Dr. Brett Abarbanel on Gaming Research and UNLV’s Role in the Casino Industry | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
Dr. Brett Abarbanel from UNLV’s International Gaming Institute joins the MaxBet Podcast with dinner party facts, bold suggestions for the casino industry, and a peek at the research projects that actually get people talking. We cover the science behind dice design, how research in the gaming industry gets funded, and the success of UNLV’s student internship program connecting future talent with casino operators. She also shares how she won the biggest hand of her life with a bluff and walked away with a husband. Sparkly shoes included. This episode is for anyone who likes their data with...
info_outline
Casey Gonzales (iGaming Threats and Tribal Power Moves) | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
This week, Casey Gonzales from joins us to unpack how tribal operators are navigating the real-world impact of iGaming and sports betting. We get into what’s at stake when 10% of your floor disappears overnight, why Oklahoma’s compact strategy is still a masterclass, and how Class II games became the industry’s quiet power move. At the end, Mike and Hillary go off-script with a very scientific breakdown of the most unnecessary slot features no one asked for — including slow-motion spins, unnecessary voiceovers, and a Dance Dance Revolution bonus round that should never see the light...
info_outline
True Persistence: An Operator’s Take w/ Oliver Shoemaker | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
This week, Oliver Shoemaker, VP of Slot Operations at Cache Creek Casino Resort, joins us to talk persistence games from the operator perspective. We get into what suppliers overlook, how these mechanics play out on the floor, and what it takes to hand a guest $1.7M in cash. If you’re building persistence games, selling them, or running a floor full of them — this one’s for you.
info_outline
San Diego Was Wild (IGA 2025 Recap) | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
This week it’s just Mike and Hillary debriefing after a whirlwind week in San Diego at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA). Think of it as a giant family reunion you didn’t know you were invited to... If that reunion involved nightclubs full of business casual blazers and trick-or-treating booths for swag. We also crown our very unofficial winner of Best Booth 2025 and discuss why soft pretzels might be the unofficial inflation indicator of the gaming industry.
info_outline
Off the Record (But Not Really) | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
No guest? No problem. This week, it’s just Mike and Hillary catching up, swapping stories, and pretending there’s a plan. In this episode, we talk about: • Decoding corporate jargon • Hillary's big move & Mike's career change • Our time in NYC at Next.io • LinkedIn's most embarrassing feature • Where we're headed next
info_outline
Dan Schrementi (Incredible Technologies' comeback) | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
Dan Schrementi, President of Incredible Technologies, steps up to the mic to talk about the company’s comeback after a few rough years and why true persistence slot games deserve more respect in the gaming industry. We also cover what IS a true persistance game vs. perceived, because some listeners (Hillary) may need to know. In true Chicago grit fashion, Dan isn’t here to sugarcoat anything. Plus, he shares how he earned the coveted title of Sausage King of Chicago.
info_outline
Doubling Down on Table Games with Light & Wonder’s Matt Booth
MaxBet Podcast
This week, we’re all in on Double Down Madness, the table game shaking up the casino floor. We’ve got Matt Booth, the mind behind it, breaking down how it came to life and why players can’t get enough. Mike McKiski met Matt back in their Light & Wonder table games days, and now they’re back together talking shop. Stack your chips, place your bets, and hit play.
info_outline
Confetti, Naps, and Slot Awards
MaxBet Podcast
Listen. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the EKG Slot Awards, it’s that a tuxedo and a pair of Jordans can absolutely coexist, confetti cannons are not to be trusted, and yes—someone did take a full-on nap mid-awards show. We’re recapping the biggest wins, the boldest fashion choices, and the moments that had us questioning everything. Plus, we’re officially volunteering for the nominating committee because we have some strong opinions on the award categories that need to exist next year. Buckle up—it’s a good one.
info_outline
From Front Desk to President | Lauren Bates on Breaking Barriers & GGW’s Future
MaxBet Podcast
Madam President has entered the chat and the floor is hers- literally and figuratively. Lauren Bates started at the front desk at Konami and worked her way up to VP at Light & Wonder and President of Global Gaming Women. She learned her numbers on a mini roulette wheel, built her career from the ground up, and now she’s helping thousands of women do the same. In this episode, Lauren talks about the rapid global expansion of GGW, the Harvard-accredited programs launching soon, and why mentorship and peer networking are game changers in the industry. Also, Mike may have gotten himself into...
info_outline
Diana Bennett on Philanthropy, Charity & Vegas Gaming Stories | MaxBet Podcast
MaxBet Podcast
Diana Bennett doesn’t want to be called a Vegas legend, but let’s be real, she’s done more for this city than most. In this episode, we hear incredible stories from the mob days, her inspiring work giving back to Las Vegas, the phone call that cost her dad $4.9 million, and some classic gaming stories you won’t want to miss. Diana is deeply involved in supporting these amazing organizations that are making a real difference in Las Vegas: 💜 The Shade Tree – 🐾 Noah’s Animal House – 🥫 Three Square – 👩💼 empowHER –
info_outlineIn this episode, Loren Gill, former CEO of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and long time gaming executive joins the boys to discuss his journey to the top of the game, his thought process for adopting new technologies, and gives us a glimpse into what he’s been working on in his free time.