Gaming Consultant and Educator, Robert Ambrose, and his son Rob, which is a Software Engineer and Entrepreneur, share their thoughts on different aspects of the gaming industry. One of their thoughts is that their age difference has never been a generational divide.

Robert is a former Atlantic City Gaming Executive, consultant, university instructor and freelance writer. Rob, his son, who is thirty years younger than his father, is a software engineer, former professional gamer and blackjack dealer. Rob is also the founder of software and design consultancy, Ambrose Gaming.

Rising in the Gaming Industry

Rob mentioned that he was always passionate about gaming and he also used it as a social outlet. For him, the experience in gaming was challenging, socializing and stimulating. Games demonstrate talent, logic and opportunity.

Rob has spent most of his time seeking game experience through soccer, basketball, and competitive video game tournaments, while he was also developing skills as a software developer, designer and artist. Once he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of the Arts, Philadelphia in 2009, he decided to experience the casino floor by working as a dealer at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

As he was slinging cards in the weekends, during the week he maintained his main job as a software developer and continued to advance his career as a professional Esports player. These opportunities led Rob to start his own business, Ambrose Gaming. The consultancy firm provides services in custom software, design and gamification.

Rob transitioned away from the competitive gaming and now he serves as an on-screen Esports analyst at international tournaments. With this he launched his own Esports strategy app, Trick Stat, which allows teams, coaches and analysts to discuss and draw strategies on in-game maps.

The Role in the Industry

Nowadays, Robert is a gaming consultant and also instructs at the university. He collaborates with the industry’s professionals, he is doing reports on consulting research, teaches academic lectures and writes his articles in a freelance publication.

Robert was attracted by the psychology of gaming and hospitality models. He was fascinated by the data collection that defined the market, and by the evolution of state technology and products. He found his niche in casino operations, and he pursued the casino development towards the executive level in Atlantic City and in the Midwest.

His son, was exposed to the casino gaming industry through him, which was later enhanced through Esports. They are from different generations and they have a unique perspective as well as a different set of skills. However, they both come to have many similar conclusions about the future of the gaming industry.

Rob believes that gaming is much more than just a casino floor experience. It is an entertainment hub with endless opportunities. Some of these properties are destinations to discover new cuisine, see a live show, watch your favorite game, online connection through an online casino, like Admiral Casino and many more.

The fun on the games is always there, even through boasting the latest tech and bright lights. It is important that these properties need to maintain their entertainment machine and stay relevant to the next generation. Rob mentioned that he and his father get lost in conversation for hours when they debate this idea.

The Formula That Helps a Property

When asked about this Robert believes that a property with a presentation of player service is the canvas of the players experience. He has spent his entire career involved with customer service platform, in presentation and education. By simply training the employees, the set of learned skills will accomplish short-term goals. However, there is no depth of a model.

Educating the employees in what is behind a service experience, and going beyond property scripting and the often commonplace, is where the real learning resides. Team building relies on a mix of talented leaders that coach and lead multi-generational and multi-cultural group of diverse employees. It is a commitment done by property leaders to offer their time, as well as their commitment. If the process of hospitality is learned well, this culture will transcend the employee towards a positive guest experience.

Rob says that his dad has a spot on with these ideas. In addition, in order to run a business, it is imperative to attribute qualities of both leader and manager. A leader must be able to motivate, inspire and challenge their teammates. A manager has to plan, delegate and execute. These skills are applicable in any industry or team environment.   

Esports Events That Fit in Casino Industry

Because Rob is a former Esports player with deep roots in the casino industry, he believes that Esports have dramatically increased its influence over the years. The broadcast production gets better each year through innovative tech and dedicated venues.

The casino is the best spot for hosting Esports events. Typically done by the weekend, during the long events there is plenty to see and to do on the property as a spectator or competitor. In addition, the staff that helps to put on the show. Hosting an Esports tournament gives a boost of traffic with all the attendees. Plus, there are attendees who view the event from their home and the casino brand gets an extra exposure.

Robert described that a magazine once described the Millennials as difficult to reach. However, a good portion of them can be found participating in Esports. Robert has watched the Esports market grow in the past 15 years through his son’s involvement. Robert knew that Esports and casino can work together. All it needed was to figure each other out. Companies get into major sports franchises and teams. The Esports environment may be virtual, but it happens in real life, on a property.

The Direction of the Gaming Industry

Robert says that in some instances, the initiation had a slow start. Whatever it was marketing issues, skepticism by properties on what games will bring to the bottom-line, or the sophistication of the game in terms of the players. The games evolve in content and player acceptance and it can find its place on the gaming floor.

Rob says that skill based games provide a more immersive experience for those who grew up in the digital age. A joystick or a game controller is a more popular interface than a slot game. Add a controlled a variance of skill and you created a formula for hours of entertainment for the millennial gamer. Meanwhile, a traditional slot game doesn’t offer fun and social experience, compared to the game experiences of today.

Change is constant and in the past, Robert has seen many acquisitions, start-up initiatives and new gaming products who drive the industry. Change takes time and he thinks that in the future the general amenities will be into a seamless connectivity.

Rob has always admired his father’s career. He was amazed to see how their paths continue to cross over. He sees the future of casino gaming being bright. Because technology and entertainment continues to evolve and the industry must remain adaptable.