Steve Keener was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey and received his bachelor’s degree in finance at Stockton University. With a background in electronics from his service in the military, Keener started in the gaming industry as a slot technician at Tropicana Atlantic City in 1981 where he worked on and conducted preventative maintenance on some of the early stepper slot machines. He would eventually promote to the positions of lead technician and slot technical manager before moving to Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Delaware in 1997 where he is now assistant vice president of casino operations. The interview with Steve Keener begins with his discussion of his background in the slot positions at both properties. Keener also discusses dealing with customers, what customers are looking for in casinos, and which qualities make good and bad slot managers. He later discusses what makes a good slot floor, particularly when considering denomination and type of slot machine, and he also describes the process of working with vendors to get those machines onto the floor. Keener later discusses the biggest changes in the gaming industry, specifically the expansion of video over stepper, server-based gaming, and the increase in riverboat gaming. He also mentions the role of free play in slots and provides his opinion on what he believes the future of slots will look like with skill-based and 3D gaming being introduced into slot machines. The interview concludes with Keener’s answer to the question of whether he gambles, and he provides his advice to young people who want to get into slot operations as a career.

Facade of the Horseshoe parking garage. Stamped on original: "Las Vegas New Bureau - Las Vegas, Nevada. Convention Center - Photographers - Don English. Jerry Abbott. Joe Buck. Milt Palmer. John Cook."
Site Name: Horseshoe Club
Address: 128 East Fremont Street

Night view of the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. Stamped on original: "Jay Florian Mitchell. Photographer. 614 So. 6th DU 4-5148 Las Vegas, Nevada. Douglass Studio, Inc. 614 South Sixth. Dudley 4-5148. Las Vegas, Nevada."
Site Name: Horseshoe Club
Address: 128 East Fremont Street