Lecture with Steven Crystal

Introduction

• Host: Tim
• Guest: Steven Crystal, Co-founder of SCCG Management
• Location: Vegas, G2E
• Focus: Gaming industry developments and personal experiences

SCCG Management Developments (2023)

International Growth

• Focus on Latin America (LAAN market)
  • Special focus on Brazil
• Expansion efforts in Asia
  • Countries visited: Thailand, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia

Niche Content

• Professional pillow fighting
  • Popularity among retired/former MMA fighters
  • Interest from esteemed figures like Joe Cortez (Boxing Hall of Fame)
• MMA in Brazil

Lady Luck HQ Partnership

• Major opportunity for SCCG
• Global expansion of the Lady Luck HQ brand as a social casino
• Focus on leveraging bespoke content and a rewards ecosystem

Key Questions & Discussions

Proudest Achievement in Gaming

• Purchasing Jackie Gon's assets in downtown Vegas
• Managed six operating casinos and 10 square city blocks
• High-profile undertaking completed between ages 35-38

Thoughts on Downtown Vegas Development

• Involvement with visionary individuals like Tony Shay and Tim Poster
• Contribution to development but focusing more on future endeavors

Career Regrets

• Issues with being too early in adopting innovations
  • Example: Electronic table games

Best Investment

• Land deal in Kansas City (1993)
  • $10,000 down payment for land sold for $46 million

Biggest Success Story in Gaming

• Ownership of Vox Wine Lounge
  • Financial failure due to 2008 recession
  • Great joy and value in entertainment provided

Trends in the Gaming Industry

• Innovation adoption time
  • Example: Electronic table games took 15 years to be fully integrated
• Speed of changes during COVID (e.g., electronic wallets)

Future Trends for 2024

• Shortage of technology platforms in the US market
  • Platforms for iGaming, PAMs
• Importance of CRM, customer loyalty, and AI
  • Usage of AI for better customer understanding and retention

Conclusion

• Positive outlook for innovation in the gaming industry
• Focused on new chapters and upcoming trends like AI and platform diversification