Ask the Experts: Spotlight on the Slot Floor and Player Engagement

Hard Rock Tampa_Slots

We asked five slot executives to describe their gaming floors and how they keep them entertaining for guests; what game features and technologies have been the most popular with their players; and what they will be on the lookout for at this year’s G2E. Here is what they had to say… 


Bill King_Miccosukee

Bill King, Director of Slot Operations
Miccosukee Casino & Resort – Miami, FL
miccosukee.com   

SLOT FLOOR: Miccosukee Casino & Resort offers guests an engaging slot experience with more than 1,700 machines, blending timeless classics with the newest titles on the market. Fan favorites such as Liberty 7s and Melodie and the Cool Cats provide a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, while the latest cabinets and game themes deliver modern energy and variety. The result is a floor that balances tradition with innovation, creating an environment that is both dynamic and welcoming for every type of player. 

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GAMES: One of the most exciting developments is Miccosukee’s exclusive debut of the Class II Powerball wide-area progressive – the first and only of its kind in Florida. Its arrival has already generated tremendous buzz among players, further distinguishing the property in a highly competitive market. While this addition stands out, the broader strategy is not to chase volume in progressive offerings, but to focus on adding the right games at the right time. By building strong partnerships with vendors, Miccosukee ensures its selections remain diverse, engaging, and carefully curated. Just as important, the team remains committed to keeping the slot floor operating at the highest level, so guests enjoy a seamless and rewarding experience every visit.    

G2E: Looking ahead to this year’s G2E, the Miccosukee team will be exploring innovations that align with this philosophy – new game themes that resonate with a wide audience, cabinet designs that elevate comfort and immersion, and technologies that support both player convenience and operational efficiency. Areas such as cashless gaming, bonusing, and player engagement tools will be of particular interest. The goal is to continue refining a slot product that surprises and delights guests while reinforcing Miccosukee’s reputation as a leader in the Florida market.  


Max Mcallister_Mohegan

Max Mcallister, Director of Slot Technical Operations
Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT
mohegansun.com   

SLOT FLOOR: Mohegan Sun has firmly established itself as a premier destination for slot enthusiasts, recently earning the prestigious title of #1 “Best Casino for Slots” in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and placing first in various gaming accolades in the latest “Best of Gaming Awards” in Casino Player Magazine, including “Best Overall Gaming” for all of New England. These recognitions reflect Mohegan Sun’s commitment to delivering unparalleled gaming experiences, supported by a $15 million investment across the slot floor over the past two years. With nearly 4,000 slot machines spread throughout Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Earth, Mohegan Sun offers a dynamic and immersive environment that caters to every type of player. From casual gamers to high-stakes thrill-seekers, Mohegan Sun caters to all. 

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GAMES: Playing slots at Mohegan Sun is designed to be both entertaining and visually captivating. Guests are welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere filled with the latest slot technologies and game themes. Both Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Earth feature a wide array of games, including fan favorites like Wheel of Fortune, Double Top Dollar, and progressive slots that build massive jackpots with every spin. The newly introduced Sky Slot Tournament Zone adds another layer of excitement, allowing players to compete in fast-paced tournaments with smoother registration and enhanced bonuses. This area includes popular titles such as Cleopatra, Hex Breaker, and Stinkin’ Rich, and seamlessly transitions between tournament and regular play modes. Technological innovation plays a central role in Mohegan Sun’s appeal. The casino has upgraded its slot displays with iView technology, enabling players to track their Momentum status points, view free slot play offers, and manage their accounts. This interactive experience enhances convenience and engagement, making gameplay more personalized and rewarding. Among the most popular slot features are the hold-and-spin bonus games, particularly the Dragon Link machines, which offer a guaranteed $1 million grand jackpot payout. Other standout games include Ultimate Fire Link, Lightning Dollar Link, and themed slots like Kong: Skull Island and Invaders Attack Again, each offering unique bonus rounds and immersive storytelling. Mohegan Sun’s dedication to innovation, variety, and guest satisfaction has not only earned it national acclaim, but also solidified its reputation as a leader in slot entertainment. Whether guests are drawn by the thrill of high-limit games or the charm of penny slots, Mohegan Sun ensures every visit is packed with excitement and opportunity.    

G2E: It is always an exciting time at G2E and Mohegan Sun is constantly on the lookout for the next big thing. Every year, there’s usually one or two games that really stand out, and you can bet they’ll be hitting the floor very soon. We really enjoy seeing these latest games and all the new technology, and what might capture players’ attention next.


Alex Rodriguez_Pechanga

Alex Rodriguez, VP of Slot Operations
Pechanga Resort Casino – Temecula, CA
Pechanga.com 

SLOT FLOOR: Our guests make Pechanga Resort Casino the thriving and exciting destination it is, so it’s our job to keep the slot floor fun and exhilarating for them. Players can find 200,000 sq. ft. of gaming space at Pechanga and 5,500 slot machines. My staff and I work very hard to make sure we are following customer preferences, finding out what games they like, and which they aren’t gravitating toward. With so much new technology in the slot arena today, we also have to be mindful to maintain games that are not as flashy, as some guests still love three-reel slots and not too much additional fanfare in their games. 

