The Casino Business Podcast

Craig Shacklett
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  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Join URComped and TRIO360 CEO, Craig Shacklett, as he speaks with industry experts on the latest news, trends, and tips every casino executive should know.

  1. MAR 18

    Casino Marketing in Unregulated Markets: Ukraine and Eastern Europe

    Craig Shacklett, URComped CEO, interviews Iryna Ashyrova, iGaminig product manager and podcaster, to break down the realities of the Ukrainian and Eastern European gambling markets – from their retail beginnings in the 1990s to today's dominant online and crypto-driven landscape. She shares insights into market size, regulatory challenges, corruption, aggressive marketing tactics, and why sports betting and slots dominate player spend. The conversation dives deep into how casinos acquire and retain players in largely unregulated environments, why crypto casinos are rapidly gaining trust and traction, and how VIP relationships, segmentation, and high-margin players are reshaping the industry's future. Topics Discussed: – How Iryna discovered and connected with the casino business podcast – Overview of the Ukrainian gambling market today – Impact of past corruption and current regulatory instability – Effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine on regulation and operators – Major operators exiting the market – The evolution of gambling in Ukraine and the digital growth – Game preferences in Ukraine – Marketing practices in Eastern Europe – Cross-promotion with sports and famous athletes – VIP programs – Segmentation among operators – The rise of crypto casinos Learn more: https://trio360.vip/casino-marketing-in-unregulated-markets-ukraine-and-eastern-europe/

    37 min

  2. MAR 18

    Casino Marketing in Unregulated Markets: Ukraine and Eastern Europe

    Craig Shacklett, URComped CEO, interviews Iryna Ashyrova, iGaminig product manager and podcaster, to break down the realities of the Ukrainian and Eastern European gambling markets – from their retail beginnings in the 1990s to today's dominant online and crypto-driven landscape. She shares insights into market size, regulatory challenges, corruption, aggressive marketing tactics, and why sports betting and slots dominate player spend. The conversation dives deep into how casinos acquire and retain players in largely unregulated environments, why crypto casinos are rapidly gaining trust and traction, and how VIP relationships, segmentation, and high-margin players are reshaping the industry's future. Topics Discussed: – How Iryna discovered and connected with the casino business podcast – Overview of the Ukrainian gambling market today – Impact of past corruption and current regulatory instability – Effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine on regulation and operators – Major operators exiting the market – The evolution of gambling in Ukraine and the digital growth – Game preferences in Ukraine – Marketing practices in Eastern Europe – Cross-promotion with sports and famous athletes – VIP programs – Segmentation among operators – The rise of crypto casinos Learn more: https://trio360.vip/casino-marketing-in-unregulated-markets-ukraine-and-eastern-europe/

    37 min

  3. MAR 18

    Casino Marketing in Unregulated Markets: Ukraine and Eastern Europe

    Craig Shacklett, URComped CEO, interviews Iryna Ashyrova, iGaminig product manager and podcaster, to break down the realities of the Ukrainian and Eastern European gambling markets – from their retail beginnings in the 1990s to today's dominant online and crypto-driven landscape. She shares insights into market size, regulatory challenges, corruption, aggressive marketing tactics, and why sports betting and slots dominate player spend. The conversation dives deep into how casinos acquire and retain players in largely unregulated environments, why crypto casinos are rapidly gaining trust and traction, and how VIP relationships, segmentation, and high-margin players are reshaping the industry's future. Topics Discussed: – How Iryna discovered and connected with the casino business podcast – Overview of the Ukrainian gambling market today – Impact of past corruption and current regulatory instability – Effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine on regulation and operators – Major operators exiting the market – The evolution of gambling in Ukraine and the digital growth – Game preferences in Ukraine – Marketing practices in Eastern Europe – Cross-promotion with sports and famous athletes – VIP programs – Segmentation among operators – The rise of crypto casinos Learn more: https://trio360.vip/casino-marketing-in-unregulated-markets-ukraine-and-eastern-europe/

    37 min

  4. FEB 4

    Transforming Slot Floor Performance with SlotTrak

    Volante Software CEO, Juan Romero, discusses a needed transformational shift in how casino operators should evaluate and manage their slot floors in this interview with URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett. The conversation centers on Slot Trak and its role in helping operations move beyond traditional top-line revenue thinking to a more impactful bottom-line perspective, factoring in costs, downtime, labor, and lost revenue opportunities. Romero breaks down how data, reporting, and real-time insights change the way decisions are made on the gaming floor, turning gut feelings into informed strategies that directly affect profitability. Learn more: https://trio360.vip/transforming-slot-floor-performance-with-slottrak/

