Adam Roebuck, the founder and CEO of Gaming Operations Academy, recently appeared on the “CEO Open Mic” podcast to discuss the critical need for specialized training within the global gaming industry.
During the in-depth session, Roebuck detailed his company’s evolution from a consultancy firm into a premier provider of educational services, ranging from guidance for startups to advanced masterclasses for established operators.
Central to Roebuck’s philosophy is the belief that training must be practical and engaging rather than purely theoretical. He highlighted how Gaming Operations Academy differentiates itself by offering realistic platform experiences.
Through strategic partnerships with industry giants like Softswiss and Optimove, the Academy allows students to train using live data and actual operational tools, ensuring they are job-ready upon completion.
Roebuck also used the platform to reflect on his personal entrepreneurial journey. He shared candid insights into his early ventures in Spain during the financial crisis and his pivotal time building the ICE brand, which eventually gave him the leverage and contacts to launch his own academy.
He spoke openly about the fears founders face when striking out on their own and the importance of leveraging industry networks to overcome initial hurdles.
The conversation covered the shifting landscape of the sector, particularly the impact of COVID-19, which forced a massive pivot toward cost-cutting and a sharper focus on online operations. Roebuck noted that innovation is often most prevalent in smaller iGaming companies, which remain agile enough to adapt quickly to market changes compared to larger legacy operators.
Looking toward the future, the discussion turned to the role of Artificial Intelligence. Roebuck argued that AI companies should place a heavier focus on the gaming sector, debating the nuances of whether AI’s ultimate role will be to assist human operators or eventually control core processes.
He concluded by analyzing the success rates of online casinos, emphasizing that in a maturing market, the distinction between success and failure often lies in the quality of operational training and data literacy.
