more people were getting interested. I essentially created the demand for the product with that brand awareness. I have zero regrets. It came with huge pressure on me; when the product wasn’t delivered on time and it took longer, it got more complex and challenging.
“But without that trend and brand awareness, we wouldn’t have raised money. We wouldn’t have customers in the pipeline. So I had to put it out there and and be very public about it.”
That determination positions her at the cusp of something hugely disruptive. With BeyondPlay, Pelc is poised to change the way we play online casino games. That’s reason enough to take that risk.
—Robin Harrison-Millan
BETTING ON RELATIONSHIPS
Tres York • Senior Director of Government Relations, American Gaming Association
Navigating the intersection of gaming and government relations, Tres York has built a reputation as a connector, bringing stakeholders together to tackle complex issues like illegal gambling and sports betting regulations.
As the senior director of government relations for the American Gaming Association (AGA), York leads state advocacy and regulatory engagement, working to ensure that bad policies don’t progress while building a broad coalition to combat illegal and unregulated gambling.
York’s career began in Indiana, where he interned unpaid for a former congressman, eventually earning a paid position and cutting his teeth in politics. “I always wanted to work in politics,” York recalls. “It’s competitive and hard to break into, but that experience taught me the importance of perseverance and building relationships.”
That emphasis on relationships has been a cornerstone of York’s career. From Indiana’s legislature to the Realtor Association, and eventually to Washington, D.C., York has leveraged connections to drive success. At the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), he represented state legislators on federal issues, including gaming preemption. “I spent about three years working to ensure that gaming policies remained state-focused,” he explains. “It was here that I began collaborating closely with the AGA.”
Now at the AGA, York manages lobbying efforts at the state level, focusing increasingly on illegal gambling. “Illegal gambling has become a primary focus,” he says. “We’re working with state legislators, regulators, attorneys general and law enforcement to broaden the coalition and tackle this issue effectively.”
Asked about the challenges faced early in his career, York points to the learning curve in understanding the political landscape. “You think you know how politics works from your classes, but the real-world practice of learning the issues and, more importantly, building relationships is something else entirely,” he says. “So much of it comes down to who you know.”
A self-proclaimed extrovert, York thrives on meeting new people and forging connections. This outgoing personality has served him well, allowing him to build a robust network across the gaming industry and government. “It’s about projecting openness and warmth,” York explains. “That’s how you gain trust, especially in a space like gaming regulation where relationships are key.”
Mentorship has also played a significant role in York’s development. One of his first formative mentor relationships was with former U.S. Rep. Luke Messer from Indiana, who gave York his first job in politics. York gained critical learning experiences as the congressman’s “body man,” saying, “He was always willing to answer my questions, and I learned so much just from being in the room.”
Today, York passes on that knowledge to younger colleagues at the AGA and through speaking engagements. “I try to offer advice where I can,” he says. “It’s important to help the next generation of leaders, especially as the gaming industry trends younger with the rise of online gaming and sports betting.”
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, York remains focused on driving progress and fostering collaboration across sectors. With the average age of online gamers now in the mid-30s, compared to 42 for land-based casino-goers, York is well-positioned to help guide the industry into the future. “It’s exciting to be part of this moment,” he says. “We’re working hard to ensure that the industry continues to innovate and thrive.”
It’s clear that relationships—both old and new—will continue to be at the heart of York’s success as he navigates the rapidly changing world of gaming.
—Jack Goodin, The Innovation Group
STRATEGIC INSIGHT FOR SUCCESS
Cassie Brickman • CEO, Betting Hero
Cassie Brickman didn’t know her ultimate goal when she began one of her first internships at Badger Sports Properties, a Learfield property, but her unwavering priorities have propelled her to the top of her industry.
“I knew that I loved sports, I loved entertainment, and I loved working with people,” Brickman recalls. “I didn’t know what kind of job I could have because of these things, but I knew I’d figure it out.”
