In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with Nick Ippolito, Player Development Mentor and "The Host Whisperer," to unpack how casino player development really works across markets. Kicking off with Nick's article "I'm Not Talking About Vegas!", the conversation explains why blanket advice fails outside destination markets and how hosts must tailor strategy to property realities like comp percentages, visit frequency, tax environments, and leadership maturity.

Topics:

• The inspiration behind "I'm Not Talking About Vegas" and the responsibility of industry voices

• How casino markets differ globally: Vegas vs. regional vs. international properties

• Defining "true player development" and how it originated in Atlantic City

• The evolution of telemarketing and its influence on today's host model

• Adapting training and PD strategy for each property and demographic

• The challenge of player loyalty in the modern casino environment

• Property-specific comp policies, taxes, and leadership differences

• The importance of staying in your lane and specializing within casino operations

• Upcoming news and conferences in casino player development

Learn more: https://trio360.vip/adapting-casino-player-development-strategy-cocktails-at-the-tangiers-nick-ippolito-interview/

In this interview, Hawk Tax Solutions Tax Director and Enrolled Agent Ashley Davis joins URComped CEO Craig Shacklett to answer some of the most common gambling accounting and tax questions players face. She breaks down what qualifies as a professional gambler, how to properly track wins and losses, and which expenses can be deducted. The conversation also covers tricky areas like sweepstakes casinos, crypto play, state-to-state taxation, and how content creation can support professional claims.

Topics Discussed:

- Why sweepstakes casino losses don't offset winnings

- How to keep an acceptable gambling journal or win-loss record

- Criteria for qualifying as a professional gambler, even with a day job

- Using YouTube or content creation to support professional status claims

- Deductible expenses for professional gamblers (travel, software, coaching, tournaments, ATM fees)

- Tax treatment of daily fantasy sports, offshore casinos, and crypto gambling

- State taxation issues and when it makes sense to itemize losses

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/6131103/casino-tax-rules-tracking-wins-losses-deductions-more

In this interview, URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett, sits down with Robert Christensen, Director of Digital Gaming at Choctaw Casino, for an in-depth look at the evolving world of online gaming through the lens of tribal operations. From the launch of Choctaw's Social Casino to the nuances of Class II versus Class III gaming, Christensen breaks down complex regulatory frameworks, the rise of sweepstakes and prediction markets, and Choctaw's strategic approach to digital gaming within sovereign tribal lands. The conversation also explores how European markets have influenced U.S. iGaming development, the growing tension between traditional and gray market operators, and how data-driven personalization is reshaping online player experiences.

Topics Discussed:

• Robert Christensen's Role
• Definitions & Distinctions in Online Gaming
• What are Social Casinos, Sweepstakes Casinos, iGaming, Prediction Markets, etc. and how are they different?
• Legal and Regulatory Landscape
• What are Class 2 games
• What is IGRA and how does it work
• What are compacts?
• Choctaw's Strategic Focus
• Expanding mobile gaming access beyond reservation boundaries
• Tribal Sovereignty & Class II Gaming
• European Influence & Technology Partnerships
• The Future of Online Gaming in the U.S.
• Barriers for iGaming development
• Casino Marketing: Digital vs. Brick-and-Mortar
• Responsible Gaming & Industry Ethics Learn more: https://trio360.vip/inside-tribal-igaming-choctaws-digital-strategy/

In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett speaks with Edge Boost Founder and CEO Seni Thomas about his innovative payment solution designed to streamline how gamers access funds while playing. They explore how the company's unique approach provides a solution to payment bottlenecks, offering gamers a secure and efficient way to access funds. The discussion explores the benefits of Edge Boost's innovative product, including its high debit card limit, and how it's reshaping the way payments are handled in both land-based and online gaming.

Sign up for Edge Boost today and get a $75 deposit match with promo code "urcomped"! Start accessing your funds faster and smarter here: https://www.vcx5res.com/URCOMPED/

Topics Discussed: Introduction to Edge Boost and its mission to simplify gaming payments Common issues with traditional payment systems in gaming The Edge Boost solution: secure, high-limit transactions without declines Key features of the product and how it works across both land-based and online platforms Partnerships with major casino brands and expansion plans Edge Boost's impact on reducing payment friction for gamers

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/5602060/edge-boost-the-debit-card-revolutionizing-access-to-gaming-funds

After releasing the article, "The Elephant In The Room: Casino Security," Nick Ippolito, Player Development Mentor AKA "The Host Whisperer," joins URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett in a deep discussion about customer service. The conversation covers Ippolito's experience at Soboba Casino, issues around casino security, the role of non-gaming employees in player development, the significance of understanding player experiences, and more. Read the article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elephant-room-casino-security-nick-ippolito-bg4nc/

Topics Discussed: - Ippolito's time at Soboba Casino - Casino security issues - Non-gaming employees and player development - How casinos evaluate and fix security issues - Understanding the player experience - Importance of feedback and acting on it

Learn more: https://trio360.vip/the-true-customer-experience-cocktails-at-the-tangiers-nick-ippolito-interview/

In this engaging interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with Kevin Sweet, Senior Vice President of Slot Marketing and Operations at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, to explore what makes this stunning new property on the Strip a must-visit destination. From exclusive gaming experiences and top-tier dining to luxurious rooms and unforgettable entertainment, Sweet gives an insider's look at what guests can expect. The conversation also dives into how Fontainebleau Las Vegas compares to its iconic Miami counterpart, how the resort caters to both locals and loyal players through its rewards program and cashback offerings, and the leadership approach driving exceptional customer service.

