▶ Black Executives On The Rise ▲

June 2026

Monica Scott

Bally’s Chicago Casino Vice President of Community Engagement

Hometown:

Flint, Michigan

First job in the gaming industry:

Marketing Analyst, The Grand Casinos, Biloxi, Mississippi

What do you like about working in gaming?

I love the energy — no two days are ever the same. It’s an environment where you’re constantly identifying opportunities and designing solutions to elevate the guest, team member, and community experience. In my current role as VP of Community Engagement, what I value most is the ability to make a meaningful impact — partnering with community-based organizations to expand workforce opportunities, supporting those doing important work, and collaborating with local vendors to help drive economic growth.

Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?

The level of connectivity within the industry. While gaming is a massive business with thousands of casinos across the United States, it often feels surprisingly small — and more often than not, you are only one or two degrees of separation from any new connection.

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?

After graduating with a Finance degree from Jackson State University, I began my career as an analyst with Allstate. When my family and I relocated to Biloxi — where gaming is a major industry — I saw an opportunity to apply my financial background in a new way – as a marketing analyst.

As data is the foundation of any successful business, and I deepened my understanding of casino marketing and operations, I was able to translate data into strategy — which ultimately drove my advancement throughout the industry. Looking back, I’d admit that without a deeper initial understanding, I simply saw it as an opportunity to do something aligned with my field of study. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the complexity of the business or the wide range of dynamic, exciting career paths within gaming — that part was a discovery.

Has your impression of the industry changed at all?

Absolutely. Gaming is such a dynamic industry — constantly evolving to create “wow” experiences for guests while strengthening safeguards and enhancing the overall product. What I’ve come to appreciate most is how it’s grown beyond gaming itself into a truly holistic entertainment experience.

What major trends do you see emerging in the gaming industry over the next 5 to 10 years?

Investing in teams with better training and tools while continuing to support and invest in the communities we operate in will remain essential. At the same time, we’ll make experiences more seamless through mobile and cashless technology, introduce more immersive and interactive entertainment, and use technology to run smarter, more efficient operations. All of this will be supported by leveraging AI and data to better understand guests and deliver more personalized experiences.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the gaming industry?

Be prepared to invest the time and energy — this industry rewards commitment. Build a strong network of trusted mentors who will challenge and guide you. Keep the customer at the center of every decision, and use every great experience you encounter — travel, dining, entertainment, customer service — as creative inspiration to continuously elevate the experience you design for others.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself, your journey or the industry.

Women and minorities are not just participating in this industry—we’re helping shape its future. As more diverse leaders step forward, we’re bringing new perspectives, stronger collaboration, and a deeper connection to the communities we serve. The momentum is real, and it’s only growing.