Her focus led her to remain in sports and entertainment, eventually reaching her position as CEO of Betting Hero in 2021. She originally joined the company as managing director, with the understanding that she would transition into the role of CEO alongside Betting Hero’s founders. Within a year and a half, Brickman had successfully made that transition, which she credits to her strong transferable skills.
“Having confidence in those skills and being able to move them over to a different industry is what got me where I am today,” Brickman says.
She identifies two specific skills as essential to success. The first is the ability to manage various priorities under pressure, which she attributes to her lifelong extracurricular pursuits. These experiences taught her to handle a variety of fast-paced tasks while remaining agile. The second skill is her ability to learn from those around her.
“One of the things I pride myself on is being able to lead a team effectively and having the awareness to know that no matter who I’m speaking with, I am just as likely to learn something from that person as they are to learn something from me,” Brickman explains.
“The insights you can pick up from the people around you are critical to success. You want to be able to capitalize on your resources, knowing perhaps that your weaknesses are somebody else’s strengths, and vice versa.”
Additionally, Brickman cultivated an extensive network that has supported her throughout her career. It helped her find her current position and has served as an ongoing resource.
“You always have your internal teammates, but sometimes it’s nice to reach out to someone in the industry for a different perspective,” she says. “Just checking in on one another and being there for one another goes a long way.”
Brickman has expanded her network through involvement with Global Gaming Women, particularly by attending one of their conferences.
“It was not just career-changing, but life-changing,” Brickman says. “The cohort of women I met at the conference are some of my dearest friends and have been phenomenal resources from a career standpoint.” Her positive experiences with GGW have led Brickman to stay involved, participating in Lean-In Circles and serving on committees to host regional events and raise funds for the organization.
Brickman is also committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce within Betting Hero, especially through mentoring and empowering women. Under her leadership, Betting Hero has won the EGR North America Employer of the Year, SBC Employer of the Year, and the EGR North America Diversity & Inclusion Model. Her company also sets the standard for the industry with its six-month maternity leave policy, ensuring that new mothers can fully embrace their role without the pressure of returning to work too soon.
When advising young professionals, Brickman emphasizes the importance of proactivity. She encourages them to constantly seek ways to stay ahead, asking themselves what more they can do to propel their company forward. Whether it’s identifying new projects or seizing opportunities for innovation, Brickman believes the question should always be, “What’s next?”
It’s this mindset of relentless growth and forward-thinking that sets apart the most successful leaders.
—Rae Berkley, The Innovation Group
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Jocelyn Fietkiewicz • Deputy Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Jocelyn Fietkiewicz grew up in Margate, New Jersey, just two towns south of Atlantic City. After graduating with a degree and then a law degree from Rutgers University, New Jersey, she thought she had a straight forward career path.
“First I clerked for a criminal judge, and then I worked at the prosecutor’s office for three years,” she says. “Because I knew I wanted to go into public service. I knew I wanted a career dealing with the community directly.
After serving with the Atlantic County prosecutor’s office for three years, she decided to apply to the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
“I grew up in the Atlantic City area, so I knew how important the casino industry was to the community,” Fietkiewicz explains. “Growing up I knew many people who worked in the industry and even to this day it remains part of everyday life in the community—it is very common to either work in the casino industry or know someone who does. Even though she grew up in the area, she didn’t know much about the regulatory system and she credits her colleagues at the DGE as being the most helpful.
“They’re so knowledgeable,” she says, “and they’re great resources. They know so much about the casino industry in general and the various aspects of the complex regulatory system. Much of it is so specific and unique that it’s not really common knowledge. So it’s nice to have them there as teachers.
“I’m one of those people that enjoyed school and liked learning, so I like that I have a job where I’m continuously learning,” she says. “The industry is always changing and the Division of Gaming Enforcement is involved in so many different aspects of the industry.”
Fietkiewicz works in the licensing bureau, which handles the licensing of casino entities and individuals who work in the industry.
“They’re both different and can be challenging to triage because on any given day I’m handling matters regarding casino entities themselves, while also handling matters regarding their individual employees
Fietkiewicz believes she’s found her niche and wants to learn more about regulating casinos.
