Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games

Bellota Labs • Redwood City, CA

59d • $200,000 - $250,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Game Designer to own the game vision for our casino games, defining design pillars that make them distinct, addictive, and replayable. This role involves designing core systems and mechanics, including gambling loops, volatility models, bonus structures, and reward systems. The designer will leverage AI tools to accelerate processes like math modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and RTP/volatility analysis. Collaboration with cross-functional teams (math designers, engineers, artists, product leads) is crucial for bringing games from concept to market. The role also includes rapid prototyping and iteration using AI-assisted tools for game feel, payout structures, and bonus features. Staying current with market trends in casino and gambling games, and mentoring other designers are key responsibilities. A significant aspect of the role is championing the use of AI in game design to enhance creative output, math modeling, and iteration speed.

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.
• Hands-on fluency with AI tools in a professional design workflow — for math modeling, prototyping, research synthesis, and visual exploration — with clear judgment about where AI accelerates the work and where designer instinct must lead.
• 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.
• Design Core Systems & Mechanics — Lead the creation of gambling loops, volatility models, bonus structures, and reward systems that keep players engaged and coming back.
• Use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to accelerate math modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and RTP/volatility analysis.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines — Partner with math designers, engineers, artists, and product leads to bring games from concept to polished, market-ready release.
• Use AI-assisted writing and visual tools to communicate your vision faster and more clearly across disciplines.
• Prototype & Iterate — Rapidly test game feel, payout structures, and bonus features to find what hits, then refine until it's right.
• Use AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor, Claude, Replit Agent) to stand up playable prototypes quickly.
• Use generative image tools (e.g., Midjourney, Firefly) to mock up themes, symbols, and bonus moments.
• 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.
• Leverage AI research tools (e.g., Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude) to accelerate competitive teardowns, player sentiment analysis, and trend reports.
• Mentor & Elevate — Help level up other designers and contribute to a culture where great gambling game instincts — and AI-accelerated design workflows — are developed and rewarded.
• Champion AI in Game Design — Continuously evaluate new AI tools and techniques that elevate creative output, math modeling, or iteration speed, and share learnings with the broader team.

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: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed