G2E Interview with Gavin Issacs - CEO of Scientific Games

Mr. Michael Gavin Isaacs has been Chief Executive Officer, President, Director of Scientific Games Corporation since June 2014. Mr. Isaacs served as the Chief Executive Officer at SHFL entertainment, Inc. (Alternate Name: Shuffle Master Inc.) from April 2011 to November 2013. Mr. Isaacs was a Partner of DLA Phillips Fox. He has more than 12 years of industry experience, including senior roles with worldwide gaming technology companies. He serves as the President of The ... Americas of Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. He served as an Executive Vice President and the Chief Operating Officer at Bally Technologies Inc. from September 1, 2006 to March 30, 2011. Mr. Isaacs served as President of Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited since March 2003. Mr. Isaacs joined Aristocrat Leisure Limited in 1998 as General Manager of Legal and Compliance, where he played an integral role in securing Aristocrat's Nevada license and also served as its Head of Global Marketing and Business Development. Since 1999, he served as General Manager of Marketing and Business Development, where he strongly contributed to Aristocrat's overall business strategies including leading the team responsible for the acquisition of Casino Data Systems. He served as the President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors. Since 2002, Mr. Isaacs served as Managing Director of Aristocrat's European business, where he led the strong growth of Aristocrat's profits and business in that region and the successful opening of significant new European markets. Mr. Isaacs was a Partner with the leading Australia law firm Phillips Fox, where he built their highly successful property services business unit. He has been a Director of SHFL entertainment, Inc. since April 1, 2011. Mr. Isaacs serves as a Trustee of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys. He serves as a Director of the American Gaming Association. He holds a Graduation in Commerce and Law from the University of New South Wales and holds a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney.

I was able to connect with Gavin prior to his participation  in the C-Suite Perspectives; CEO roundtable panel. The responses are visionary.

        1.      What are the challenges for the gaming industry?

"Maintaining momentum and growth are two of the biggest challenges for our industry. The casino gaming industry, like many other industries, is always impacted by the economic situation in the markets in which we do business. When the economy is struggling, as it is in some gaming markets around the world, consumers don’t have as much disposable income to spend on entertainment, including gaming."

"There is more competition for the entertainment dollar than ever before, so we have to ensure that we provide a deep breadth of gaming experiences that engage and entertain players of all ages and all preferences."

"Innovation and investment are also vital for the future – essential to keep gaming viable and fun."

2.      Generation Y or Millennials are not as fascinated by our current offering as their parents were. How can the gaming industry generate interest from this group?

"First, I’m not so sure that younger people aren’t as interesting in gaming as their parents – they may just not have the disposable income to spend on gaming right now as many of them are just starting to gain momentum in their careers, growing their families, buying homes, taking care of aging parents, and paying off student loans."

"Millennials on the older end of the spectrum are approaching the age of 35, which means they are starting to make more money and may have a bit more free time to spend on casino gaming entertainment. That is good news for casino operators and suppliers like Scientific Games."

"We’ve studied Millenials extensively through our market research programs and we’ve found out a few things: they like on-demand experiences; flexibility; speed, in fact almost instantaneous; and multi-format brand engagement. They are more engaged than ever, culturally connected, global, experience seeking, and for Millennials and many of the rest of us,  it is all about being mobile and the mobile experience."

"The key for operators and suppliers in attracting this generation is to make sure that we offer diversity in the experiences we provide. For example, Millennials appreciate greater social interaction, which is a perfect fit for traditional and electronic table games. And elements of skill, sociality, and interaction are also important to many Millennials, so we have to provide products and experiences that deliver that – through a number of channels including mobile, social, and on the live casino floor itself."

"Finally, I have always said that casino players of every age are getting more youthful and embracing our digital culture that includes internet, social media, and mobile – this is an opportunity for us to engage with the player much more frequently on and off the casino floor and cross-promote to drive incremental play."

3.      Social games with a skill-based component are receiving consideration in Nevada and New Jersey. Do you think this will spur growth?

"We have been actively involved in working directly with the regulators on the skill-based gaming initiative, and we’re quite excited about it. In fact, we were a little bit ahead of our time at Bally when we experimented with slot games with elements of skill or perceived skill, such as Pong, Breakout, SKEE-BALL, Total Blast, Fishin’ for Loot, and All That Jazz."

"We think skill-based games could add excitement to the casino floor and attract new players, while giving loyal slot players a new and exciting experience. At G2E we’ll have some skill-based experiences in our private innovation area and one that everyone can see on the show floor – Space Invaders Evolution based on the Atari classic arcade game."

 

 

 

4.      Overseeing the merger of Scientific Games, Bally, and WMS was a major undertaking. What were the strengths of the organizations?

