Explore every episode of the podcast MaxBet Podcast

IGT has shaped video poker for more than 40 years with games like Double Double
Bonus Poker™, Triple Double Bonus Poker™, and Ultimate X Poker™.

In this episode of MaxBet Podcast, Hillary McAfee talks with Darnell Johnson and Shannon Bloom about how multi-hand play changed the game, why volatility and configuration matter to players, how bartenders influenced the design of the PeakBarTop™ cabinet, and what makes video poker different from slots.

It’s the inside story of why video poker remains one of the most iconic and enduring games on the casino floor.

IGT is a proud partner of MaxBet Podcast 

Four days. A million steps. Zero chicken tenders.

Hillary sits down with Korbi Carrison to talk about what really goes into pulling off the biggest show in gaming. From live animals on the floor to security guards you’d never spot, Korbi has seen it all in her 25 years at G2E, and she's spilling the tea with us. 

We also cover how to actually survive the week- like for real: keeping your body moving, making networking worth it, and avoiding Hillary’s infamous Uber Eats order fail at the Venetian.

First year or 25th, this one’s for you.

Ari Mizrachi is back and standing on business in this episode on true persistence games and advantage slot play. His first appearance in October was one of our most successful and most controversial episodes.

Now, Ari returns to share where we are at now and break down why he believes advantage play is detrimental to every facet of the slot economy: operators, suppliers, and players alike. From the economics of advantage slots to the ripple effects across casinos, Ari does not hold back.

To close, he delivers his next red-flag warning, a prediction he believes could become the next major threat to the casino industry.

Love it or hate it, this is the conversation the gaming industry needs.

Mike is officially signing off after five years behind the MaxBet mic. In this farewell episode, we cover it all. Favorite guests, biggest learnings, funny moments, and the interviews that still get talked about years later.

Before he steps away, we talk about what is coming next as Hillary takes the lead and continues building the MaxBet brand. It is a sendoff packed with stories, laughs, and a proper MaxBet vibe from start to finish.

In a MaxBet first, we were handed some top-shelf gaming industry tea. Eclipse Gaming skipped the press release and gave us the exclusive to hard launch their newest C-suite hire. A bold move. We’d say we’re honored, but that feels too mature.

Newly appointed Chief Product Officer Mike Trask joins the podcast for his first official interview, sharing his vision for Eclipse and where the company is headed next. We dig into hot topics across the gaming industry like the ethics of perceived persistence in slot design, what makes or breaks a product strategy, and at what point in game development does the project tend to go sideways.

He also walks us through the worst day of his career- a headline moment on Yahoo News that’s either a cautionary tale or a badge of honor, depending who you ask.

There’s button slapping, screen smashing, a certain CEO who spilled red wine on white carpet, and enough name-dropping to qualify as an industry mixer. If you’ve ever worked with Mike, talked to him, or accidentally passed him in an airport, you’re probably mentioned.

This episode was made in partnership with Eclipse Gaming

What actually happens when a casino gets hacked? Do they pay the ransom? Who loses their bonus? And how do you protect your own family from cyber threats when you're in the industry spotlight? On this episode, Melissa Aarskaug joins us to talk about cyber risk in gaming, her personal playbook for online safety (complete with a family safe word… which we’re 87% sure is “MaxBet”), and why cybersecurity is not just an IT problem.

We cover the GLI Bulletproof report, the ripple effect of digital breaches, and how executives need to lead from the top when it comes to cyber security. She's straight-shooting, smart as hell, and our favorite UNR grad.

If you work in gaming and touch tech in any way, this one’s a must-listen.

Ever wonder what it was like behind the scenes of the very first Wheel of Fortune slot machine? Spoiler: it involved a Volvo windshield motor, a string, and some serious duct tape energy.

We sat down with Jean Venneman from IGT to talk about how a project they hoped would sell a few hundred units turned into a legacy that has made over 1,200 millionaires and changed the casino industry forever. Next year marks 30 years of spinning, winning, and some truly wild jackpot stories.

Mike and Hillary also work through some of the worst casino advice people actually give, like why "always split tens" should probably be a jailable offense.

Sponsored by IGT, powering today’s conversation (and a lot of casino floors). As always, all opinions are our own, for better or worse.

Diallo Gordon, President of Pavilion Payments, joins us to discuss how the gaming industry can better tackle fraud and improve responsible gaming through smarter payment systems. We explore the rise of payment fraud in casinos, why scammers are getting more advanced, and how operators and payment providers can benefit from working together. This episode highlights the connection between secure payments, compliance, and a better player experience. If you work in gaming or fintech, this conversation gets to the root of what needs to change.