Topics Discussed: -What do players have to look forward to at Fontainebleau Las Vegas? -How does Fontainebleau Las Vegas compare to Fontainebleau Miami? -What are the rooms and suites like? -What kinds of entertainment and events does Fontainebleau Las Vegas offer? -What are some featured dining options at Fontainebleau Las Vegas? -How does Fontainebeau Rewards work? -What surprised you coming into Fontainebleau Las Vegas and what projects have you started since joining? -What games are featured on the casino floor? -How do you evaluate customer service as a leader at your property? -Fontainebleau Cash Back Rewards? -How does Fontainebleau Las Vegas take care of local players and guests?

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/5284712/discover-fontainebleau-las-vegas-casino-rewards-and-more

In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett speaks with Jaimie McGuiness, Marketing Manager, and Charleyn Jacobson, Casino Operations Manager at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, about the innovative EZ Play Zone powered by Interblock and how it's reshaping traditional table games with modern technology. They break down what makes EZ Play special, including its hybrid design combining electronic betting with live dealer interaction. The discussion explores the range of games offered, how it works for the players, removes intimidation, and how the system still brings a social atmosphere. They also touch on how tipping works with no chips, how EZ Play impacts player ratings and comps, and what staffing and dealer training look like.

Topics Discussed: - What EZ Play is and how it differs from traditional table games - Games available in the EZ Play Zone - Overview and design of the EZ Play Zone - Interaction with live dealers vs. fully automated play - Social atmosphere of EZ Play compared to traditional pits - Minimum bet, odds, and payouts compared to traditional tables - Side bets and features unique to EZ Play - Player customization options (language, betting style, etc.) - Guest feedback of EZ Play - Rollout between Hollywood Gulf Coast and Boomtown Biloxi - How EZ Play activity counts toward comps and ratings - Future expansion plans for EZ Play - How tipping works in the EZ Play environment - Dealer training and staffing considerations for EZ Play

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/5229475/revolutionizing-table-games-hollywood-casino-gulf-coast-makes-moves-with-ez-play

In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett speaks with Jaimie McGuiness, Marketing Manager, and Charleyn Jacobson, Casino Operations Manager at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, about the innovative EZ Play Zone powered by Interblock and how it’s reshaping traditional table games with modern technology. They break down what makes EZ Play special, including its hybrid design combining electronic betting with live dealer interaction. The discussion explores the range of games offered, how it works for the players, removes intimidation, and how the system still brings a social atmosphere. They also touch on how tipping works with no chips, how EZ Play impacts player ratings and comps, and what staffing and dealer training look like. 

Topics Discussed: - What EZ Play is and how it differs from traditional table games - Games available in the EZ Play Zone - Overview and design of the EZ Play Zone - Interaction with live dealers vs. fully automated play - Social atmosphere of EZ Play compared to traditional pits - Minimum bet, odds, and payouts compared to traditional tables - Side bets and features unique to EZ Play - Player customization options (language, betting style, etc.) - Guest feedback of EZ Play - Rollout between Hollywood Gulf Coast and Boomtown Biloxi - How EZ Play activity counts toward comps and ratings - Future expansion plans for EZ Play - How tipping works in the EZ Play environment - Dealer training and staffing considerations for EZ Play

In this exciting interview, URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett sits down with Melissa Newman, AKA 'Professor Melissa,' to go behind the scenes of this cruise content creator. We dive into her journey—from what she was doing before launching her channel to the moment she decided to share her perspective with the world. Known for her viral and sometimes controversial videos, Professor Melissa opens up about what sets her content apart, the creative process, and what led her to expand her platform. Plus, she reveals her favorite cruise port, go-to ship restaurant, and what exciting plans are on the horizon for her growing channel.

Topics discussed: Professor Melissa platforms Her career and background prior to launching the channel The inspiration behind starting her cruise-focused channel Professor Melissa's viral and controversial videos What sets her channel apart from others in the cruise content space What is Professor Melissa's process to create content Why and how she decided to expand her brand Her personal favorite cruise port and onboard restaurant What's next for Professor Melissa's Channel

View Professor Melissa Channels: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfMelissa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_melissa_newman/# Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@professormelissa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profmelissacruises Website: https://www.profmelissa.com/

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/5186529/behind-the-scenes-with-professor-melissa

In this exciting interview, URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett sits down with Melissa Newman, AKA 'Professor Melissa,' to go behind the scenes of this cruise content creator. We dive into her journey—from what she was doing before launching her channel to the moment she decided to share her perspective with the world. Known for her viral and sometimes controversial videos, Professor Melissa opens up about what sets her content apart, the creative process, and what led her to expand her platform. Plus, she reveals her favorite cruise port, go-to ship restaurant, and what exciting plans are on the horizon for her growing channel.

Topics discussed: Professor Melissa platforms Her career and background prior to launching the channel The inspiration behind starting her cruise-focused channel Professor Melissa's viral and controversial videos What sets her channel apart from others in the cruise content space What is Professor Melissa's process to create content Why and how she decided to expand her brand Her personal favorite cruise port and onboard restaurant What's next for Professor Melissa's Channel

View Professor Melissa Channels: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfMelissa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_melissa_newman/# Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@professormelissa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profmelissacruises Website: https://www.profmelissa.com/

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/5186529/behind-the-scenes-with-professor-melissa