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GAMES: The games and technologies now prove to be pretty incredible. We’ve found machines offering phone charging, surround sound, and interesting and large-scale graphics to be popular with our guests. Overall, they like it when the slots provide frequent bonuses and fun ways to get to those additional rounds of play.    

G2E: Every year, there seems to be at least a couple of games or pieces of tech that really wow us. We’re fortunate to have great relationships with the slot manufacturers, and they know us for executing fun and memorable promotions of their games at Pechanga. We’re really on the lookout for what we’re confident will stick with our guests to continue bringing them the excitement on our slot floor they come back for.   


Albert Geldres_SHRT

Albert Geldres, VP of Slots
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa – Tampa, FL
casino.hardrock.com/tampa   

SLOT FLOOR: When you step onto the slot floor at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, you’ll immediately feel the energy. Spanning more than 200,000 sq. ft., it’s one of the largest in the nation with over 5,250 machines lighting up the action. The sheer scale and variety are designed to deliver something for every kind of player. The main floor hums with nonstop excitement, while non-smoking sections, high-limit and ultra-high-limit rooms, exclusive VIP lounges, and sleek electronic table game pits offer unique experiences for every taste. Whether you’re chasing big wins or soaking in the thrill, every corner of the floor is built to entertain. 

GAMES: Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is all about keeping the action fresh. The team works tirelessly to make sure the newest, most in-demand games are not just installed, but offered at a scale where guests can play them even during peak hours. Just in the past year, the slot performance team has executed nearly 3,400 machine moves with almost 1,000 brand-new installs and more than 1,200 theme conversions. That commitment means guests always have access to the best, most premium experiences in the industry, complete with some of the largest jackpots around. 

SeminoleHRTampa_Logo

Technology takes the fun even further. The Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program includes U-Wallet – a digital wallet that eliminates the need for cash at the machines. Power bank and self-pay jackpots allow instant credit transfers and hassle-free jackpot payouts directly at the slot. With jackpot kiosks and processing stations sprinkled across the floor, the team processes more than 30,000 jackpots each month with an average turnaround of just six minutes – fast, smooth, and rewarding, exactly how guests like it.    

G2E: This year at G2E, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa team is eager to see what’s next in gaming innovation. Our team will be on the lookout to see firsthand the continued development of cutting-edge game content that excite, engage, and energize our guests. We’re watching for game developers who balance the familiar thrill of proven mechanics with bold new twists – think inventive bonuses, stunning graphics, and immersive features that take gameplay to the next level. Pair that with the latest hardware advancements and the team is ready to bring back the very best of G2E to energize their guests in the casino.  


Casey Wilson_Turtle Creek

Casey Wilson, Director of Slot Operations
Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel  – Williamsburg, MI 
turtlecreekcasino.com    

SLOT FLOOR: At Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, guests enjoy a vibrant gaming floor featuring nearly 1,000 machines. The mix is carefully curated – balancing the newest titles with timeless favorites – to ensure there’s something for every type of player. 

Comfort and presentation are top priorities. The spacious layout allows guests to move easily from one game to the next while appreciating the artistry and design that brings each slot machine to life. From the third-floor mezzanine overlook, visitors can take in the full energy and flow of the Turtle Creek Casino, spotting their favorite games and experiencing the excitement from above. A striking Aristocrat mural enhances the atmosphere, drawing players deeper into the worlds of their most-loved titles. 

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The third floor also houses a dedicated smoking section, where guests can enjoy a mix of classic and cutting-edge slots, plus an outdoor area that makes the most of Northern Michigan’s beautiful weather. On the main floor, large-format cabinets encourage shared play, while portrait-style monitors showcase popular mechanics like three-pot progressives and hold-and-spin features that dominate today’s gaming trends. 

Just steps from table games, guests will also find a bar equipped with a full lineup of poker games – from the staples to action-packed IGT favorites. The high-limit room expands the variety even further, with everything from traditional stepper machines to mid-denomination hits such as Dragon Link and Ultimate Fire Link, alongside a steady rotation of fresh content.  

GAMES: Our philosophy is simple: variety matters. By featuring games from nearly every major manufacturer – Aristocrat, IGT, Zitro, and many more – we create a diverse floor where the next big hit could come from anywhere. The gaming landscape moves quickly, and no single title defines the future. By offering a little bit of everything, we capture those sparks of excitement that keep guests engaged and coming back for more.     

G2E: That philosophy extends to industry events like G2E, where we connect with both game creators and service providers. As gaming technology evolves, it’s essential to continually bring the newest and most exciting games to keep our floor ahead of the curve.