10 Women Rising in Gaming
Krystal Jones
Company, position: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
I fell into the gaming industry by chance, but looking back, it was exactly where I was meant to be. At the time, I was looking for a position in accounting or finance to match my love of numbers, and I was specifically looking for roles in Vegas to be closer to family. Once I got into gaming, my first role was an accounts payable analyst at Caesars. What kept me there was the unique opportunity of being exposed to so many types of businesses, all under one roof. It is really something you can only experience by working for a casino resort destination. This helped shape my entire career trajectory, taking me through roles at MGM National Harbor where I built finance divisions from the ground up as part of their opening team, then to Horseshoe Casino Baltimore as VP of Finance, and ultimately to my current position as SVP and CFO of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. The gaming industry chose me as much as I chose it, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where that journey has taken me.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
One of my favorite things about working in the gaming industry is the incredible exposure it provides. Every single day is different; our industry touches so many different verticals, from hospitality to dining to entertainment, and it can all be experienced under one roof. That diversity is something you simply can’t find in most other industries. The fast-paced, high-energy nature of the industry keeps me engaged and excited to come to work every single day. There’s never a dull moment when you’re managing finances for a property that welcomes millions of visitors annually. The stakes are high, the decisions are impactful, and the results are immediate. It’s exactly the kind of environment where my competitive spirit thrives. I would be remiss not to mention the people. I work with such a strong and engaged team that inspires me to work hard and continue to innovate. From our executive leadership to our front-line team members, everyone understands that we’re not just running a casino, we’re creating experiences. What’s truly unique about gaming is how it combines the precision of financial analysis with the creativity of entertainment and hospitality. One day I’m working on compliance requirements, the next I’m evaluating the ROI on a new dining concept or entertainment venue. The regulatory environment, the 24/7 operations, the integration of technology and tradition all creates a business ecosystem unlike anything else.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
Always think of yourself as an equal competitor. This mindset has carried me through my career. Believe that there is nothing that you can’t accomplish and no goal that you can’t achieve. The gaming industry needs diverse voices and perspectives at every level, from the gaming floor to the C-suite. As long as you’re working hard and dedicating the time, you can achieve the goals you have set for yourself. It is up to us to level our own playing fields. We determine our futures and set our goals. Don’t wait for someone else to create opportunities for you – create them yourself. We also have to know our worth and not be afraid to speak up. Raise your hand, step into that next opportunity, and ask for what you’re worth. Connect with organizations like Global Gaming Women and local chambers of commerce. These connections provide invaluable support, mentorship, and opportunities. We live in a male-dominated society, especially at the executive level. As a woman, I often feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. It’s unfortunate that many women in my network feel the same way. But I’ve learned that extra effort, that drive to prove yourself, becomes your superpower. It makes you more prepared, more knowledgeable, and ultimately more successful. Remember: You belong here, you deserve to be here, and this industry needs what you bring to the table.
What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
Years ago, when I walked into my first interview at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, I saw something on the board that immediately caught my attention – competitive spirit was listed as one of our core values. As a former college athlete, competition isn’t just something I do – it’s who I am. But here’s the thing, I’m not just competing against others. I’m competing with myself every single day to be better than I was yesterday. My athletic background shaped how I approach financial leadership. In college sports, you learn that individual talent means nothing without teamwork. Every decision I make, every budget I analyze, every strategic plan I develop – it’s all about putting the team first. Just like on the field, success in gaming requires everyone working together toward a common goal. The gaming industry is intense, fast-paced, and unforgiving. A competitive nature thrives in that environment. It’s not about crushing the competition – it’s about elevating our entire organization to perform at championship levels. That’s what real competitors do: they make everyone around them better. The gaming industry needs leaders who aren’t afraid to compete, who understand that excellence isn’t optional, and who can channel that competitive energy into building something extraordinary.
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
As a Black woman in the gaming industry, I’ve carried this invisible weight throughout my career – this persistent feeling that I need to study harder, work longer hours, and consistently deliver more just to be seen as an equal. Whether this perception is reality or not, that pressure has been a constant companion in my professional journey. The gaming industry, like many others, can be challenging for women, particularly women of color. Sometimes that stress feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned to channel it differently. Instead of letting it hold me back, I remind myself that I’m here for a reason (and I deserve to be here). The truth is, it’s up to us to level our own playing fields. We determine our futures and set our goals. We must know our worth and never be afraid to speak up for ourselves. My advice to anyone facing similar challenges? Raise your hand, step boldly into that next opportunity, and ask for what you’re worth.
