Top-10 Casino and Gambling Consultants in NA [2024]

The North American casino and gambling industry is a dynamic and evolving landscape, characterized by rapid technological advancements and changing regulatory environments. In this highly competitive market, expert guidance is invaluable for navigating complexities and achieving success. This article highlights the top 10 casino and gambling consultants in North America for 2024.

These industry leaders bring a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge, offering insights into market trends, regulatory compliance, operational efficiencies, and strategic growth. Whether you’re launching a new venture or optimizing an established operation, these consultants provide the expertise necessary to thrive in the ever-changing world of gaming.

1. Nicole Sims 

Nicole Sims is a seasoned professional in the iGaming industry, currently serving as a Program Manager at the Gambling Portal Webmasters Association (GPWA). She specializes in promoting iGaming affiliate programs to a global network of over 35,000 affiliates and professionals. With a strategic approach to online marketing, Nicole and her team at GPWA focus on increasing the visibility and engagement of Sponsored Affiliate Programs.

With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has a comprehensive understanding of the iGaming landscape, which spans various gambling verticals. Her expertise includes team management, affiliate marketing, online gaming, and affiliate management. She has a strong background in online advertising, email marketing, and online marketing, and is skilled in managing complex projects related to poker, gaming, and casino operations.

Nicole’s skills extend to strategy, conversion optimization, social media marketing, and customer acquisition. She has a proven track record in business development, CRM, and mobile marketing, and is proficient in handling VIP services, performance-based marketing, and campaign management. Her work has also involved managing networks, casual and social games, mobile games, eGaming, and sports betting.

As a company owner and iGaming consultant, Nicole has developed a reputation for her ability to drive growth and uphold reputability in the iGaming industry. She is highly skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with affiliates and other stakeholders.

2. Michael Mendyk

Michael Mendyk is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience as a senior executive and consultant, specializing in the software, gaming, and regulated industries. His extensive expertise encompasses all core operational, technical, and business development functions. Michael has successfully managed high-profile software development projects, led capital-raising initiatives, and structured M&A exit events, showcasing his ability to align product direction with corporate growth strategies.

One of Michael’s notable accomplishments was his leadership role at Jackpot Software, where he played a pivotal part in transitioning the company from a developer of land-based software for non-regulated markets to a licensed supplier of certified gaming products for regulated markets. His efforts included overseeing the company’s regulatory compliance operations and securing market access agreements with B2C gaming operators, as well as spearheading special projects aimed at driving the company’s future growth.

Michael’s comprehensive understanding of the gambling industry and his broad skill set make him an invaluable resource for executive management teams. He offers actionable insights to help businesses articulate their value propositions and develop successful strategies for expanding their operations in the rapidly growing sports betting and online gaming segments of the US gambling industry.

3. John Dugas

John Dugas is a seasoned Casino Gaming Consultant with over 25 years of experience. Based in North Las Vegas, NV, he has been offering consulting services for casino turnarounds, startups, and gaming device OEMs since March 2012. He specializes in emerging markets in the Western Hemisphere and Asia.

Previously, John served as the Director of Business Development at Flextronics, engaging Tier 1 Gaming OEMs and representing the company at industry trade shows. He also held leadership roles at Unicum Gaming, driving significant sales growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, and at Valtech International/MEI Global, where he led a 400% revenue increase and prepared the company for acquisition.

John’s expertise includes business development, sales, marketing, and product development in the gaming industry. He is known for his ability to drive revenue growth and navigate technical and compliance challenges.

4. Stephen Naylor

Stephen Naylor is a seasoned Casino Gaming Consultant specializing in regulatory compliance, with extensive experience in the iGaming industry. He currently serves as the CEO of Next Level Advisors, where he has been leading the company since October 2021. Prior to this, Stephen was the Senior Director of Client Success at GAN, a prominent role he held from April 2018 to July 2021, focusing on enhancing client relations and service delivery.

Before joining GAN, Stephen spent over four years at Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (GLI) as an iGaming Service Delivery Manager and Client Services Manager. At GLI, he assisted North American and European clients in navigating regulated gaming markets, ensuring compliance with industry standards and facilitating product certifications. His responsibilities included overseeing global iGaming projects and providing comprehensive regulatory compliance testing for gaming equipment.

Stephen’s comprehensive expertise in regulatory compliance, technical project management, and gaming industry operations makes him a valuable advisor for companies looking to navigate the complex landscape of the gaming and gambling industries.

5. Alex Szilaghi

Alex Szilaghi is a seasoned professional in gambling consulting and development, boasting over 20 years of experience in legal consulting, IT, and project management within the iGaming industry. He has a proven track record of managing multiple concurrent projects, including the development of online gambling and Forex white label systems, overseeing teams of up to 80 people, and handling projects with budgets as large as $30 million.

Alex excels in project and program management, with expertise in scope, quality, resource, schedule, communications, and third-party contract management. He is adept at building sales strategies, leading teams, and fostering strong client relationships to achieve business goals. His hands-on leadership style, combined with excellent communication skills, helps align sales processes with cutting-edge technologies and ensures team buy-in on key initiatives.

His core competencies include legal consulting, complex product sales, client relationship management, team training and evaluation, technology-business analysis, and customer service improvement. Alex is also skilled in consultative selling approaches, customer needs assessment, and senior executive consultations.

