Welcome to ReelCast

The podcast where data-driven insights, tips, and tricks are shared to help professional slot teams improve their game. Produced by ReelMetrics, the world's largest independent aggregator of slot machine data, ReelCast brings you the latest industry knowledge and expertise.

ReelCast - The slot machine analytics podcast by ReelMetrics

ReelCast Season 5

Bluberi with Andrew Burke

Season 5, Episode 8

In this episode, Nick and Dan catch-up with Bluberi CEO, Andrew Burke. Listen as Andrew describes how several years of operational and regulatory expansion has positioned Bluberi for the future and how the company's culture and unique approach to brand helps distinguish its offerings in a brutally competitive field. Also hear about Bluberi's unique approach to product design and how its use of character personalities and hybrid mathematical and mechanical concepts give Bluberi products their signature feel. Also in this episode, America's shrinking riverboat sector.

Gaming Arts with Rob Ziems

Season 5, Episode 7

In this episode, Nick and Dan catch-up with Rob Ziems, Chief Executive Officer at Gaming Arts. Listen as Rob covers the company’s acquisition by Merkur Group and explains how the combination is yielding dividends both culturally & developmentally. Learn about what’s brewing in the Gaming Arts lab, and hear the three debate whether the classic bootstrap / startup model remains a viable path for those wishing to build slot companies. Also in this episode, Tilman Fertitta finally lands Caesars.

Acres Manufacturing with Noah Acres

Season 5, Episode 6

In this episode, Nick and Dan catch-up with Noah Acres, Principal & Chief Operating Officer at Acres Manufacturing. Learn how the company’s CMS platform, Foundation, leverages modern architecture, state-of-the art hardware, and a growing collection of analytical and promotional applications to redefine customer acquisition and player marketing. Also, hear how the company’s data acquisition and analysis is forcing it to completely rethink the reinvestment logic of traditional player development programs. Also in this episode, layouts based on customer segmentation.

Adept USA with Mahesh & Eshan Jituri

Season 5, Episode 5

In this episode, Nick and Dan sit down with Mahesh and Eshan Jituri of Adept USA. Learn how a contracted software project for an American casino group pivoted the company toward becoming a premier innovator in gaming dispatch solutions. Listen-in as father & son discuss their diverse application portfolio, their experience supporting both resort and route operators, and the emerging trends set to redefine the dispatch landscape. Also in this episode, the Iran conflict and delays at Al Marjan Island.

DRGT with Marco Herrera

Season 5, Episode 4

In this episode, Nick and Dan catch up with Marco Herrera, Chief Executive Officer of DRGT. Learn how DRGT has leveraged decades of in-the-trenches systems and operational experience to produce a tech portfolio that’s garnered a considerable share of the international CMS market. Also, hear about how international operators are applying DRGT’s unique bonusing and cashless applications in ways that are of increasing interest to operators elsewhere. Also in this episode, leveraging the “personal touch” in the land-based / online divide.

Casino Operations Summit with Lucien Wijsman

Season 5, Episode 3

In this episode, Nick and Dan catch up with Lucien Wijsman, owner of the Casino Operations Summit, which takes place from April 21 through 23 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Learn about the event’s history and why it is increasingly regarded as Europe’s preeminent industry event. Also, get an overview of the challenges currently facing Europe’s casino operators and a preview of this year’s themes—land-based and online coexistence, the re-segmentation of traditional player personas, and transparent communication with players. Also in this episode, 2025 player behavior trends.

Nevada Gaming Control Board with Chairman Mike Dreitzer

Season 5, Episode 2

In this episode, Nick and Dan catch up with Mike Dreitzer, Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Learn how Mike is applying experience from a decades-long tenure on the industry's supply side to improve regulatory efficiency, promote technological innovation, and strengthen consumer protections. Also, tune in as we discuss the constitutional and consumer protection issues at the heart of the prediction market disputes and the testing / certification complexities associated with AI. Also in this episode, why are Americans so obsessed with prediction markets?

B Global with Brendan Bussmann

Season 5, Episode 1

In this first episode of our fifth season, Nick and Dan do a deep dive on legislative topics with Brendan Bussmann, legislative expert and Managing Partner of B Global Advisors. Tune in as we examine legal efforts surrounding prediction markets, sweepstakes and online casinos, as well as the latest legal developments in IRS reporting / deductions, European "re-regulation", and the state of legalization efforts in Utah, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. Also in this episode: Is the UAE the industry's next Gold Rush?

