Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games

Bellota Labs • Redwood City, CA

1d • $200,000 - $300,000

About The Position

At Bellota Labs, we're building the next generation of casino and gambling games for the U.S. market - and we need someone who genuinely loves this space. Not someone who studied it. Someone who lives it.
We're talking about a designer who has a favorite slot mechanic, has opinions about volatility curves, knows why certain bonus rounds create that electric moment of anticipation, and gets genuinely excited about what makes a player come back for just one more spin. With ClubWPT Gold already redefining online poker, we're expanding into new gambling experiences — and we need a creative leader who can make them feel as good as the real thing.
If you've spent time at the tables, know the thrill of a high-variance game, and have strong opinions about what separates a forgettable slot from an unforgettable one - keep reading.

Requirements

• 7+ years in game design, with direct experience designing casino, gambling, or high-engagement games — slots, table games, poker, or similar.
• A real passion for gambling and casino culture. You play these games. You understand them from the inside out.
• Deep knowledge of volatility, RTP, bonus mechanics, and what makes a game feel rewarding vs. flat.
• Strong instincts for the moment-to-moment player experience — the near miss, the anticipation, the big win reveal.
• Experience working cross-functionally and mentoring other designers.
• Analytical chops to back up your creative instincts with data.

Responsibilities

• Own the Game Vision – Define the design pillars that make our casino games distinct, addictive, and replayable. You know what creates a great session — now build it.
• Design Core Systems & Mechanics – Lead the creation of gambling loops, volatility models, bonus structures, and reward systems that keep players engaged and coming back.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines – Partner with math designers, engineers, artists, and product leads to bring games from concept to polished, market-ready release.
• Prototype & Iterate – Rapidly test game feel, payout structures, and bonus features to find what hits — then refine until it's right.
• Stay Sharp on the Market – Know what's dominating casino floors and online platforms. Understand what players are gravitating toward and why, and use that knowledge to stay ahead.
• Mentor & Elevate – Help level up other designers and contribute to a culture where great gambling game instincts are developed and rewarded.

Benefits

• Creative Ownership – Shape the design direction of entirely new gambling experiences from the ground up.
• Play to Your Passion – This is a role for someone who genuinely loves this space, not someone learning to like it.
• Impactful Work – Your designs will directly drive the success of our next major titles in the U.S. market.
• Passionate Team – Work with people building in an area they care deeply about, moving fast and thinking big.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed