Peter Jeon - Compliance Analyst (Boyd Interactive)
Peter Jeon
Compliance Analyst | Boyd Interactive
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?
Gaming Experience: I had 14 years of table games experience in land-based casinos. I started off as a dealer at the CNE Casino. I always pursued advancement opportunities and eventually worked in Table Games management positions at Casino Woodbine and at Pickering Casino Resort.
Current Role: Compliance Analyst – Boyd Interactive
What initially drew you to pursue a career in gaming compliance?
I was recruited by a former mentor and manager into iGaming compliance at Boyd Interactive. Prior to resigning as an Assistant Casino Shift Manager at Pickering Casino Resort, I managed the Procedure Violation Notices (PVNs) for Table Games. Adherence to Policy and Procedures were always an important focus for me considering my table games training and management background. Overseeing the PVNs gave me an opportunity to:
1. Identify areas of concern
2. Issue appropriate level of notice to staff.
3. Tracking PVNs and escalating concerning trends for review.
Though I did not have a compliance background in igaming, I was excited at the opportunity to build on my table games experience and start a new career in igaming compliance.
What prompted you to pursue the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification?
Boyd Interactive fosters a culture that encourages career focused learning. I was encouraged to utilize the Education Reimbursement Program. Having been in the gaming industry for many years, it was a pleasant surprise to see a certification with a specific focus on Gaming and Compliance.
What aspects of the certification program do you find particularly valuable or impactful in your professional practice?
The course was designed in a way to challenge and prepare each student to take on a management position in gaming compliance. All the course materials were current and relevant to each section and had a great mix of reading and video components. Each section normally ended with a quiz to test to knowledge and comprehension. The discussions and assignments were structured to apply the knowledge learned.
How has obtaining the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification enhanced your professional capabilities and career prospects?
For professional networking purposes:
The Certification itself through ACGCS has drawn interest from those inside the gaming industry.
The microcredential through Dalhousie University can be showcased as a digital badge.
Making connections in-class with others in the gaming industry (Regulators, Law Enforcement, Compliance Professionals in multiple jurisdictions, etc.)
For learning purposes:
The course material and skills gained by completing assignments has given me a deeper understanding of the “why” and “what” is important for my Director of Compliance.
Given me a solid foundation to continue to gain experience for the purpose of pursuing opportunities in a management position.
In what ways has the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification enabled you to contribute to ensuring compliance within your organization?
I am now able to take on some tasks that were previously outside the scope of my daily duties.
How do you incorporate the knowledge and skills gained from the certification into your daily work?
One of the main takeaways I gained from the course was an appreciation of using a risk-based approach. There will always be risk and it is in the “how” that risk is addressed that is key to running a successful compliance department. Risk must be mitigated, and it should be done in a way that does not negatively impact the business.
What skills or qualities do you believe are essential to be a successful Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS)?
A successful CGCS should have the following characteristics:
Ability to build strong relationships.
Analytical thinking: Assessing and interpreting information.
Regulatory knowledge and expertise.
Strong communication skills.
Time management / Organizational skills
Ability to prioritize.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing compliance concerns currently facing the gaming industry?
Some of the biggest challenges I see are for compliance departments in companies operating in different jurisdictions. Specifically, the difference in requirements each regulator has. While there may be similarities, each jurisdiction has slightly different areas of focus. As a result, a big challenge is addressing the regulatory requirements to remain compliant in different jurisdictions. This is where maximizing staff and resources along with ensuring internal controls are not overly burdensome becomes key.
Any final comments/thoughts?
I appreciated that the course was designed in a way that took into consideration that the participants were all working professionals from different time zones.
I look forward to building on the skills and knowledge acquired through the CGCS course and leveraging the certification for future advancement opportunities.