ReelCast Season 4

Aristocrat Gaming with Dan Marks

Season 4, Episode 10

In this episode, Nick and Co-Host, Dan Cherry, chat with Dan Marks, Senior Vice President of Gaming at Aristocrat Gaming. Learn about the day-to-day at one of industry's most successful game design studios, Gimmie Games, and the strategies, processes, and philosophies behind some of the industry's most iconic products. Also in this episode, elective Responsible Gaming programs.

Slot Check with Grant Stousland

Season 4, Episode 9

In this episode, Nick & guest co-host, Dan Cherry, catch up with Slot Check Founder & CEO, Grant Stousland. Learn about Slot Check, a revolutionary smartphone app that communicates to players machine data points such as location, RTP, payout history, and more. Hear how operators are discovering how transparent communication with slot players is generating incremental trips, longer sessions, higher ADTs, & material upticks in satisfaction & retention. Also in this episode, the FBI's sports betting stings & G2E 2025.

Innovation Group with Brian Wyman

Season 4, Episode 8

In this episode, Nick and guest co-host, Dan Cherry, catch-up with Brian Wyman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Innovation Group. Learn about The Innovation Group's portfolio of advisory services, and listen as the three do a deep dive on consumer demand---pre-opening feasibility analysis, loyalty program construction, player segmentation, promotional programs, and more. The three also discuss the travel and hospitality sector's increasing focus on higher-income segments, and its implications for the future. Also in this episode, reactions to our two-part interview with UNLV's Professor Anthony Lucas.

Professor Anthony Lucas - Part Two

Season 4, Episode 7 - Part Two

In this episode, Nick & guest co-host, Dan Cherry, continue their conversation with Professor Anthony Lucas of UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Tune-in as we discuss and debate some of Anthony's seminal, award-winning analyses, and chat about the status and future of gaming education & research. Also in this episode, growing concerns about economic headwinds.

Professor Anthony Lucas - Part One

Season 4, Episode 7 - Part One

In this episode, Nick & guest co-host, Dan Cherry, speak with Professor Anthony Lucas of UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Tune-in as we discuss and debate some of Anthony's seminal, award-winning analyses, and chat about the status and future of gaming education & research. Also in this episode, growing concerns about economic headwinds.

SlotCycle with Jeff Jordan

Season 4, Episode 6

In this episode, Nick & guest cohost, Michael Carruthers, speak with Jeff Jordan, Founder and CEO of SlotCycle. Join us for a deep dive on the secondhand equipment sector's players, practices, and pitfalls, and how SlotCycle's online marketplace and service portfolio are increasing transparency, efficiency, and value for buyers and sellers. Also in this episode, buying chairs for slot environments and resisting the temptation to replace slot systems.

Light & Wonder with Ryan Scott

Season 4, Episode 5

In this episode, Nick & guest co-host, Michael Carruthers, speak with Ryan Scott, Vice President of Commercial Strategy - Slots at Light & Wonder. Learn about Ryan's path from casino operations into strategic supply-side roles and how he combines experiences in each to better inform L&W's commercial strategies. Hear about the dominance of the Big Three suppliers on today's slot floors, and how they're leveraging advantages in distribution power, developmental capacity, performance analysis, product bundling, lounge programs and the like to fortify and expand floor share. Also in this episode, the ongoing debate about voluntary smoking bans.

Max Bet Media with Mike McKiski

Season 4, Episode 4

In this episode, Nick & guest co-host, Lucien Wijsman, catch-up with Mike McKiski, Co-Founder & President of Max Bet Media and Co-Host of the Max Bet Podcast. Hear Mike discuss the creation, operation and evolution of the industry's best-known podcast, what the experience and interviews have taught him, his upcoming move to Bluberi, and his thoughts about podcasting's role within the gaming industry moving forward. Also in this episode, a review of the 2025 Casino Operations Summit - Nova Gorica Edition.

Truist Securities with Barry Jonas

Season 4, Episode 3

In this episode, Nick & guest co-host, Lucien Wijsman, speak with Barry Jonas, Managing Director and Senior Gaming Equity Analyst at Truist Securities. Learn about Wall Street's take on the gaming industry, including investor likes / dislikes, the ins and outs of valuation and demand forecasting, trends exciting / worrying investors, and the potential impacts of Trump tariff and immigration policies. Also in this episode, configuring multi-game terminals and financial woes at Holland Casino.

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment with Aaron Gomes

Season 4, Episode 2

In this episode, Nick and guest co-host, Lucien Wijsman, speak with P2E President & COO, Aaron Gomes. Hear about growing-up in a prominent gaming family, Aaron's path to his current role, the ins and outs of HHR, and P2E's history, philosophies, current portfolio, and upcoming projects, including the new Cedar Crossing Casino in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Also in this episode, listener questions and the new ReelHot Index

Wind Creek Hospitality with Ken Rohman

Season 4, Episode 1

In this episode, Nick and Don catch-up with Ken Rohman, Chief Marketing Officer for Wind Creek Hospitality. Learn about the Poarch Creek tribe's growth and expansion into commercial markets, its guest-driven service culture, the Wind Creek Rewards loyalty program, and the licensing, construction, positioning, opening, and early successes of the group's newest resort, Wind Creek Chicago Southland. Also in this episode, Don hangs-up his spurs.

ReelCast Season 3

Thanksgiving Episode

Season 3, Episode 11

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Nick and Don list the top ten current slot trends for which they're most thankful. Also in this episode, game speed and the Las Vegas Grand Prix (mea culpa edition).

Konami Gaming with Jay Bertsch, Chris Rowe, and Stephanie Lau

Season 3, Episode 10

In this episode, Nick and Don catch-up with Konami's Jay Bertsch (SVP & Chief Commercial Officer), Chris Rowe (VP of North American Game Sales), and Stephanie Lau (VP of Sales Enablement). Hear the team's thoughts on G2E '24, as well as upcoming rollouts in systems, cabinets, and games. Also in this episode, Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, and the Dragon Train dispute.

Bluberi with Mike Brennan & Casey Whalen

Season 3, Episode 9

In this episode, Nick and Don catch-up with Bluberi's Chief Product Officer, Mike Brennan, and Chief Commercial Officer, Casey Whalen. Learn how an insurgent supplier with roots in Quebec is parlaying a string of surprise hits into some of the most exciting product offerings for the Class III slot space. Hear about their design philosophies, banking strategies, release plans, cultural imperatives, and (music to our ears) obsession with fair share performance. Also in this episode, G2E 2024.

Zitro USA with Derik Mooberry

Season 3, Episode 8

In this episode, Nick and Don speak with Derik Mooberry, CEO of Zitro USA. Learn about Zitro's rise from niche electronic bingo provider to a global supply-side powerhouse, its plans for the North American market, and the company's increasingly compelling Class III slot portfolio. Also in this episode, leveraging superstar inventory to dial-back free play.

Incredible Technologies with Dan Schrementi

Season 3, Episode 7

In this episode, Nick & Don speak with Dan Schrementi, President of Gaming at Incredible Technologies (IT). Learn about IT's history as a pioneering arcade game supplier, its move into gaming, its design & commercial philosophies, its recent strategic rebuild, its product roadmap, and its 'Teed Up' initiative. Also in this episode, how free play reductions impact visitation & spend.

AGS with Jackson Floyd and Steve Walther

Season 3, Episode 6

In this episode, Nick and Don catch-up with AGS's VP of Slots, Jackson Floyd, and VP of Game Development, Steve Walther. Learn about AGS's history, cultural leadership, developmental philosophy (Steve's tango analogy is awesome), GameON customer summit, upcoming product releases, and more. Also in this episode, keeping Actual and Theo variances in-check.

Gaming Arts with Mike Dreitzer

Season 3, Episode 5

In this episode, Nick and Don speak with Mike Dreitzer, CEO of Gaming Arts. Learn about the risks & rewards of building a slot machine company, the group's startup phase, development philosophy, product portfolio, near-term plans, and its strategic alliance with Germany's Merkur Gaming. Also in this episode, demand balancing multi-game product.

Bally's Corporation with Dan Cherry

Season 3, Episode 4

In this episode, Nick & Don chat with Dan Cherry, Vice President of Gaming Operations at Bally's Corporation. Dan discusses the major projects underway in Vegas and Chicago, as well as the challenges and payoffs of implementing operational and analytical standards within hyper-growth gaming organizations. Also in this episode, should I replace ETGs with slots?

Blue Delta Jeans with Nick Weaver

Season 3, Episode 3

Blue jeans?!? Yes, you read that correctly. In this episode, Nick and Don speak with Nick Weaver, Co-Founder and COO of Blue Delta Jeans. Learn how Nick and his team are using $500 custom-tailored blue jeans to thrill slot players and breathe new life into VIP events and continuity programs.

