10 Women Rising in Gaming
Heather Rapp
Company: Caesars Entertainment, SVP Regional Marketing and Strategy
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 27
Hometown: Saint Lucas, Iowa
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
I started as a cocktail waitress in 1997 as a summer job between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I had no idea that would lead to a 27-year career with Caesars Entertainment.
I’ve always loved the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of our industry. There is always something new happening or a new problem to solve that keeps things interesting.
Caesars is passionate about investing in its team members and growing them into future leaders. I’m incredibly thankful that this has been my journey. When I started as a cocktail waitress, I never would have imagined it would lead me into marketing, then running a property as an SVP and General Manager, then over to Corporate to oversee our CSR efforts and in my current role as SVP of Regional Marketing. I love that no career path is the same within our company and I hear similar stories from other women who work across our industry.
Were you familiar with gambling, casinos, sports betting or any of the other facets of the industry before you started? Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?
I was familiar with gambling but as an 18-year-old, I had no idea there was an entire industry behind my local riverboat casino.
I was definitely surprised by the overall energy of the business when I first started. Each time I’ve taken on a new role, I gain a whole new level of appreciation for what we do. Gaming is complex and highly regulated; few industries operate like we do, and it requires a dynamic team to execute successfully. I also wasn’t aware of how much our local properties do for the communities around them. Seeing the positive impact, we’ve had over the years is something that I’ll always hold close.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
Working in gaming is incredibly engaging for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the opportunity to create experiences that can entertain, challenge, and even inspire our guests is incredibly fulfilling.
Also, the community impact aspect of gaming companies is such a heartening facet of the industry. Through Caesars’ CSR framework, People Planet Play, we support the communities in which we operate as well as our Team Members in so many ways. Our charitable giving initiatives, including Caesars Foundation and Caesars Make Change, allow us to support numerous charitable organizations across the company. Our national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a great example of our integrated giving partnerships. We support BGCA at a national and local level and many of our Team Members also utilize the Boys & Girls Clubs in their local communities. We also support communities through our volunteer, inclusion, and sustainability efforts.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
Stay curious and always be looking for your next opportunity even when you least expect to find it. The industry evolves rapidly, so a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. Stay curious and open to new ideas and opportunities and be willing to adapt and grow in your career.
What are your long-term goals? What do you hope to accomplish?
Honestly my long-term goal is quite simple – I want to be able to contribute to the overall success of the business while providing an environment that empowers our team members, particularly emerging leaders, and helps them grow and achieve their goals.
Do you think there is a personality type that’s well suited for this industry? What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
I don’t know that there is one single personality type that is best suited for this industry. I believe diverse teams are the most successful. I believe the skills that have served me well thus far are my creativity, adaptability, attention to detail, and collaborative nature.
What do you wish you would have known starting out in gaming?
I wish I knew how important it would be to be resilient. The gaming industry is ultra-competitive and changes rapidly. This can lead to both opportunities and challenges and navigating this environment requires a strong sense of persistence and resilience.
Do you have any resource recommendations/suggestions for other people who desire a career in gaming?
I strongly recommend joining GGW and taking advantage of all the incredible resources they have available.
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
I really try to focus on a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for growth and to learn something new. It’s also incredibly important to build your support networks and leverage them as often as you need.