6. Tony Fontaine 

Tony Fontaine is a seasoned executive in business development, with over 25 years of experience in the Lottery, iGaming, and payments industries. Currently a Senior Executive Consultant at Gaming Insights, Tony has been pivotal in developing and launching innovative products and services. His work includes creating interactive game cards using smart card technology, developing smart card-based standalone electronic gaming machines, and designing systems for check fulfillment and lottery sales without traditional terminals. He has also been involved in launching the first legal online sportsbook in the USA and developing a handicapper-based wagering system for advanced deposit wagering. Recognized as the Internet Gaming Law and Management Innovator of the Year in 1999, Tony is also a prolific inventor with multiple awarded patents in gaming. His expertise and innovative contributions have significantly advanced the gaming and lottery sectors.

7. Cameron Savage

Cameron Savage is a management consultant based at Kearney’s Toronto office, specializing in private equity, M&A, and strategy consulting. With a focus on corporate strategy, sector investment strategy, commercial due diligence, portfolio company value creation, and merger integration, Cameron serves clients across North America in diverse sectors, including retail, manufacturing, transportation, loyalty, telco, tech, health, public transit, grocery, financial services, and gambling.

Prior to joining Kearney, where he currently holds the position of Engagement Manager, Cameron worked at Accenture for five years in various roles, including Business Strategy Manager. His experience also includes a stint as a Venture Capital Summer Analyst at BerQ Capital Inc., where he focused on green technology companies.

Cameron graduated with distinction from the Ivey Business School’s HBA program. He is skilled in M&A, business growth strategies, private equity, and has a proven track record in management consulting. His abilities in financial modeling, public speaking, and leadership complement his technical skills in tools like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

8. Dennis Conrad

Dennis Conrad is an experienced executive consultant with a focus on select casino and gaming clients, emphasizing customer and employee focus, as well as marketing strategies. Based in Reno, Nevada, Dennis currently operates under Conrad on Casino Consulting, where he has been helping clients since January 2022. He provides expertise in creating customer-centric and employee-friendly environments, ultimately driving profitability.

Previously, Dennis served as the President Emeritus at Raving Consulting, where he continued to consult on gaming strategies from October 2017 to January 2022. Before that, he was the President and Chief Strategist at Raving Consulting Company for nearly 20 years, leading a team in developing and executing effective consulting solutions for gaming clients.

Dennis is highly skilled in various aspects of the gaming industry, including casino operations, online gaming, hospitality, VIP services, and marketing strategies. He is also proficient in team building, customer service, motivational speaking, market analysis, and player development. His broad skill set and deep industry knowledge make him a valuable advisor for gaming businesses looking to enhance their operations and market presence.

9. Magnus Natt och Dag 

Magnus Natt och Dag is a seasoned business consultant with extensive experience in the iGaming sector. He currently serves as the Commercial Director North America and Financial Controller at Play’n GO, a position he has held since July 2022. In addition to his role at Play’n GO, Magnus has been the Swedish Honorary Consul for North and South Carolina since March 2006, a role in which he represents Swedish interests in these regions.

Previously, Magnus was a business consultant at Investor LLC, working remotely from September 2021 to April 2024. He also served as President & General Manager at Saab, Inc. Signature Management, Land Systems from January 2018 to August 2021. Before that, Magnus held the roles of VP CFO & Treasurer at Saab for nearly 16 years, where he was based in Lillington, North Carolina.

Magnus’s expertise spans change management, business strategy, risk management, mergers, process improvement, and strategic planning. He has a strong background in organizational development, financial reporting, leadership, and management consulting. Additionally, Magnus is skilled in project planning, public relations, start-ups, program management, and business process improvement. His broad experience in both the public and private sectors, combined with his strategic and financial acumen, makes him a valuable advisor in various business contexts.

10. Dan Colella

Dan Colella is a seasoned casino marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience in the highly competitive casino and hotel industry. With a background in senior management roles, including 15 years at the director level or above, Dan has a proven track record in analyzing critical business needs, identifying growth opportunities, and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions to enhance competitiveness and increase revenues.

Currently self-employed, Dan provides expert consulting services to leading gaming and casino marketing companies, specializing in brand building, database management, direct mail programs, customer development, and advertising. He has a strong background in launching and managing air charter programs and coordinating regional marketing representative networks.

Previously, Dan served as V.P. of Junket Marketing at Tropicana Casino & Resort, where he developed a successful air charter program and instituted operational policies that focused on customer service and profitability. He also held the position of V.P. of Casino Marketing at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, where he led efforts in advertising, player development, special events, and junket marketing to establish the brand and increase market share.

The Masters of the Casino Universe

As we look ahead to 2024, the expertise of casino and gambling consultants in North America becomes increasingly crucial in navigating the industry’s complexities. The ten professionals highlighted in this article represent the pinnacle of strategic insight, regulatory knowledge, and operational excellence. They are the architects behind the scenes, shaping the future of gaming by helping businesses adapt, grow, and thrive in a competitive market. Whether you are a new entrant or a seasoned player in the industry, leveraging the expertise of these top consultants can be the key to unlocking unparalleled success and ensuring a sustainable future in the ever-evolving casino landscape.