Delaware North with Michael Carruthers

Season 3, Episode 2

In our second episode of Season 3, Nick and Don speak with Michael Carruthers, Vice President of Gaming Operations at Delaware North. Michael shares his insights on the company's gaming operations, the impact of the pandemic, and the future of the industry. Join us for a deep dive into the world of gaming operations.

BC Slots with Brian Christopher & Josh O'Connell

Season 3, Episode 1

In this first episode of Season 3, Nick and Don discuss the slot influencer phenomenon with domain pioneers and undisputed leaders, Brian Christopher & Josh O'Connell of BC Slots. Brian and Josh cover the company's full timeline, from Brian's first impromptu clip to becoming the industry's most powerful influencer brand.

ReelCast Season 2

Top Ten Insights of 2023

Season 2, Episode 11

Welcome to our holiday episode of ReelCast, where we dive into the top ten insights of 2023. Tune in to discover innovative approaches and gain essential insights that will help you stay ahead.

Aruze Gaming Global with Kelcey Allison

Season 2, Episode 10

Join a candid talk with Kelcey Allison, COO of Aruze Gaming Global, discussing pivotal company events and the vision for its future. Highlights include Vegas F1 insights and casino signage trends.

Budgetary Guidance for 2024

Season 2, Episode 9

In this post-G2E episode, Nick & Don present budgetary guidance for 2024. Sub-topics include Halloween; conducting fair share, occupancy, layout, and demand analyses; the CapEx / OpEx split & pacing spend.

Increased Jackpot Activity & G2E 2023

Season 2, Episode 8

Dive into a comprehensive discussion on increased jackpot activity and G2E 2023. Topics covered include the decision to move the ICE show, equitable revenue splits, and operator-vendor tensions.

Operator/Vendor Tensions with Buddy Frank

Season 2, Episode 7

Explore operator-vendor tensions with Buddy Frank. Join Buddy, Nick and Don as they discuss hardware obsolescence, frequent cabinet releases, and vendor-operator relationships in the casino industry.

Video Poker with Action Gaming's Mike Fields

Season 2, Episode 6

In this discussion, Fields covers the latest trends in video poker, as well as general operational tips for transforming aging, long-neglected poker portfolios into differentiating, high-yield sources of competitive advantage.

Marketing & Mix Management with Lucien Wijsman

Season 2, Episode 5

Wijsman emphasizes the critical importance of player segmentation, and discusses how over-diversification, imbalance, and obsolete mix management practices are hampering slot performance.

Jackpot Liabilities and High-Denom Links

Season 2, Episode 4

Welcome to this episode of Reelcast where Nick and Don share insights on how to manage jackpot liabilities and maximize the performance of high-denomination links on your slot floor.

Updating Best Practices - Part III

Season 2, Episode 3

In the final part of our discussion on best practices for managing your slot machines, we focus on the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends and adjusting your strategies accordingly.

Updating Best Practices - Part II

Season 2, Episode 2

In part two of our discussion on best practices for managing your slot machines, we dive deeper into data-driven strategies for optimizing your inventory and increasing player satisfaction.

Updating Best Practices - Part I

Season 2, Episode 1

We kick off Season 2 of ReelCast as we explore the latest best practices for managing your slot floor. This is a must-listen episode for slot machine managers looking to stay ahead of the curve.

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At ReelCast, we're committed to delivering data-driven insights and expert advice to help your slot team thrive. Whether you have questions about inventory overdiversification, premium slots, best practices, or if you have specific topics you’d like us to cover, we're here to listen. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our listeners, and we welcome any feedback you may have.

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ReelCast Season 1

Top Ten Insights of 2022

Season 1, Episode 4

Join us for this special episode of ReelCast as we discuss the top ten insights of 2022 and their impact on your slot floor. Get some 'reel' practical advice on how to prepare for the year ahead.

Making Your Peace with Premium

Season 1, Episode 3

Discover the importance of premium content and its impact on your slot floor. Our team shares data-driven insights and best practices for incorporating premium content into your inventory strategy.

Inventory Overdiversification - Part II

Season 1, Episode 2

In part two of our discussion on inventory overdiversification, we explore the latest data-driven strategies for optimizing your inventory and maximizing player satisfaction to drive revenue.

Inventory Overdiversification - Part I

Season 1, Episode 1

Join us for the first episode of ReelCast as we dive into the topic of inventory overdiversification and its impact on your slot floor. Learn how to optimize your inventory for maximum performance.