▶ Black Executives On The Rise ▲
Dyani Marvel

Current company and role: Wondr Nation, Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Operations
Hometown: Chicago
First job in the gaming industry: VP, Account Director at RPM Advertising leading the Harrah’s Entertainment account. We were responsible for advertising and on-property assets for several Harrah’s-owned properties, most notably Horseshoe casinos outside of Vegas.
What do you like about working in gaming?
There is quite a bit to like! Gaming is a very dynamic industry. It is constantly evolving and expanding, which has been exciting to witness and participate in. The constant evolution keeps me interested and engaged; there is always an opportunity to do something new and innovative. I currently work for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and have really enjoyed working in Indian gaming, specifically. I am incredibly proud to know that the work I do every day helps support and drive more resources for a Native American tribe. Some of the work I enjoy the most is the tribal programs I have developed and currently lead, including youth STEM programming. I also really enjoy the people! Such amazing people are working in gaming. I have met and worked with some very passionate and talented professionals.
Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started? (pleasant surprises, hopefully).
When I first started, I worked at an advertising agency, so I was somewhat at arm’s length from truly being “in” the industry like I am now. But what I remember from when I first started was being entirely fascinated by the players and understanding their behavior. I was pleasantly surprised at how much information was available to do so. I was also equally surprised at how the casino staff personally knew the players. It was my first exposure to player development, and I was very impressed.
Were you familiar with gambling before landing a job in the industry? What were your thoughts about gaming before starting to work in the industry?
Before I started, I was not highly knowledgeable. Growing up in Chicago, there were no casinos. To me, casinos equated to Vegas and something enjoyed on special occasions. Being in proximity to Indiana, I eventually became aware of riverboat casinos. One of my great aunts loved going and playing the slots. I remember this little crystal slot machine that she had on her desk. So, I always viewed gaming as a source of entertainment.
Has your impression of the industry changed at all?
Since my first job in gaming, my impression of the industry has absolutely changed. I know more, have experienced more, and have done more. Through this, I have a much deeper appreciation of all the hard work it takes to successfully run and operate gaming enterprises. I see gaming as much more dynamic and innovative than I did early on. I am very excited to see what new technologies and innovations are on the horizon and even more excited to be a participant. My impression has also changed significantly due to my participation in industry organizations like Global Gaming Women and African Americans in Gaming. Though the gaming industry is not incredibly diverse (like most industries), these organizations demonstrate the best of inclusion and celebrate diversity in the gaming industry, making me feel welcome and connected as a woman of color.
What major trends do you see emerging in the gaming industry over the next 5 to 10 years?
I am excited about three major trends, and technology is at the heart of two. With the continuous expansion of mobile and online gaming, the player experience will evolve and innovate to one that is more immersive. Currently, a lot of online and mobile experiences feel the same, and this is something that many in the industry recognize. However, some people, companies, and start-ups are exploring new, more immersive ways to engage with players. I hope to see emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and others enhance the experience we offer to players. I also believe that artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced machine learning will have a considerable impact. This technology can drive more personalized and rewarding experiences for players, provide better insight and knowledge about player behavior so gaming enterprises can make better decisions, and process large volumes of data quickly, allowing us to work quicker and more efficiently. I am particularly excited about generative AI and its ability to create written, visual, and audio content and information from inputs. Once generative AI is widely understood and adopted (and the technology is more consistently reliable), this will change how teams throughout the gaming enterprise look and work. More work will be automated, work quality will improve and be more consistent, and work will get done faster. The last trend I foresee is more robust responsible gaming and sustainable play efforts. As mobile and online gaming has expanded and put a 24-hour-accessible gaming experience in the palm of more players’ hands, it has become critical to ensure that player-protective efforts evolve at the same pace. New technologies, like AI, allow RG programs to be smarter and more effective at not only detecting problem behavior, but also predicting problem behavior and delivering custom and personalized messaging and actions to create the most effective impact.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the gaming industry?
Learn all you can from everyone you can throughout the gaming enterprise, from the top to the bottom. The best leaders are those who truly understand how their organization works, where they fit in the larger picture, and where everyone else fits. Understanding many roles in an organization allows for decision-making that considers the entire business and leads to more holistic leadership that is best for everyone. In addition to focusing on learning, network, connect with new people and take every opportunity to expand your professional network. You never know where your next opportunity will come from and where those connections can take you. New connections also allow first-hand learning to help you understand the industry as a whole. There is often so much more going on than you encounter during your day-to-day job; connecting with new people enables you to realize this. One last suggestion for any aspiring leader is to take advantage of industry conferences. There are so many conferences, from in-person to virtual, and the opportunities for learning and networking are tremendous.