Global Gaming Expo
OCTOBER 6-9, 2025
THE VENETIAN EXPO, LAS VEGAS

Industry Insider: Demi Adebowale, Director of Casino Operations, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

In this edition of the Industry Insider, we spoke with Demi Adebowale, Director of Casino Operations at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa about her journey into gaming, how online and in-person gaming complement each other, what she’s most looking forward to seeing at G2E 2024, and more.

 

You have an impressive career in gaming that spans more than a decade. Can you talk about how that journey has shaped where you are now and how you’ve seen the gaming industry change?

My entrance into the gaming industry was as a box office clerk, far removed from the gaming floor. I was bright-eyed, slightly intimidated, but eager and fascinated by the industry. Very early on, I learned that this industry was full of growth opportunities if you were willing to seize them.

From the beginning, I had an interest and desire to immerse myself in the business, and that's exactly what I've been doing. I've witnessed gaming growing and maintaining bigger footprints in regional markets, hoppers being replaced in slot machines in favor of Tito printers, and now digital footprint expansion.

 

You are currently the Director of Casino Operations at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, a property that is a brick-and-mortar location that also offers iGaming. Why is this approach important and how do these offerings work in tandem to improve the customer experience?

It's essential to meet our players where they are and revolutionize accessibility. When you think about the conveniences we experience, curbside pickup or delivery services exist for almost everything in our daily lives; we ask the question, why not the same for gaming? Why not have the same experience from the comfort of your home? If you want to bet on a live table game from the comfort of your living room, you can do that. Want to play your favorite slot machine online? You can do that. Do you want to earn points or slot promotions from your online gaming... done! Our partnership with BetMGM will continue to advance and expand, offering a similar gaming experience at home as we do from our brick-and-mortar operation.

 

Legal, regulated iGaming revenue has continued to grow in the U.S. despite challenges in passing regulations in various states. With New Jersey being one of the first states to implement iGaming, have you seen an increase in your customer base both online and in-person? What strategies have you adopted to convert new customers to lifelong, loyal customers?

The history of online gaming is still relatively young, with tremendous opportunities to fine-tune. Excellent customer support, quick response times, and knowledgeable staff create a positive customer experience. Providing a seamless and user-friendly interface for online and land-based gaming experiences enhances customer satisfaction. We have had BetMGM-specific promotions that earn you land-based free-play, and we are introducing brand-recognizable games online. Diversifying the game selection, including dual-play live streaming of table games from our casino floor to the BETMGM online casino, regularly raising new titles, and maintaining customer engagement and interest. Ensuring that the gaming platform is accessible across various devices and platforms allows users to play whenever and wherever they prefer. Implementing loyalty programs with exclusive perks for our top-tier customers also encourages long-term online/land-based engagement.

 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are being prioritized throughout the gaming industry. How do groups like African Americans in Gaming, which you are a member of, help move initiatives like this forward? Additionally, where do you identify opportunities for enhancement within the industry?

Groups like the African Americans in Gaming and Global Gaming Women have impacted diversity, equality, and inclusion by being visible, guiding their younger members, and providing a space to connect with colleagues across the industry. I have experienced people in the groups whom I have never met in person reach out to connect and share experiences, which is such a tremendous example of fostering a sense of community. I’m a big advocate for mentorship and sponsorship; these groups provide space for that. We are seeing other operators adopt versions of these groups everywhere, which is beautiful. I am proud to say my property has a Borgata Women’s Networking Group, which I co-chair. Several groups across the enterprise offer support and mentorship in our ongoing commitment to create an environment where every individual is celebrated for their unique contributions.

 

G2E is the catalyst for legal, regulated gaming – fostering innovation and driving growth by convening the global industry in one place to get business done. What trends and technologies are you most looking forward to seeing at G2E 2024?

I am looking forward to seeing new seamless, cashless, integration technology. I look forward to seeing the improvement of the land base and online integration. I’m excited to see if there's anything new and fun in sports betting this year. Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing the new cabinets and themes. Finally, networking and the speakers at G2E have always been impactful. I’ve met some incredible people in the business every year, and I know that will continue.