    23 min

  5. JAN 30

    The Five Commandments of Player Development: Jim Sulima Interview

    In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with Jim Sulima, AKA Super Host 88 and Director of Player Development at Tioga Downs, to break down his 5 Commandments of Player Development and relationship marketing. Drawing from his experience, Jim shares the universal principles that transcend properties, markets, and job titles, outlining his "commandments" for building loyalty, trust, and unforgettable guest experiences. From professionalism and accessibility to knowing your customer and leading with empathy, this conversation goes beyond theory and into real-world execution. Whether you're on the casino floor, in VIP services, or leading a team, Jim's insights offer a masterclass in how intentional relationships drive long-term success in the gaming industry. Topics Discussed:  - Be Professional - Know Your Customer - Build Relationships with Other Departments  - Be Accessible and Answer Your Phone - Treat Others How You Want To Be Treated  Learn more: https://trio360.vip/the-five-commandments-of-player-development-jim-sulima-interview/

    25 min

  6. JAN 26

    Old-School Hosting: The Lost Art of Player Development with Henry Pisano

    URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with true industry original Henry Pisano, Player Development OG and owner of Pisano Destinations, for a conversation that spans the evolution of casino hosting from the old-school days to today's data-driven world. From boiler rooms and handwritten player notes to the lost art of negotiation, relationship-building, and service beyond points, Henry shares legendary stories, hard-earned lessons, and timeless principles that defined player development at iconic properties like Bally's Park Place, Golden Nugget, Seminole Hard Rock, and more. This interview not only shares some fun stories about industry legends, but also pulls back the curtain on how hosts built loyalty before automation and recover poor player experiences. Learn more: https://trio360.vip/old-school-hosting-the-lost-art-of-player-development-with-henry-pisano/

    41 min

  7. JAN 13

    Leveling Up iGaming Loyalty: How Spin Pass Brings Video Game Innovation from Console to Casinos

    From console to casino. In this exclusive interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with Rebecca Martin, CEO and Founder of Spin Pass, to explore how video game-inspired technology is redefining loyalty in the iGaming world. Drawing from proven engagement mechanics found in the video game industry, Spin Pass introduces a modern, dynamic approach to player loyalty that goes far beyond traditional points and rewards-based programs. Rebecca discusses the vision behind Spin Pass, the gap it was built to solve in iGaming, and how bringing new ideas from the video gaming world into the casino environment is driving deeper engagement, stronger retention, and measurable results for operators.  Topics Discussed:  - Overview of Spin Pass - Spin Pass's focus within the gaming and iGaming ecosystem - Video game industry influences behind Spin Pass's concept - The unmet gap in iGaming that Spin Pass was designed to solve - Explanation of loot boxes and battle Passes - How Spin Pass elevates player loyalty and engagement - Bringing video game–style progression into casino gaming - Key differences between Spin Pass and traditional casino loyalty programs - Unique advantages and competitive differentiation of Spin Pass - Measurable results and outcomes operators have achieved using Spin Pass Types of operators who benefit from Spin Pass Learn more: https://trio360.vip/leveling-up-igaming-loyalty-how-spin-pass-brings-video-game-innovation-from-console-to-casinos/

    27 min

  8. JAN 6

    Behind the Show Floor: An Inside Look at the Global Gaming Expo

    In this exclusive interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with the Event Vice President of G2E, Korbi Carrison, to explore how the industry's premier gaming conference has evolved over time. From a look back at what gaming conventions were like before G2E, to the early days that shaped the show's foundation, the conversation traces G2E's growth alongside the rapid transformation of the industry. Together, they dive into how success is measured year over year, the trends and buzzwords that have defined past and present shows, and the emerging topics shaping the future. The discussion also covers how G2E stays relevant and continues to pivot with innovation. Topics Discussed:  - G2E's history and evolution - What gaming conventions looked like before G2E - The role of the American Gaming Association in the early days - How G2E measures success year over year - Trending topics from G2E this year and the buzzwords that defined past shows - How G2E identifies, plans for, and pivots with emerging industry trends - Strategies keeping G2E relevant  - Fun and notable stats from G2E 2025 - What G2E leadership looks forward to each year when planning the event - How G2E manages competitive businesses coexisting on the show floor - Where G2E is headed and how the expo may evolve over the next few years - The presence and role of regulators at G2E - G2E 2026 Learn more: https://trio360.vip/behind-the-show-floor-an-inside-look-at-the-global-gaming-expo/

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Join URComped and TRIO360 CEO, Craig Shacklett, as he speaks with industry experts on the latest news, trends, and tips every casino executive should know.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Shacklett
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © URC Technologies 2018. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Casino Business Podcast

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