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 a side of dry wit.

This week, Casey Gonzales from  @cdcgamingconnect  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 of day.

 If you’re advising, operating, or building for tribal markets, or just need a laugh, this one’s for you.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 something big. If GGW hits 10,000 members by G2E 2025, he’s sponsoring something at Kick Up Your Heels. It’s on record now. Ladies, you know what to do.

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 – https://www.theshadetree.org

🐾 Noah’s Animal House – https://noahsanimalhouse.org

🥫 Three Square – https://www.threesquare.org

👩‍💼 empowHER – https://www.rebelsempowher.org 

Bluberi's CEO Andrew Burke paid the MaxBet Podcast a visit and shared his insights on company culture, Bluberi's successful hiring hack, and most importantly, what his AOL instant messenger screen name was. Spoiler alert: It does not disappoint. Plus, Hillary and Mike interpret gaming industry buzzwords for regular humans.

If you're looking for a crash course on Web3 and blockchain, explained through Birkin bag examples, this is the episode for you! Cheli Wolf-Kroupp came to break it down for us like we're five, and for that, we thank her for her service.

Cheli is the COO at Uplandme, Inc. Upland is an immersive layer 1 gaming platform that uses virtual properties of the real world to engage players, creators, entrepreneurs, developers, and brands like FIFA or the NFL PA.

Erica Kosemund joins the MaxBet Podcast, and let’s just say Choctaw’s Gaming and Partnerships marketing is next-level creative. We’re talking about projecting messages on failed imploded buildings like it’s a Tuesday. Erica shares her favorite marketing stories, some huge wins for Choctaw, and how she somehow knows every celebrity (She didn’t outright say this, but the vibe was palpable, which, naturally, makes us all question our life choices.)

At the end, Hillary and Mike get into their Super Bowl bets, predictions, and the truly ridiculous things they’d actually bet on for the big game. In short, it's a rollercoaster of bad ideas. Stick around!

Mark Dedeaux, GM and Senior Vice President of Slots at AGS, joins us on the podcast to discuss gaming supplier strategy, what makes a premium game truly premium, and to share a his favorite gaming story from his time in Tunica, Mississippi, involving a 911 page, an interim casino manager, and a rowdy craps table.

In this mini-episode, Mike McKiski introduces Hillary McAfee as the new co-host of MaxBet. There’s now an area rug in the recording studio, so you could say things are getting pretty serious. Hear Mike defend his video call wardrobe choices and find out why Hillary might’ve been 86’d from Egypt over a human pyramid incident.

Plus, a sneak peek at the upcoming guest lineup, where Mike and Hillary want to take the podcast, and plenty of unfiltered commentary.

What happened? Did you guys break up? Landon is buying a farm? So many questions. MaxBet's co-founder and former co-host, Landon Jones is back in the studio with Mike to answer all of them and share what's next. 

Ari Mizachi explains how True Persistence slots are being milked like ATMs by advantage players, creating an unfair playing field that’s hitting recreational players the hardest and posing a serious threat to the slot economy.

In this episode, host Mike McKiski sits down with Kunal Mishra, Chief Strategy Officer at OddsWorks Gaming and creator of the “Watch Me Vibe” YouTube channel. Yeah, you heard that right — in addition to leading the way in gaming tech, Kunal runs a daily YouTube channel all about watches.

It’s more than just a hobby though; Kunal credits much of his career success to having an outlet like this, which stems from a deep connection with his father. 

Throughout the episode, Kunal shares his thoughts on the future of gaming technology, creating engaging content for online casinos, and how OddsWorks is pushing the envelope in the industry.

Whether you’re in the gaming industry or just looking for some inspiration on balancing work and personal passions, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes with industry leaders sharing their experiences and perspectives on gaming and beyond!

In this episode of the MaxBet Podcast, host Mike McKiski sits down with the talented Hillary McAfee, who he dubs the 'social media manager to the stars.' Hillary has crafted and executed large scale influencer marketing campaigns for top gaming industry brands like BetMGM, VGW, IGT, and SciPlay. She shares her insights on social media marketing and brand strategy.

You can follow Hillary McAfee on LinkedIn where she shares marketing advice and gaming industry insights. 

