Light & Wonder’s Dylan Slaney entered the gaming industry in October 2017 and quickly rose through the ranks. Starting as executive vice-president of gaming at NYX Gaming Group, he then became senior vice-president of gaming at SG Digital when Scientific Games acquired NYX. After a significant overhaul of Scientific Games, Light & Wonder emerged as a focused gaming business with three divisions: land-based, social casino arm SciPlay, and iGaming, which Slaney now leads as CEO.
Regulation has brought complexity to Light & Wonder iGaming’s business. Operating only in regulated markets means tailoring offerings according to specific regulations, from spin speeds to bet limits and reporting. While this is intended to better protect players, Slaney believes that excessive regulation can drive players into the black market. He emphasizes the importance of balancing enhanced controls for responsible gaming with an enjoyable gaming experience.
In the UK, Light & Wonder’s SG Gaming division is actively involved in developing and reshaping the market. It led the Gambling Commission’s working group on an industry code for product design and has launched the Wonder 500 series tailored to tightly regulated markets. Player engagement is a key trend in the iGaming industry, with players increasingly seeking additional features like multiplayer, personalization, and unique rewards.
As CEO of Light & Wonder iGaming, Slaney is focused on driving growth. Although revenue in Q3 lagged behind other divisions, the company’s strategic combination of unique content and engaging consumers is expected to fuel progress. Distribution deals with innovative partners and unique content offerings, such as a Squid Game slot, contribute to Light & Wonder’s competitiveness.
Slaney embraces the fast-paced nature of the industry and sees continuous change and challenges as positive aspects. His personal drive and the values he instills in his team, including the principles of accountability, hard work, and never settling, contribute to Light & Wonder iGaming’s success in an evolving industry.
