James Moldenhauer - Trading Compliance Specialist (Caesars Digital)

James Moldenhauer

Trading Compliance Specialist I Caesars Digital

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrmolden/

In our Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) Spotlight, we showcase some of the individuals who have successfully completed the rigorous requirements of our certification program.

Describe your experience working in the gaming industry. What is your current role in the Casino Gaming Industry?

I have worked in the race and sportsbook industry for over 20 years now. The positions I have held include ticket writer, admin operator, oddsmaker/trader, and shift supervisor. I have also overseen keno department operations as well. Recently I made somewhat of a career change within the industry when I joined Caesars Digital as a VIP Executive Sports Host. My current role with Caesars Digital is Trading Compliance Specialist.

What initially drew you to pursue a career in gaming compliance?

 In my past roles, I was essentially a "first line of defense" ensuring regulatory compliance was implemented on a daily basis in the race and sportsbook. I was already in compliance without exactly knowing it! When I first started in the business, AML compliance was the main focus. Now with the legalization of sports betting nationwide, compliance duties have expanded dramatically and gaming corporations have met those needs accordingly. I wanted to be a part of that expansion as I feel I can make a difference utilizing my previous experiences in the business.

What prompted you to pursue the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification?

Immediately after I stepped into my new role I began seeking courses or a professional certification program in this field. I was very pleased to have found the CGCS certification in a very easy to use online format. I am a big advocate for continuing education and learning, I wholly encourage everyone to obtain as many degrees and certifications as possible. Casino industry companies quite often have very generous tuition reimbursement program options, inquire with your human resources department to assist you with the details. When I discovered the CGCS program, I felt it was my professional and personal duty to complete the course and attain the certification.

What aspects of the certification program do you find particularly valuable or impactful in your professional practice?

I found the "real world" events mentioned in the course to be the most interesting and impactful in my learning. This course has a great balance of theory and actual lessons. I have also come away with a deeper and more respected meaning for integrity and accountability in my daily duties. I also appreciate the course's emphasis on a defined structure of a compliance department and the need for teamwork to carry out it's mission.

How has obtaining the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification enhanced your professional capabilities and career prospects?

I feel the certification has shown I am eager to expand my knowledge in this field and willing to go above and beyond to continue my personal learning, this is certainly appreciated by potential employers. The certification certainly gives a person more credibility in the industry and opens up a large networking opportunity with like-minded professionals. This program is certainly a resume enhancer as well as a great source of education.

In what ways has the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification enabled you to contribute to ensuring compliance within your organization?

Even though I am in the field, I came away from the course with a deeper respect for compliance and it's role in the gaming industry. My awareness has increased dramatically and sense of duty has become clearer. I feel my role is more vital than ever and I take that confidence with me each day to the office.

How do you incorporate the knowledge and skills gained from the certification into your daily work?

I have always been a proponent of a collaborative work environment and culture and this course certainly lays out the need for a harmonious approach to working in the compliance world. I am bringing more of that with me each day and even assist other co-workers with questions they may have outside of my immediate department. This certification is very comprehensive and gives the student a vast wealth of knowledge regarding the inner workings of casino gaming. 

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential to be a successful Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS)?

Without a doubt, integrity. Integrity is the bedrock of gaming compliance, the foundation of everything we do. Protecting company assets, ensuring proper regulatory controls, and upholding your company's reputation are paramount...regardless of your job title or position. The guests at our properties and the general public need to know the gaming they partake in is fair and regulated without corruption. The industry's entire existence rests on this line of thinking, compliance and all other departments are tasked with making sure this happens.

In your opinion, what are the most pressing compliance concerns currently facing the gaming industry? 

As sports betting and casino gaming continue to expand across the nation, establishing a more standard set of guidelines and restrictions from state-to-state will be a compliance challenge. Regulatory environments can vary greatly in each jurisdiction, keeping up with differing requirements poses the most difficulty for a compliance team. In addition, educating the casino guests on the steps gaming corporations take to meet regulatory standards will be ongoing, to everyone’s benefit.

Any final comments/thoughts?

I highly recommend this certification for anyone working in the gaming industry, regardless if you are actually in compliance or not. As your career evolves, knowledge is power. I have a few more points of advice I would like to share as well:

-Continue educating yourself, whether in your occupation field or not. Personally, I have committed myself to earn an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Southern Nevada in Casino Management. I am also planning on earning more certifications from the Assocation of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists. Never stop learning!

-Network. Network. Network. Utilize great sites like LinkedIn and connect with people in the industry. Have conversations, attend events, share opinions. There are many great people in this business, go out and find them!

-Immerse yourself in the news and happenings in our industry. There are many great sites that do a fantastic job of covering the gaming world, many have a strong presence on social media. I personally allow 45-60 minutes each morning before I go into the office and review everything I can find relevant in the casino/sports betting news cycle for that day. Staying on top of the industry trends and happenings certainly boosts your credibility in all circles. 

-Good luck to you all! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn at James Moldenhauer | LinkedIn