"Overseeing the integration of these great legacy companies has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Each company was a leader in the industry and each company was driven by the same thing – an unwavering focus on innovation and customer partnership. Importantly each company’s success was due to its great team of devoted and intelligent people."

"When we were doing the integration, the fact that the companies had similar cultures and were driven by a similar mission and core values made it easier to come together as one."

"Bally was a leader in spinning-reel games, WAPs, and inventive hardware design; WMS was known for its terrific portfolio of licensed brands and its WAP performance; and Scientific Games was and still remains a global leader in the lottery business as a trusted partner to more than 150 lotteries in 50 countries on six continents.  Add in Shuffle Master with its table and shuffler dominance and Barcrest with its European flair. Now, we’ve combined our strengths and we continue to lead the industry in innovation and product breadth; it has been challenging but also very exciting to see everything come together so quickly just 10 months after our acquisition of Bally."

5.      What are your thoughts about iGaming?

"We prefer to stay out of the politics of iGaming and focus on the solutions we can provide to legal iGaming jurisdictions. Through our Scientific Games Interactive division, we are a leading provider of Social Slots and have a strong presence in all key platforms. We also distribute our slot content to third-party online gaming providers for desktop and mobile play, with a library of nearly 100 games."

 

Gavin is participating in the AGA roundtable at the G2E with Greg Carlin and Mark Frissora on Wednesday, September 30, between 9:00 and 10:00 PDT.

        You can follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GamingguyM and Facebook
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Gaming and Technology: Q&A with Bob Ambrose - Drexel University

        

         G2E 2015 has more emphasis on technology and education than any of it's predecessors.
         Drexel University has a gaming curriculum that combines research and real world application.
         Robert Ambrose is a prominent part of that combination.

         Robert Ambrose is a Casino & Hospitality Instructor at the Center for Hospitality

         and Sport Management. He also directs the Dennis Gomes Memorial Casino Training Lab.

         His summary experience includes an MS in Hospitality Management. 

         After a  successful  30 career in Casino and Hospitality Management,

         he joined Drexel as a Gaming and Hospitality Instructor. Instructor Ambrose

         continually collaborates with industry professionals and reports on the industry about 

         his research through class lectures, the publication of his articles and consulting.

         

        

       

 . 

                

1). Tell the readers about the concept for the Lab?

"In most universitiy casino class programs the students learn theory, application through text, experience various media documentation about gaming and maybe have an opportunity to visit a casino with the class to observe.'

"The learning goal of the Dennis Gomes Memorial Casino Resort Classroom at Drexel is for students to be engaged in active learning.  They will become active participants in the roles of front-line employees, managers and customers within a live casino operation environment. With hands on participation applied to the instruction, the students will become participants in the learning process."

                                                 

"Bally got the ball rolling for us. Now we have Konami products and under the new Scientific Gaming Brand WMS Games as well. We also are looking at Table Games."

 

2). Can you cite any challenges from a regulatory standpoint (PGCB) in developing the Lab?

"The PA Gaming Board has been outstanding in assisting us in the process.  I petitioned the state and met before the board October 2013 to respond to the proposal.  The machines do not accept currency and are subject to all regulations that apply to casinos, including 24-hour surveillance and are locked down when not in use. We had to make a considerable investment to meet the state regulatory requirements but it’s all been good." 

3). What makes the lab unique compared to other gaming curriculums?

"Drexel has offered a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a concentration in gaming and casino operations since 2009. Hospitality and Sport Management is a collaborative school founded by my Director Jonathan Deutsch PhD. It is because of his vision and openness along with the Drexel administrative community that have brought us to the point of the Gomes Casino Training Lab."



Home of the Gomes Casino Training Lab



"Drexel has always been a university specializing in experiential learning through co-operative education experiences. When our students graduate they have a working resume and on-the-job experience that will place them directly into positions. Many graduate the program with jobs having already entered the working environment through the co-op program. We develop relationships with industry. As in the case of the casino and hospitality industry we are on the ground networking on behalf of the students. Many members of our instructional staff have industry experience. Whether it’s gaming, hotel ops or culinary, we bring that network to the school in the forms of property visits, guest lectures, job fairs and internships."

4). The gaming industry is transforming from one of baby boomers to Generation Y. This includes the patrons and the employees.  Do you think gaming classes prepares both of these groups for that transition?

"The “Y” generation (“millennials”) are now moving into the market place both as employees and consumers some 80 million strong; according to the US Chamber of Commerce. This is the first generation that has grown up from diaper to “cap and gown” centered in a planet sized evolution of technology.  Goldman Sachs refers to them as “digital natives, with an affinity for technology.” They have and will continue to change the marketplace." 

