Meet Axel Hunter Graves: a journalist-turned-consultant fascinated by high-stakes gambling, crypto innovation, and cutting-edge financial tech. Born on June 7, 1984, in Las Vegas, Graves has spent years immersing himself in every aspect of the gambling world. With three books available in the stores, Axel is on a mission to enlighten the users about the changes to come in the betting world.
Question. Axel, you’ve been around the block with casinos, online betting platforms, and even crypto. How did this all begin?
Axel Hunter Graves: It started in my childhood in Las Vegas. Growing up there, you are used to the tables and the casinos. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and after studying Journalism at the University of Nevada, I only wanted to cover anything and everything gambling-related.
Question. What made you pivot from journalism to consulting?
AHG. I wouldn’t call it a pivot; it’s more of a natural expansion. As a journalist, I investigated trends in gambling. Over time, many companies were asking themselves how blockchain, data security, and online platforms could reshape the industry. Consulting was just a new step in my career.
Question. Your first book, The Crypto Gambler: Betting on Blockchain, really put you on the map. How did you come up with that concept?
AHG. I was at MIT’s Sloan School of Management for an executive program in Blockchain & Crypto Economics, as you can see in my about.me. There, I realized how the transparency and decentralization we see in crypto could be a revolution in the gambling world. So, I wrote about it and it seems people liked what they read.
Question. Do you ever miss traditional reporting?
AHG. Quite more often than I would like to recognize. Being next to the news is a thrilling experience and it gets you hooked. But consulting lets me propose solutions and see them in action, and that’s rewarding as well.
Question. You’ve got a knack for predicting trends. What’s your next big prediction?
AHG. AI-driven betting platforms will be the norm sooner rather than later. Users will rely on AI for everything. It’s going to turn casual bettors into data-driven pros.
Question. Sounds like you believe technology can be both a boon and a danger. Care to elaborate?
AHG. For sure! Technology democratizes access but it’s risky as well. It’s like giving someone you just met on the street a rocket launcher: the potential for misuse is massive.
Question. Let’s talk about your latest release, Beyond the Cards: AI, Crypto, and the Future of Casinos. What’s it about?
AHG. It’s a deep dive into how casinos will evolve with AI algorithms, blockchain-based security, and digital currencies. The industry is at a crossroads: either it embraces this wave of innovation or risks being sidelined by new, nimbler competitors. In a quick Google search you can find more information about it that will make you interested in it, for sure.
Question. You’ve got a famous quote going around: “The chips of the future aren’t plastic—they are data.” Could you break that down for us?
AHG. I think physical chips are dated. In a world driven by blockchain, VR, and big data, the true currency is not a plastic chip, it’s digital information. That’s how bets will be placed, tracked, and paid out. It’s safe, scalable, and more versatile.
Question. What would you say to the skeptics who fear that technology undermines the human element of gambling?
AHG. Technology can enhance the human element… if used correctly. Think about online poker rooms; they opened up social experiences globally. With AI and data, we could have more interactive platforms to bring people closer together.
Question. How did growing up in Las Vegas shape your worldview?
AHG. Vegas is like living in two worlds: the Strip and the everyday suburbs. You learn to see behind the curtain early on.
Question. You mention regulation a lot. Which regions do you think are doing it right?
AHG. The UK and parts of Europe are taking good strides with clear rules for online betting. Asia is improving, but regulations vary widely. The U.S. is doing its own thing, with each state having different laws. There’s a lot of room for improvement across the board.
Question. Let’s pivot to something lighter. Ever had a “big win” story yourself?
AHG. Hahaha, no, no, I’m not a huge gambler. Back in college I won a decent poker hand, it helped me cover my textbooks for a semester. That was my “fifteen minutes of fame”, I guess.
Question. You speak Spanish at an intermediate level. Has that influenced your work?
AHG. It has opened doors to consult for Latin American markets. Online gambling is thrilling there, and being able to communicate in Spanish helps build trust and understand cultural nuances.
Question. Any regrets in your career so far?
AHG. So far, so good. I’ve had a few tough calls, but every misstep has led me to a better understanding of the industry.
Question. So, what’s next after Beyond the Cards?
AHG. I would love to launch a podcast. I want to create a space where we talk about the intersection of gambling, technology, and personal stories.
Question. How do you stay updated with the rapid changes in blockchain and AI?
AHG. I read—a lot. I also attend conferences, some networking, and geek out on whitepapers. My time at MIT gave me a decent foundation, but you have to build something from there to stay at the top of your game.
Question. Do you think traditional casinos will ever fully adopt crypto as a main form of payment?
AHG. It’s inevitable. There might be some doubts at first, but the efficiency and global appeal of crypto will become too significant to ignore.
Question. You’re known to emphasize “secure but fun” gambling. What does that mean?
AHG. It means balancing safety measures with the thrill people seek in gambling. Robust ID checks and transparent payouts make people trust the platform.
Question. If you had to summarize your philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
AHG. “Bet big on transparency and innovation—everything else will follow.”
Question. Finally, any advice for someone looking to break into the gambling or crypto consulting scene?
AHG. Get educated on both the tech and the human side of gambling. Numbers and code are not enough: behavior, psychology, and regulatory landscapes are important as well. If you can speak both languages, you are on for a great ride.
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