A former marketing executive with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Seminole Gaming has launched an artificial intelligence platform designed to help casino operators identify, engage and retain premium players through personalized, automated interactions.
Las Vegas-based Hey Seven said its new platform combines gaming data, behavioral insights and AI-driven conversations with players to build what the company describes as a holistic player profile, allowing operators to tailor offers and identify emerging VIP customers more effectively.
“Player development has reached a scale that humans alone simply cannot manage,” co-founder and Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer Mikhail Gaushkin said in a statement. “Hey Seven enables operators to discover high-potential players earlier, build stronger relationships and continuously improve every interaction through AI that learns over time.”
Casinos are increasingly exploring ways artificial intelligence can enhance customer engagement and marketing.
Unlike traditional customer relationship management, loyalty and casino management systems that primarily analyze historical player activity, Hey Seven said its platform actively communicates with players to gather real-time information about their preferences, travel plans, sentiment and gaming intent. The company said those conversations help generate insights that can be shared across marketing, hotel, food and beverage, operations and other departments.
Gaushkin brings more than 25 years of experience in gaming, technology and marketing. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of marketing and player development for Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International. Earlier in his career, he held marketing and player development leadership roles with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment before moving into executive positions at technology companies including GoDaddy, JetSmarter and Auction.com.
Hey Seven said its platform includes AI tools that automate premium player engagement, recommend incentives, identify potential VIP customers and monitor communications for responsible gaming considerations. The company said the system is designed for land-based, online and omnichannel gaming operators and measures the impact of player engagement against control groups to help operators evaluate revenue performance.
Caesars director resigns from board
Courtney Mather has resigned from the board of directors of Caesars Entertainment Inc., effective July 6, according to a regulatory filing.
Caesars disclosed the departure in a Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, stating that Mather’s resignation “is not the result of any disagreement with the Company.”
Mather joined Caesars’ board in 2024 after becoming involved with investor Carl Icahn, who had pursued a leveraged buyout proposal to acquire the Reno-based casino operator.
Downtown Grand promotes Gambler’s Retreat package
Against the backdrop of a possible sale, Downtown Grand hotel-casino is pushing its “Gambler’s Retreat” package, offering weekday rates starting at $109 and weekend rates starting at $174 with a two-night minimum stay.
The package includes $40 in nightly free slot play, a $25 nightly food-and-beverage credit, complimentary parking, no resort fees and early check-in when available. The dining credit can be used at Freedom Beat, Triple George Grill, Art Bar and Citrus Pool Deck.
The offer, which was introduced last summer, is being marketed as Downtown Grand continues operating under a court-appointed receiver after the property’s ownership group defaulted on a construction loan. The receiver, appointed in January, has said operations have been stabilized while the downtown Las Vegas hotel-casino is prepared for a potential sale.
The “Gambler’s Retreat” promotion is available with promo code “SLOT” and is subject to blackout dates.
Online gambling goes live in second Canadian province
Alberta has launched its regulated online gaming market, becoming the second Canadian province to open iGaming to private operators after Ontario launched its market in 2022.
Several major gaming companies with Las Vegas ties are among the operators entering Alberta, including Caesars Entertainment, which launched Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino, and BetMGM, which launched its online casino and sportsbook offerings. Other operators entering the market include DraftKings, FanDuel, Golden Nugget Online Gaming, BetRivers and Bally’s.
The Alberta launch provides another growth opportunity for online gaming companies expanding beyond U.S. state-regulated markets. Caesars and other operators are using established casino brands in the province, while companies such as Penn Entertainment are leveraging existing Canadian recognition through its theScore brand.
Alberta’s market opening follows Ontario’s 2022 launch, which helped establish a framework for private online gaming operators in Canada.
Contact David Danzis at ddanzis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0378. Follow @AC2Vegas_Danzis on X.
