Episode 3·47:47·22 May 2024

Can AI Really Build Slot Games? Keith Zammit on Game Design Innovation in iGaming

with Keith Zammit, Founder & CEO, OneHazel

Surya Palli

Founder of iGaming Real Talk.·22 May 2024

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In this episode, I sit down with Keith Zammit, Chief Sales Officer at XGENIA - a startup revolutionizing iGaming through AI-powered game development.

Keith shares his journey from poker to affiliate marketing to startup life, the story of how XGENIA started and how they built a slot machine in 15 minutes using AI. We discuss running around ICE with a laptop demo, breaking into a resistant industry with AI, and why the iGaming industry fears change despite being built on risk. A fascinating look at the intersection of AI and game design.

Notable quotes

We built a slot machine in 15 minutes using AI.

The iGaming industry fears change despite being built on risk.

Key takeaways

AI-Accelerated Development
XGENIA has demonstrated the ability to create functional slot machine games in as little as 15 minutes by leveraging artificial intelligence.
Industry Resistance to Innovation
Despite the inherent risk-taking nature of the iGaming sector, the industry often displays significant resistance when it comes to adopting disruptive new technologies like AI.
The Power of Live Demonstrations
The team successfully gained traction by taking their laptop directly to major industry events like ICE to demo their technology to skeptical stakeholders.
Career Path Evolution
Keith Zammit's professional journey reflects a diverse background, transitioning from the poker world and affiliate marketing into leading the sales strategy for an AI-focused startup.

About the guest

Keith Zammit

Founder & CEO, OneHazel

Keith Zammit is an iGaming and technology entrepreneur, currently CEO & Founder of OneHazel, focused on AI solutions for the gaming industry. He also has experience across iGaming, AI, SaaS, startups, sales, and growth strategy.

LinkedIn profile

Transcript excerpt

A short passage published by the podcast, not the whole conversation.

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Surya Palli
I’m joined today by Keith Zammit, Chief Sales Officer at XGENIA, to discuss the intersection of AI and the iGaming industry. Keith, could you start by telling us a bit about your professional journey leading up to this point?
Keith Zammit
It has certainly been a multifaceted path. I started out in the competitive world of poker, moved into the strategic landscape of affiliate marketing, and eventually transitioned into the fast-paced environment of startup innovation.
Surya Palli
That’s a unique background. Your work at XGENIA is currently making waves, particularly regarding the role of AI in game design. Can you share the origin story of the company?
Keith Zammit
A major milestone for us was when we achieved the groundbreaking feat of developing a fully functional slot machine in just 15 minutes using AI. That really served as the launchpad for our deeper exploration into the disruptive potential of automation in this space.
Surya Palli
That is an incredible achievement. What was it like trying to bring that vision to the industry early on?
Keith Zammit
It was very much a 'boots on the ground' experience. I remember demoing our technology at the ICE exhibition, which is a massive event, with nothing more than a laptop and our vision.
Surya Palli
Even with such clear technological potential, the iGaming sector can be quite resistant to change. Given that the industry is built on mathematical principles of risk, why do you think there is such friction when it comes to adopting new technology?
Keith Zammit
It is a paradox, but that resistance is very real. There is a necessary cultural shift required to truly embrace AI. We have certainly faced our share of challenges as a startup fighting to reshape the future of digital gambling, but those triumphs are what make the journey worthwhile.