“There are so many different aspects of regulating the gaming industry,” she says. “I’ve been with the DGE for over three years, and I’m just scratching the surface. I also want to learn more about the other DGE bureaus and the other aspects of the casino industry.”
She cites former director David Rebuck and Interim director Mary Jo Flaherty as mentors but on a day-to-day basis, she says Jordan Hollander—an Emerging Leader of Gaming alumni—as a great resource.
“He is really passionate about casino gaming and the industry,” she says. “I go to him for so many things and he is a great teacher as well.”
When it comes to the challenge of regulating the casino industry Fietkiewicz believes you need a very proactive approach
“We’re constantly monitoring and investigating all aspects of the casinos and the gaming industry,” she says. “Being proactive is sometimes hard but I think that is what makes the casino gaming industry in New Jersey so successful and the DGE so successful in regulating the industry because any type of potential issue is typically identified and addressed early on and either prevented or minimized.”
For those looking to get ahead in the industry Fietkiewicz has some simple advice.
“Say yes to every opportunity that you get—especially if it’s something that scares you,” she explains. “Throughout my my career, I’ve said yes to many things, particularly things I didn’t want do because they were out of my comfort zone. But I feel like that has helped me grow and succeed so much and has gotten me to where I am today.
—Roger Gros
‘GOING SOUTH’ AND TRENDING UPWARD
Joe Casole • Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, IC360
In gaming, as in life, it never hurts to have a good lawyer.
This has become increasingly true in recent years as the industry expands its footprint and innovates with its products like never before. One company that has been at the forefront of this movement is Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), a newly minted merger between powerhouses U.S. Integrity and Odds on Compliance. And one figure that has become an integral piece of the IC360 team is 40 Under 40 honoree Joe Casole, vice president of legal and regulatory affairs.
Casole, a University of Delaware and Rutgers Law School grad, grew up near Atlantic City and was “always fascinated” by the gaming industry. He jokes that his grandparents would “often say they were ‘going south’ as a way of announcing one of their frequent trips to their favorite Atlantic City casinos.” This then sparked an “early interest in the industry’s culture and impact.” But the complexity of gaming and its regulatory framework is what has kept that interest alive.
“What has kept me in the industry is the constant innovation and the opportunity to work in a space where technology, entertainment and regulation are always evolving,” Casole says. “The challenges of navigating complex regulatory landscapes and helping clients thrive in this dynamic environment are incredibly rewarding.”
He also credits several mentors who have been instrumental in his career development thus far, including Guy Michael, Eric Frank, Frank DiGiacomo, Paul Josephson and Adam Berger.
Casole leads the legal and regulatory affairs practice groups at IC360, “and a typical day is a mix of both worlds,” he says. His current role blends previous experiences at Gaming Laboratories International and Duane Morris LLP.
“As in-house counsel, my legal work spans everything from regulatory compliance to contracts, IP, and even immigration as IC360 grows from a startup to a recognized brand,” he explains. “I also work with external clients as part of IC360’s Compliance Advisory team, tackling a range of regulatory matters.”
The complex subject matter may not be everyone’s forte, but for Casole, the ability to help drive innovation and “bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the casino floor” is what keeps things fresh and exciting. The overall explosion of the industry also keeps him plenty busy.
“The industry’s hyper-growth presents a unique challenge—and opportunity—for new entrants and existing stakeholders alike,” Casole says. “Helping them navigate the complexities of gaming regulation is deeply rewarding, especially when I see clients and IC360 grow together, from startups into well-oiled enterprises. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to that growth, both for our clients and for IC360, as we’ve expanded our expertise and capabilities.”
Casole’s position in the industry gives him a broad view of its development and future trends. As such, he’s keeping a close eye on the evolution of sweepstakes casinos, which have captivated the gaming community for much of this year.
Part of the reason why the debate has become so top-of-mind, he argues, is because it “poses intriguing possibilities for both new and existing players in the market.” Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see how stakeholders respond and “how this will shape the future” of gaming.
