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Jonathan Michaels

Principal, Michaels Strategies

Jonathan Michaels is an experienced executive in the gaming industry who currently serves as the Principal of Michaels Strategies, a consulting firm he founded in June 2023.13 Based in Washington, D.C., Michaels has a diverse background in strategic development, government affairs, and business development within the gaming sector.1

Professional Experience

Prior to founding Michaels Strategies, Jonathan held several notable positions:

  • SVP of Strategic Development & Government Affairs at Sightline Payments (2021-2023)1
  • Various roles at the American Gaming Association (AGA), including:
    • Vice President of Strategic Alliances (2020-2021)
    • Senior Director of Member Services (2016-2020)
    • Director of Member Services (2014-2016)1

He also worked at the University of Maryland and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) in leadership and membership roles.1

Expertise and Services

Michaels Strategies, under Jonathan's leadership, specializes in consulting for companies and associations in the global gaming industry, focusing on four main areas:

  1. Government and Regulatory Affairs: Helping clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the North American gaming industry.2
  2. Strategic Communications: Crafting narratives for key audiences to drive business growth and policy change.2
  3. Business Development: Assisting companies in understanding and appealing to various sectors within the gaming industry.2
  4. Payments: Providing expertise on digital payments in the gaming sector, including regulatory aspects and new technologies.2

Education and Background

Jonathan Michaels holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Criminology from the University of Maryland (2004-2008).1 He has nearly a decade of experience driving innovation through regulatory modernization and legislative efforts in the gaming industry.2

Throughout his career, Michaels has demonstrated a strong ability to grow businesses and associations, as evidenced by his success in increasing AGA membership and revenue by over 400% during his tenure.2

Highlights

Aug 6 · linkedin

Ten years ago today I began my journey in the gaming industry when I started at the American Gaming Association.

To show just how much this business has changed over the last decade, in 2014:

New Jersey was the only online gaming state and generated $123 million in revenue for the YEAR – last month they generated $186 million.

Las Vegas had zero professional sports teams – now they have 3.

The NFL prohibited players from even attending conferences in Vegas – the city hosted the Super Bowl earlier this year.

Adam Silver hadn’t written his famous New York Times op-ed that catalyzed the movement to legalize sports betting.

Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn were the two keynote speakers at G2E.

Here's to the next decade of change and growth across the industry. What do you think changes over the next ten years?

Jul 22 · linkedin

Apparently I can add "scheduling Tetris master" to my LinkedIn skills.

Thanks to Rege Behe at CDC Gaming Reports for talking with me about my approach to Global Gaming Expo, which will be here before we all know it!

Related Questions

What are the main services offered by Michaels Strategies?
How did Jonathan Michaels' role at Sightline Payments influence his current work?
What are some notable achievements of Jonathan Michaels in the gaming industry?
How has Jonathan Michaels' experience at the American Gaming Association shaped his consulting approach?
What are the key areas of expertise for Michaels Strategies?
Jonathan Michaels
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Location

Washington, District of Columbia, United States