 

 Just as the gaming industry is providing more elements of interactive gaming, the Y Gen customers desire a “multi-integrated” set of adventures and experiences through a multi-tasked presentation. The model is more reflective of the video games and social media that these new consumers grew up with. Employees of casino operations have had to adapt as well and adjust their methods when it comes to the customer service values of Y-Gen’s vs. the Baby Boomers. It is about accurately facilitating the casino customer experience to a diversified demographic base. Gaming and hospitality products have cross generational interest. The process of marketing and providing service to all calls for creative applications. Today under a signal umbrella of hospitality, the new presentation of the casino experience is intermixed more with other property choices. The customer perspective is about not only the experience of the casino but it's relationship to the entire property brand.

 

 
 

5). The Lab is named after the late Dennis Gomes. Gomes was an extraordinary leader in the casino industry. What would he like about this Lab and curriculum?



Dennis Gomes

 

 

   "He would be very proud that we are doing this.  Dennis Gomes was a very hands-on executive and spirited gaming industry visionary. He had a strong commitment to education and was a mentor to many people who are now industry executives. It was a great experience having known him and to have worked for him. Once I received approval from the Gomes family to dedicate the lab in his name; we haven’t looked back. We have been overwhelmed by the support of the industry that sees Drexel students as both their future customers and workforce. If he were here today, he would be very pleased and be very involved in the school."

 

 

6.).What additions do you have planned for the lab in 2016?

TROPICANA CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY

"We are looking at expanding out our present area to include table games. We also have a major  scholarship fund raiser planned in Atlantic City at the Tropicana in October. It is a ticketed event and invitations have already gone out. It is being hosted by Barbara Gomes. Our MC is Celebrity Chef Carla Hall. The Tropicana was the right place to hold this first of many events since Dennis was responsible for the building of the Quarter and so much else at that property. I continue to work on partnership for our student co-ops as well. I also teach the hotel side of our program so I plan to stay busy."


                         Reach out to Bob during or after #G2E2015.

                                                        r.ambrose16@gmail.com

                                                    https://twitter.com/BobAmbrose

 

             You can follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GamingguyM and Facebook
                                      at https://www.facebook.com/gaming.guym
                      Instagram photos and videos at http://instagram.com/gamingguym
                            

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What makes Sports Betting so popular?

Sports Betting is popular for 3 universal reasons. I will list and expand on each.

The global appeal of Football, Basketball and Soccer. These three sports have fans from all over the world. The games are played on multiple continents. They have international stars in each of the three. Fans can connect with the players via social media. They develop an affinity for the players and the brand. As a result they are compelled to bet on them when they are watching on television or via live stream.

The Internet- Information can be obtain right at your fingertips. You can get injury reports, points spreads and historical data of how opponents have fared against each other. There was a time when you would have to be in a sports book in Las Vegas to get this type of information. Your second choice would be from your favorite pregame show or weekly periodical. Anyone remember when having Sports Illustrated was a must?  Now you can get it on your PC or phone.

Credit Card and Debit Accounts - Since most of our transactions can be done with the same phone and PC that gives you the info to determine your bet, the accessibility of your credit or debit card will finalize the process. If you wanted to bet a parlay in Delaware, you would have to physically go to the casino or the establishment takes bets. If you have a mobile account that is active in a jurisdiction that accepts bets and you are in that state, you could phone your action in. There are countless off shore accounts that will accept your action but they are illegal. This does not diminish the amount of people that are using them to satisfy the sports betting itch.

           The countdown to NFL Kickoff is 1day away.  How are you scratching your itch?

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Gambling Tips 101 - An Insider View

Every summer when I am invited to a barbeque or cookout, the conversation will always come up.
Someone will ask how is business? My response is always "good". Then someone else will ask
"What do you do?" Once I tell them  I work for a casino, there is a smile and then a revelation.
The range goes from I love your place to I have never been there. The commonality between each is they want to know how they can win. I feel like a stock broker being ask for a tip on the next move from Wall Street. I want to be invited back next summer.

                                                         



My Top Three

 

 

 

Tip One - Learn the game. Before you invest your money, read a brochure or google the rules of the game. Some of the rules variate from casino to casino. Odds are still against you but you'll understand what you are doing.

Tip Two - Find a strategy. Every game has a plan. You should have one. The percentages favor the house regardless. A great motivational speaker said failing to plan is planning to fail. Some moves are smart. Most moves are lucky. Many are dumb!


Don't be DUMB!
 

Tip Three - Be responsible. This tip throws the crowd every time. It stunned you as you read it. The

dictionary definition of responsible is having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role. My job is to see that there is responsible gaming. This means not letting someone play if they are impaired. It also includes restricting play once a designated set of continuous hours has passed. So use this tip and keep the game fun. I would elaborate and share more. But I am headed to another cookout.

