Hillary McAfee discusses her unique path into the gaming industry, transitioning from photography to marketing, and eventually becoming a podcast co-host. She shares personal stories, including her impactful experience hosting asylum seekers, her views on industry evolution, and advice for newcomers emphasizing independence and fearlessness.
Welcome to an in-depth look at Hillary McAfee’s fascinating journey into the gaming industry, as featured on the Betting on Success podcast hosted by Mark Morton (Morty). This episode offers a compelling narrative of career pivots, personal growth, and industry insights that are both inspiring and informative.
Hillary was born and raised in Minnesota, spending 17 years there before moving to Colorado at 17. After 13 years in Colorado, she relocated to California and then Southern California, gradually making her way westward. She is the youngest of four siblings, with two older sisters and an older brother. Her family is spread across the country, with her parents retired in Florida.
Hillary is married and has two children, a boy and a girl. She shares humorous anecdotes about parenting, including the challenges of the "Elves on the Shelf" tradition during Christmas, highlighting the realities behind seemingly fun social media trends.
Initially, Hillary worked as a photographer in Colorado, specializing in weddings, families, newborns, and maternity shoots. Her marketing journey began by promoting her photography services, which led her to social media marketing. She proactively reached out to small businesses for collaborations and gradually built a client base, transitioning into paid marketing opportunities.
Upon moving to California, Hillary sought new experiences and took a job working for a YouTuber involved in gaming. This accidental entry marked the beginning of her immersion into the gaming world. Despite having no prior gambling experience or casino visits, she embraced the challenge, confident in her ability to learn quickly.
Hillary credits her parents for instilling independence and resourcefulness, encouraging her and her siblings to explore life far from home. She describes herself as the "wild card" in her family, motivated by a love of travel and being around people. Her parents' military backgrounds and her father's career as a commercial airline pilot influenced her upbringing.
Outside of work, Hillary’s time is largely devoted to her young children. The family enjoys sports, with her kids participating in club sports and her husband playing in an old men’s hockey league and basketball. Hillary herself enjoys working out and is a fan of the Denver Broncos, celebrating their recent victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Hillary is deeply involved in immigration-related charitable work. In Colorado, she and her family hosted asylum seekers through the Colorado Hosting Asylum Network (CHAN). One memorable experience involved hosting a pregnant asylum seeker who arrived unexpectedly and went into labor while staying with them. Hillary’s community support and a viral TikTok campaign helped raise significant funds to assist the guest, showcasing her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Described as fearless, Hillary acknowledges that this trait developed over time. She admits to experiencing anxiety but manages it by keeping perspective, reminding herself that life is not as serious as it sometimes feels. This mindset has helped her navigate challenges and take risks in her career.
Hillary’s first gaming industry role was with Brian Christopher, a well-known influencer. She learned the importance of translating brand messaging into relatable, conversational content that resonates with players. Her work spanned multiple gaming verticals, including real money gaming and sweepstakes, and involved collaborations with major brands like Bet MGM.
Hillary emphasizes that her love for the gaming industry stems from the people she has met. She highlights the genuine, interesting characters and the supportive community, particularly through her involvement with Global Gaming Women. Networking and connections have been instrumental in her career growth.
Discussing the convergence of technology, entertainment, and gaming, Hillary notes the necessity of multiple touchpoints, including digital and in-person interactions. She observes that influencers provide access to gaming experiences for those unable to visit casinos physically, expanding the industry’s reach.
Addressing concerns about iGaming overtaking traditional casinos, Hillary believes both can coexist. She notes a growing demand for community and experiential products, suggesting that combining online and land-based experiences will be key to attracting younger generations.
Hillary’s involvement with the Max Bet podcast came about serendipitously after participating in a panel with Mike Landon at G2E. She became co-host as part of a transitional phase, aiming to continue the legacy of the show while bringing fresh perspectives.
Through her podcast, Hillary has gained valuable insights from industry leaders. She recalls learning about the non-linear nature of career paths and the importance of being open to sideways moves to progress. Stories from guests like Diana Bennett, who shared experiences ranging from mob connections to philanthropy, have enriched her understanding of the industry’s depth.
Hillary advises young professionals to take initiative, create their own opportunities, and not wait for rescue or handouts. She stresses the importance of asking for what you want, embracing rejection as a learning experience, and not being overly concerned with others’ opinions. This approach fosters resilience and growth.
Hillary McAfee’s journey into gaming is a testament to adaptability, courage, and the power of community. From photography to marketing, charitable work to podcasting, her story offers inspiration for anyone navigating career changes or seeking to make an impact in the gaming industry. Her emphasis on independence, fearlessness, and genuine connections underscores the evolving nature of gaming and the opportunities it presents.
Thank you for joining us in exploring Hillary McAfee’s story on the Betting on Success podcast. Stay tuned for more insights from leaders shaping the future of gaming.
