Penn & Teller always say, in some way “It’s Tricky.” They once starred in a video trumpeting that message. And the trick they performed in the clip has resurfaced, on a Las Vegas casino floor.
P&T are the first celebrities to be branded on a casino table game, at their longtime residency home, the Rio. The new game is formally named Penn & Teller Casino Monte.
“It’s a nutty thing,” Penn Jillette said during the game’s unveiling at the Rio on March 3. “I didn’t even understand what they meant when they said they were doing it.”
What it means is, the hotel wants to make money in the casino, and sell tickets to Penn & Teller.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that change is inevitable. I’ve worked through multiple transitions and seen firsthand how industry shifts can rattle even the most seasoned professionals. The gaming space is in a constant state of evolution—market saturation concerns, patent battles, and the rise of dupes all keep us on our toes. While we worry about competition and maintaining our creative edge, one thing remains true: the best way to navigate these changes is by surrounding yourself with the right people.
That’s where my Circle—especially my Global Gaming Women Lean In Circle—has been invaluable. It’s more than just a networking group; it’s a think tank of perspectives, an advisory board, and sometimes, a much-needed therapy session. These women are smart, knowledgeable about gaming, and have expertise in their fields, constantly pushing me to grow—not just in my career but in my mindset. Beyond my Lean In Circle, the overall GGW extended network has been equally supportive. I’m immensely grateful to GGW for providing these opportunities to form valuable relationships.
My Circle also extends to former colleagues who’ve moved on to other gaming companies, casino properties or entirely new industries, and they remain trusted sources of insight. Every conversation offers me a fresh 360° view of the challenges and opportunities for growth. Their perspectives are what make the difference for me between fearing change and embracing change.
Okay, well, maybe I’ll always fear change, but at least I can psych myself into believing it’s excitement! Raw, jittery, nerve-wracking excitement!
Do you remember when?
Anyone who’s been in gaming long enough has a “remember when” story.
I remember when the company I started with wasn’t just a footnote in a corporate timeline. One of my favorite projects from that time was assisting with curating its 80+ year history for an onsite museum—sorting through old photos of men with sideburns and pomade-slicked hair making business deals, vintage game ads, and key moments of industry shake-ups. These men and mavens made the savvy moves that have shaped the landscape into what it is today—and they even ventured into some interesting side quests (amusement parks and athletic gear, anyone?). It was a crash course in the cyclical nature of gaming—companies merge, brands evolve, but some things endure.
And that’s the thing about change. It might feel like loss in the moment, but zooming out reveals the bigger picture.
Las Vegas: Big city, small town
Las Vegas might be a global gaming hub, but at its core, it’s a tight-knit community. CEO shake-ups, acquisitions and market shifts can feel unsettling, but if you’ve been around long enough, you know the drill. The names on the buildings may change, but the people? They’re still here. They still circulate, and they still remember.
New era, new opportunities
While change can feel destabilizing, it also brings opportunity. The future of gaming isn’t just about the next big title—it’s about how we’re shaping player experiences with ergonomics, cashless systems and AI-driven personalization. And those are just some of the innovations that I know about— who knows what’s going on in the back rooms of gaming labs these days? By the time I finish writing this, the technology I mentioned will probably be outdated.
I saw this firsthand recently at the MSG Sphere. The stunning visuals, immersive sound and haptic seating weren’t just entertainment; they were a preview of how deeply we can engage players in our own spaces. What wasn’t as entertaining was the $28 too-sweet margarita that I sloshed down the stadium stairs on the way to my seat. But aside from the spilled marg, the experience opened my eyes to the fact that we’re not just in a tech revolution—we’re inside a reinvention of the experience economy.
So yes, I miss certain aspects of the past. But I also know what’s coming will be just as exciting—if not more so.
Lean into your Circle
If there’s one takeaway from all of this cloying, it’s this: in times of transition, lean into your Circle. Whether it’s a formal GGW Lean In Circle (Ladies, thank you!) or an informal group of Trusted Peers and Mentors (Trusted Peers and Mentors, thank you!), surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you and remind you that change isn’t the end of the story.
Because no matter what shifts—no matter what gets rebranded or restructured—one thing remains true: the best bet you can make in gaming is on the people around you.
