SiGMA Asia 2025: Top insights on the next evolution of Slots
There was tangible energy on the SiGMA Stage at SMX Manila as the panel “Slot Machines 2.0: Revamping the Casino Floor Experience” brought together six industry leaders for a candid, forward-thinking conversation. The session, held during SiGMA Asia 2025, wasn’t just about technology, it was about people and the evolving relationship between players, operators, and the machines that light up the casino floor.
Inside the panel
- Moderator Niall Murray, Chairman of Murray International (Macau) Co., set the tone with warmth and wit, drawing on decades of experience across integrated resorts in Asia and Las Vegas. He didn’t shy away from the tough questions, instead inviting panellists to share not just their expertise but their lived experiences from the front lines of gaming innovation.
- Jerry Chan, SVP of Electronic Gaming & Special Project at OKADA Manila, spoke with the pragmatism of someone who has seen the casino floor from every angle. “The challenge isn’t just about having the latest machines, it’s about how we use technology to make the casino floor more interactive, more connected, and ultimately more rewarding for the player,” Chan reflected, his passion for operational excellence clear both in his words and in his recent SiGMA Magazine feature issue 33.
- Mary Mendoza, Managing Director at The Platinum Consulting Group, brought both heart and discipline to the discussion. “It’s not enough to innovate for innovation’s sake,” she reminded the audience. “We have to ensure that every new solution we introduce on the floor is balanced with compliance and player protection.” Mendoza’s advocacy for responsible progress and her commitment to mentoring women in the industry gave her perspective a personal resonance.
- Ken Jolly, VP & Managing Director, Asia at Light & Wonder Gaming, offered a refreshingly honest take on the realities of casino operations. “Real time analytics are now essential for optimising floor layouts and responding to player trends as they happen,” he said, cutting through the jargon to highlight the day-to-day decisions that shape the player experience.
- Ian Garner, VP of Electronic Gaming at LET X Integrated Resort, brought the conversation back to adaptability. “Flexibility is the new standard,” Garner observed. “We need to be able to adapt quickly to new games, changing demographics, and digital touchpoints if we want to stay relevant.” His words echoed the lived reality of operators who must balance tradition with transformation.
- Luiza Melikyan, Head of Business Development at PopOk Gaming, rounded out the panel with a focus on collaboration. “Our role is to bridge the gap between technology providers and operators, making sure innovations actually make it to the floor and deliver value,” Melikyan explained, highlighting the human connections that drive real change in the industry.
The human touch in gaming
What emerged from the discussion was a shared understanding that the future of slot machines is about more than hardware or software. It’s about curating experiences, making the casino floor a place where technology enhances human connection and where every innovation is measured by the value it brings to both players and operators.
The Slot Machines 2.0 panel at SiGMA Asia 2025 was a reminder that at its core, gaming is a people business. It’s about listening, adapting, and creating spaces where technology and hospitality work hand in hand. SiGMA Asia 2025 is only getting started. Stay informed with SiGMA News for exclusive coverage, timely insights, and real time updates on the future of tech. And have a look at tomorrow’s panels and keynotes here.