In this episode you can expect:

• A recap of the 2024 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and their picks for which brand stole the show.
• Why it’s time to ditch the navy blazer and embrace a more creative branding approach.
• Expert tips on cutting through the social media noise to make your brand stand out.
• Plus, a fun discussion on how to turn chest hair into charitable donations (you won’t want to miss this!).

And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the MaxBet Podcast on your favorite platform!

Join host Mike McKiski in this exciting episode of the MaxBet Podcast as he interviews player loyalty pioneer Noah Acres! Discover the latest trends in real time bonusing and custom offers, as powered by their Foundations platform. 

In this episode, Noah shares his journey through the world of casino player loyalty, offering listeners his unique perspective on the future of rewards programs, player incentives, and maximizing value at the tables and slots. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting out, Noah's insights will help you navigate the future of casino loyalty programs.

Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with actionable advice and expert knowledge that can elevate your casino experience!

Suit up, it's time to roll... 

In this episode of the MaxBet Podcast, host Mike McKiski welcomes Heather Lee, a branding and marketing expert, to discuss the vital elements of personal and company brand building, as well as navigating career transitions.

Whether you're looking to enhance your personal brand, elevate your company's presence, or switch careers entirely, Heather shares invaluable insights and actionable strategies from her own personal journey to help you stand out in a competitive landscape. Discover how to leverage your unique strengths and create a brand narrative that resonates with your audience.

Tune in now to unlock the secrets of effective branding and career growth!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the MaxBet Podcast for more expert insights and inspiration for your professional journey!

Join host Mike McKiski on this exciting episode of the MaxBet Podcast as he welcomes Mike Brennan, Chief Product Officer at Bluberi. Together, they dive deep into the world of game design, discussing the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the gaming industry.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The Future of Game Development: Mike Brennan shares his insights on emerging technologies and how they influence gameplay.
• Creative Strategies: Learn how Bluberi is pushing the envelope with unique game concepts that engage players.
• Industry Challenges: Hear about the current challenges facing game designers and how to overcome them.
• Player Engagement: Discover effective techniques to enhance player experience and retention in an ever-competitive market.

Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a budding developer, or an industry veteran, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in the gaming world!

🔗 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

Keywords: MaxBet Podcast, Mike McKiski, Mike Brennan, Bluberi, game design, gaming innovation, player engagement, game development trends, industry challenges.

Subscribe and leave us a review to help us reach more gaming enthusiasts!

In this episode, we delve into the captivating tale of how a basic poker card protector evolved into a multinational casino gifting empire. Delve into the impact of artificial intelligence and data strategy on the future of gifting, and grasp why casinos should view their gifting initiatives as immersive experiences, not just channels for dispersing branded bagel slicers. Join Landon and Mike as they chat with Gift & Go co-founders Jon Reuben and Joe Hall, who journeyed across the Atlantic to share their insights. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

Join us for an insightful discussion with Brian Green, COO of Graton Casino, and Charlie Skinner, President of Marker Trax, as they delve into the world of cashless gaming. Discover firsthand from an industry operator who has successfully integrated cashless technology onto their gaming floor. Gain valuable insights into the benefits of embracing new technology and its impact on the gaming experience.

In this engaging episode, Chris Justice, the visionary CEO of Pavilion Payments, brings more than just cigars and cookies to the podcast—he shares a wealth of infinite wisdom. Join Mike and Landon as they delve into Chris's vision to simplify the transition to a cashless society. Chris discusses how he believes leveraging broad market consumer technology can rapidly enhance the casino cashless experience. Along the journey, he candidly recounts both the triumphs and challenges that have shaped his perspective. Tune in for a captivating conversation on the future of cashless transactions and the technological innovations driving change.

In our most recent Cashless Conversation, brought to you by MarkerTrax and their acclaimed cashless gaming solution, we are excited to have Noah Acres from Acres Manufacturing as our guest. Noah will guide us through their innovative product, "Foundation," a universal casino data system. We'll delve into the cutting-edge technology that brings us closer to real-time personalized player bonuses on the casino floor. Plus, Noah shares a personal journey of conquering childhood disappointments, all while accompanied by a brand-new lunch box. Don't miss out on this intriguing discussion!

In this episode, we are joined by Kiran Brahmandam, the CEO of Gaming Analytics. Together, we explore the cutting-edge advancements in the application of artificial intelligence to casino data. Kiran sheds light on how casinos can harness the power of AI tools to enhance and optimize the player experience, all while sharing his visionary dreams for the future of this transformative technology. Join us as we dive into the exciting world of AI in the casino industry.

