Emerging Leaders

Anna Shahbazyan

Starting Small

Anna Shahbazyan, Regional Director, Latin America, BetConstruct

It all began with tennis.

Anna Shahbazyan, a lifelong fan of the sport, played as a child right through Yerevan State University in her hometown in Armenia. Upon graduation, she learned that a local company which focused on sports betting was hiring.

“I thought it would be an interesting way to get paid and watch Rafael Nidal!” Shahbazyan says. “Never did I think it would lead to a life-changing career that would send me around the world.”

The local company, BetConstruct, was a startup business at the time. Shahbazyan was one of just 10 employees. “I saw potential and a future for growth.”

She began by researching horse racing, then migrated to trading and odds setting.

“This gave me a thorough understanding of the basics of our business. I understood early on that BetConstruct had a unique and innovative suite of products,” Shahbazyan says.

She also desired to utilize her knowledge of the Spanish language.

“I asked if I could head up our expansion into Latin America,” she says.

Shahbazyan is now regional director for Latin America, overseeing offices in Montevideo and Lima from the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Additionally, I am actively involved in directing the development and expansion of the North American market.”

As a company, BetConstruct has grown to over 3,500 employees. From one office in Armenia, the company has opened 17 offices globally.

“In the span of my career I have seen the global increase in sports betting, online casino, esports, virtual sports, and live casino studios. As the industry grew and matured, so did BetConstruct,” Shahbazyan says.

Then came Covid-19. Shahbazyan worked harder and for more hours during the first stage of the pandemic.

“Because we are first and foremost a software and technology company, my colleagues and I were able to work very efficiently remotely,” she explains. “Perhaps the biggest silver lining was showing brick-and-mortar operators and government regulators the need to establish online gaming revenue streams.”

As her response to the pandemic illustrates, Shahbazyan confronts obstacles head on.

“I don’t avoid or ‘wish away’ challenges,” she says. “I look at them and logically conclude what will be beneficial to all parties involved.”

As for mentors, without a doubt Shahbazyan names Vigen Badalyan, CEO and founder of BetConstruct.

“You have to be a forward-thinking visionary to take a small company and grow it into a global leader in gaming in less than two decades,” she says. “Vigen, through his hard work, has changed the lives of literally thousands. He has allowed me to fulfill my potential, and the best is yet to come.”

Her advice to younger employees entering the gaming industry? “Take time to enjoy the moment and have an attitude of gratitude.” —Bill Sokolic

Daniela Sulier

Paid to Play

Daniela Sulier, Director of Slots, Arcade and Retail Operations, Caesars Entertainment— Harrah’s & Harvey’s Lake Tahoe

Daniela Sulier didn’t stray far from her central California home for higher education. She obtained a bachelor of science in marketing and an MBA in business administration and management from Sacramento State College.

After earning the MBA in 2010, Sulier experienced a different slice of life, first in Costa Rica where she ran a nightclub and a restaurant. She spent a few months in Nicaragua to learn Spanish. Then off to Lake Tahoe, where she bartended and waited tables.

Lake Tahoe is a paradise for Sulier.

“I absolutely love living in a community of likeminded outdoor enthusiasts,” she says. “We get to enjoy all four beautiful seasons in our little mountain lake town. Our family enjoys spending free time camping, enjoying the pristine lake, hiking, and mountain biking.”

She was ready for a career. The casinos were the tallest buildings in town, and to Sulier, they represented energy, excitement, entertainment and fun. “I wanted to be a part of that world.”

There was an opening at Caesars, a company she knew little about. She began her career as a slot supervisor.

“What has kept me here is the culture of Caesars Entertainment. Inspiring grownups to play is right up my alley,” Sulier says.

Learning slots as a supervisor required a whirlwind of information. Player tracking systems, machine functionality, understanding pay tables, and of course most importantly, customer service.

Currently, Sulier serves as director of slots, arcade and retail operations, Caesars Entertainment—Harrah’s & Harvey’s Lake Tahoe. The position includes slot performance, leasing, retail and yes, that kind of arcade. ”It’s a busy daily routine, switching hats throughout the day to different departments as needed,” she says. “From managing the ever-changing slot floor layout, to keeping staff motivated to stocking arcade storerooms and counters with plush stuffed animals and analyzing crane profitability.”

Since joining Caesars, electronic table games debuted. Slot machines are taller, brighter and more attractive.

“As for Caesars, we’ve been through a bankruptcy that brought its uncertainties, but the company stood by its employees, and we got through it,” Sulier says.

Of course, there was Covid-19, and a buyout of Caesars.

Learn to not sweat what’s out of our control, roll with it, and support your teams through challenges alongside them. With great people you can overcome anything.

“In Lake Tahoe, we recently shut down again for the Caldor fire. We always seem to come out united, and stronger than ever,” Sulier says.

Living in a mountain town brings its own challenges beyond wildfires—tough weather, power outages, and basic seasonal highs and lows.

“Learn to not sweat what’s out of our control, roll with it, and support your teams through challenges alongside them. With great people you can overcome anything,” says Sulier, who doesn’t get quite enough time to enjoy all that Lake Tahoe offers with three young children to raise.

Still, Sulier considers herself very fortunate to have a pair of female leaders she respects and admires.

“I have worked for Xenia Wunderlich, vice president of casino operations and marketing,” says Sulier. “She has a wealth of knowledge in gaming, and so much experience in this industry. Also, our new senior vice president and general manager, Karie Hall, brings a passion and excitement to our property that is inspiring. Both amazing women promote a work-life balance that allows us to really enjoy our families and the beautiful town we get to live in, and energizes us at work to focus on customer service and operating at our best.” —Bill Sokolic