Lecture on Gaming Industry with Noah Akers

Speaker Introduction

• Name: Noah Akers
• Company: Akers Manufacturing
• Role: Involved in marketing, sales, product design, etc.
• Notable Mention: His father, John Akers

Company Background: Akers Manufacturing

• Focus: Technological improvements for casinos
• Innovation: Designed player tracking and loyalty systems in the casino industry 25+ years ago
• Current Challenge: Competing with outdated systems still used by casinos

Approach and Philosophy

• Player Perspective: High priority on improving player experience
• Legacy: Noah's father viewed as a visionary and influential figure in gaming

Challenges of Following a Legacy

• Pressure: Noah acknowledges the tough act of following his father's impactful contributions
• Attributes of John Akers: Logical thinking, perseverance, innovative mindset

Advances in Casino Technology

Cashless Gaming

• Benefits: Reduced costs in inventory, secured money, transaction fees
• Challenges: Convincing players of the benefits of cashless systems
• Products: Akers' Foundation system, data collection, bonus creation, real-time financial management

Real-Time Data

• Importance: Enhancing player experiences, personalized marketing
• Comparison: Industries like Google, Amazon, and Netflix utilize real-time data effectively
• Current State: Most casinos lack real-time data; industry slow to adapt

Future of Real-Time Data and Cashless Gaming

• Modernization Timeline: Potentially quick changes if adopted
• Player Benefits: Tailored offers, personalized marketing, real-time engagement
• Industry Growth: Possible exponential growth akin to tech industry once embraced

Industry Challenges

• Pandemic Impact: Affecting travel, labor shortages, and operations
• Aging Demographics: Need to attract younger players demanding personalized experiences
• Operational Efficiency: Importance of service standards, positive customer experiences

Goals for 2022

• Expansion: Increase installation of Foundation system, reach six figures in games
• Innovation: Introduce new bonus systems, third-party app store
• Success Measurement: Achieve milestones in real-time data usage, enhance player personalization tactics

Conclusion

• Vision: Continued path of innovation and successfully enhancing casino technology
• Appreciation: Noah acknowledges the support and looks forward to future discussions