Join us for our latest Cashless Conversation, proudly sponsored by Marker Trax! In this engaging discussion, we're delighted to welcome Carol Thompson, CMO of Marker Trax, and Charlie Skinner, President of Marker Trax, as they share their remarkable journey towards making casino credit accessible to all. Discover their insights into the future of cashless transactions and get an exclusive first look at the unveiling of their new product brand, poised to streamline the experience for casinos utilizing their player credit system. Don't miss this exciting conversation that promises to shape the future of gaming!

In this episode Cameron Stewart, Group Vice President of US Games, and Kelly Trask, Director of Slot Performance & Strategy for SciPlay join the podcast to discuss the latest trends in social gaming, how they are leveraging the power of social gaming data to build better land-based, real money slot machines, and issue the craziest challenge in the history of the MaxBet Podcast!! 

Join us for an engaging discussion in the latest installment of Cashless Conversation, brought to you by Marker Trax. In this episode, we're thrilled to host Justin Moore, a seasoned veteran of the casino industry. Tune in as Justin delves into his wealth of experience in choosing cashless gaming partners, sheds light on his anticipated trends propelling the gaming industry forward, and treats us to captivating anecdotes from his time at the helm of a Philadelphia casino. Don't miss out on this insightful exchange that offers a unique glimpse into the evolving world of cashless gaming and casino management.

Join Mike and Landon in this exciting episode filled with major life updates (spoiler alert: there are tons!) as they delve into fascinating discussions on the profound influence of AI on our world. Get ready to explore some wild and creative applications of ChatGPT that will leave you in awe. But that's not all—be sure not to miss the heartwarming moments as Mike provides Landon with the much-needed big brotherly advice. Tune in now to catch all the excitement!

In our next “Cashless Conversation” presented by Marker Trax, Omer Sattar, co-CEO of Sightline Payments, and Gary Larkin, President of Koin Payments join the podcast to discuss the progress made along the road to cashless in the gaming industry today, what lies ahead as we strive for greater cashless adoption in the gambling business, and they each share some helpful insights on how to get started in cashless if you’re not yet in the game!

In this episode Michael Shackleford, aka “The Wizard of Odds”, famed table game mathematician and author joins the podcast to discuss how a baby name website influenced his casino website start, some tips on how to win at the tables, and teases his new book which will help players take on the house!

In the first “Cashless Conversation” presented by Marker Trax, CEO Gary Ellis and Marketing Executive Anamarie Ellis join the podcast to discuss the inspiration behind Marker Trax, why cashless gaming is important for everyone, and share some fun inside stories from one of gaming’s top families! 

In this episode Bennie Mancino, Director of Table Games at Presque Isle Downs & Casino and host of the “B in the Know” YouTube Vlog, joins the show to share some table game operations best practices, what he is most looking forward to in the future, and shares quite a few fun stories from his days working at Hard Rock Las Vegas. 

In this episode David Gill, Area Vice President at Technologent, joins the podcast to discuss the latest trends in technology innovation, some ways to fight the never-ending cyber security attacks, and shares how some of the tricks he has learned as a World Champion Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu has helped accelerate his success in business.

In this episode Ari Mizrachi, Sr. Vice President and Head of North American Business at Tangam Systems joins the podcast to discuss his history as a professional Jai Alai player, how his lifelong love of gambling lead him to a career in table games, and offers some key insights on how he believes data will influence the future of the casino industry. 

In this episode Siobhán Lane, Chief Executive Officer - Gaming at Light & Wonder joins the podcast to discuss her first 180 days on the job, how she manages to balance the demands of a high powered job and a high powered family, and gives us some advice on how we can make the workplace a better place for everyone. 

In this episode Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV, joins the podcast to discuss her vision for the future of gaming, some of the fun projects currently being worked on at the institute, and always previews what attendees can expect at the upcoming Conference of Gambling and Risk Taking. 

The Maxbet podcast is back in action at our all-new L&W studio! Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure that we bring you the latest and greatest information about the gaming industry. As you are aware, the gaming industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is crucial for staying ahead of the competition. At Maxbet, we are committed to providing you with the most insightful and engaging content so that you can stay informed about all aspects of our business. Whether you are a gaming professional or enthusiast, there is something for everyone in our podcast. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you! 

In this episode, Mike and Landon discuss what they would do if they won the 1.5 billion dollar MegaMillions jackpot, Mike's upcoming trip to the land down under, and honor the tradition of having Joel Simkins, Manging Director at Houlihan Lokey, drop some key market insights as the first guest in our new studio.