 What more can I ?

                                                           

                                             Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

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Is Wagering on Fantasy Sports Gambling?

I saw this question about 10 days ago on LinkedIn. I did not read the response because I knew that I would weigh in on this. I like to maintain my objectivity when I write. I decided that I would compare betting on a football team like the Eagles to wagering on a fantasy team of my choosing.

When I bet the Eagles I take in consideration the line or points spread, homefield and weather. I

also chart the recent history between the Eagles and their opponent. If I can find more pluses to take the Birds then I put my money on Philly. If I can't ,then I don't wager on the game. If all roads and factors point to the opponent, I considered going the other way.

 

Some fans feel this is a form of blasphemy. No way can you bet against your team. A fan and a bettor are two different people. Fans are ride or die. Bettors are live to die another day. Read this paragraph again and you'll get it!

Now when I wagering on a fantasy team, I get to pick this imaginary lineup that would never play together against someone else's dream team of the week or day. I look at homefield, opponent and weather. I considered past individual performances. I also look at any significant injury. The injury variable is incorporated into the spread or line.

So the factors that go into picking a NFL team to wager on are the same as what you look for in betting on a fantasy team. So why is Fantasy a skill proposition and picking a team (Eagles) a gamble? The answer is not Sam Bradford.

The only difference is the point spread. My NFL team must win by more than the number designated or I will lose. My fantasy team just has to win. In a day fantasy league like DraftKings, FanDuel or Yahoo, my opponent and I may have some of the same players on our team.

Wanna Play??

Picking that secondary guy to go with your elite players will make the difference between winning and losing. There is something to be said for finding value at a price. Finding that value is a skill that is not based on luck. Skill ties more into percentages and analytics.

                                        Webster's definition of gambling is
: to play a game in which you can win or lose money or possessions : to bet money or other valuable things
: to risk losing (an amount of money) in a game or bet

: to risk losing (something valuable or important) in order to do or achieve something.

 

Wagering on Fantasy Sports sounds like gambling to me. And about 33 million other people.

 
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Fantasy Sports Explosion

I have been researching Fantasy Sports in preparation for the upcoming NFL season. I am not a baseball fan these days because my team has the worse record in either league. Our coach just resigned without being asked to. Who does that? 

So NFL it is. I plan to review each position with a top 5. I looking for input. Each week starting July 13, 8:00pm EST, I will share the view thru my social media outlets.  Join me and my co host Nkeshi Free on Twitter for #GTLivechat.  #GTLivechat is a conversation that is conducted via Twitter with followers around the world. What makes us unique is that we make picks and then get a poll of which players are the popular choices. We will select the positions individually and give the consensus of what you think.  Fun. Easy and Free.   For those who have a gaming interest, look at Fan Duel, DraftKings and Yahoo after you connect with us.

Then in August, we will look at the divisional and conference breakdown of the AFC and NFC. Since we have followers from different regions, we will balance what they see and compare it to the national media outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated. This will prepare you for the upcoming season. 

                                                         Now my question is ....




CASHING???

OR

TRASHING???

 

                                      Get the winners by being informed!
                                                                        

 

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Gaming Mid Year Review 2015

In case you missed it, we have hit the halfway point of 2015. If you are into gaming entertainment,this has been 6 months of speculation throughout the industry.

Here are the highlights of 2015 with my bold predictions of what happens by the end of the year.

 

 

 

 

Casinos proposed in North Jersey with tax revenue going to Atlantic City. Prediction -No.

Governor Christie supports it. New Jersey has a 30% approval rate of him. They will reject

his initiative.

Atlantic City has the Pier and Revel reopening.  Prediction - The Pier reopens while Revel

does not. Bart Blatstein's track record in Philly shows he can develop a project and make it

appealing. Nothing definitive for Revel until 2016.

 

    

Pennsylvania gets online gaming this year. Prediction - No! The interest is there but the difference on the tax rate will morass the process. The budget for fiscal year 2015-16 will take center stage with taxation and educational expenses. Gaming will take a backseat.

 

 

California and New York will have online Poker. Prediction - No! Not enough support to sustain traction. They will revisit the issue in 2016 to beat a proposed federal ban.

Sports Betting will be approved outside of Nevada. Prediction - Yes. This is the year of acquising to popular opinion. A landmark Supreme Court ruling regarding marriage. The legalization of marijuana use for recreational and medicinal purposes is a further example of giving in to public demand and making a profit. Can you spell prohibition? Sports Betting is something that is accepted by the public and some of the professional sports leagues. Fantasy Sports wagering is just the precursor to allowing gambling on a live event. Once approved in New Jersey, Pennsylvania will lobby for it as well.

                           Share a comment if you choose. Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

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