“While it’s still unclear whether sweepstakes will serve as a long-term substitute for internet casino gaming, they do seem to be filling a gap in the market during this period,” he posits. “As operators seek innovative ways to engage players, sweepstakes provide an avenue that allows them to navigate regulatory complexities. However, the key question remains: will legislators ultimately see this trend as a reason to pass laws that authorize internet casino gaming in more states?”
Outside of work, Casole is “a huge fan” of Philadelphia sports. “I’m proud to be part of what might be the most patient and dedicated fan base in the country,” he jokes. Time spent with family and friends down at the Jersey Shore is also “a wonderful way to unwind and recharge” with good food, beaches and boating.
“I also have a deep love for lacrosse, having played and coached the sport for many years,” he says. “Staying connected with the game is a great excuse to get out of the office, and I hope to pass on this passion to the next generation.”
—Jess Marquez
TRANSFORMING BY INNOVATION
Kasra Ghaharian • Director of Research, University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute
Dr. Kasra Ghaharian is a key figure in the gaming industry, currently serving as the director of research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute.
He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, where his research focused on a breadth of topics across the gaming industry. His dissertation applied machine learning to payment transaction data, aiming to characterize gamblers and identify payment-related behavioral risk indicators.
During his master’s, he published “A Mathematical Approach for Optimizing the Casino Slot Floor,” marking the first use of mathematical methods to optimize the casino floor. Prior to his academic career, Ghaharian gained valuable experience in two major casino-hotel companies.
Ghaharian’s current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, consumer protection, and fintech. He is currently exploring the use of consumer bank transaction data to support gambling harm minimization and is leading a project that investigates the efficacy of AI chatbots in educating consumers about responsible gambling.
Mentorship has been crucial in Ghaharian’s career development. He notes, “I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who have been pivotal in guiding me throughout my career.” Among them, Dr. Brett Abarbanel stands out for her academic achievements and her supportive role as a supervisor.
Ghaharian credits Dr. Bo Bernhard with introducing him to the gaming industry, recalling, “If I hadn’t taken his course on the sociology of gambling back in 2007 as an undergraduate, I might never have found my path in the gaming industry.” Additionally, he acknowledged the impact of Alan Feldman, who helped him refine his communication skills and provided valuable industry insights.
Ghaharian is dedicated to mentoring young professionals in the gaming sector. He engages with graduate students, offering guidance while encouraging them to pursue their own research ideas.
“I believe in giving them opportunities to take the lead,” he says, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and professional growth. This collaborative environment benefits both the students and Ghaharian, enriching his own learning through interdisciplinary exchanges.
Ghaharian notes how new trends can be opportunities for young professionals to establish themselves, stating, “Emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are creating exciting opportunities for young professionals to become thought leaders in areas that are still relatively new.” He is particularly focused on equipping Ph.D. students with essential data science and analytics skills crucial for success in this evolving landscape.
Reflecting on pivotal moments in his career, Ghaharian highlights his decision to pursue a Ph.D. as the most impactful. He explains, “It suited my naturally curious mind and my drive to find the best methods to answer questions.” His commitment to research aims to drive informed decision-making in areas such as consumer protection and responsible gaming.
Looking forward, Ghaharian is excited about expanding his work in AI and developing innovative initiatives at IGI Research. As one example, he envisions creating a novel postdoc program that would aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
“This program would be structured to provide recent Ph.D. graduates in adjacent disciplines, such as computer science or psychology, with opportunities to build their knowledge and prepare for a career in the gaming industry, in collaboration with industry partners,” he notes. His strategic vision at IGI includes challenging the traditional norms of academic research institutes to make meaningful contributions to the gaming industry while fostering a culture of innovation.
Ghaharian’s journey reflects a commitment to advancing the gaming industry through research, mentorship, and the integration of cutting-edge technology. His efforts to inspire emerging leaders and drive impactful research underscore his vital role in shaping the application of emerging technologies in the sector as well as pioneering the future of responsible gaming and consumer protection.
—Carly Albright, The Innovation Group
