How Jeff Rehberger and Lucky Lincoln Gaming Hit the Big Time

Over the past several decades, video games have undergone a remarkable evolution not only in technical capabilities but also in public perception. As the technology behind the games has become that much stronger, so too has the relationship between this medium and general audiences.

While video games were once viewed skeptically and derided as a lower art form, today, gaming has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. Alongside the curve of this increased prominence and importance, Jeff Rehberger Jr. has reshaped Lucky Lincoln Gaming into a force within the industry.

Based in Illinois, which has a regulated video gaming industry, Lucky Lincoln Gaming now combines disciplined expansion, operational efficiency, and technology-driven management, all in the name of scaling new heights. Since becoming CEO in 2013, Rehberger has helped grow the company to more than 250 locations, approximately 1,500 video gaming terminals, and more than 75 employees.

He has managed to pull all of this short-term change off while also pursuing the long-term goal of becoming the largest terminal operator in the state.

Behind strategic leadership

When he took on the leadership role at Lucky Lincoln Gaming, Rehberger brought with him a background with profuse experience in government, consulting, economics, and financial systems. This made him an unprecedented aid to the company, as those skills provided a distinct management perspective that is often sorely lacking in the video game industry.

Rehberger attended Cornell University, where he earned a BS degree in Applied Economics and Management in 2011. In 2012, he enrolled at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and completed an MSc in Economic History (Research) in 2013. He went on to start his career as an intern at the United States Department of Defense in 2009. Shortly thereafter, he interned at the US Treasury’s Office of Financial Stability, where he researched the Troubled Asset Relief Program. In 2010, he became the President of Study Abroad Visas for two years.

From 2011 to 2012, Rehberger worked as a consultant at CGI Federal, assisting the proposal team in responding to government RFPs and providing on-site support for the Financial Systems software implemented by the United States Agency for International Development. Since 2013, Rehberger has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Lincoln Gaming, LLC. 

Measured expansion

While Rehberger has accomplished a great deal of expansion in the decade-plus that he has been leading the company, he has made sure to keep quality a priority over quantity. Whereas other companies might’ve been eager to scale at all costs, Lucky Lincoln Gaming has continued to grow organically, all while ensuring they can provide the same high-quality service. The company’s growth has been built through a broader network of licensed locations, increased terminal deployment, and a larger internal team.

Rehberger has also embraced innovation and technological advancements throughout his leadership tenure, which has allowed Lucky Lincoln Gaming to continue evolving alongside the industry at large. Today, the company applies artificial intelligence and modern systems to improve internal processes, support decision-making, and manage operations more efficiently.

Moving forward

Rehberger’s ultimate goal is to make Lucky Lincoln Gaming the largest terminal operator in Illinois. Although the company has faced and is contesting complaints from the Illinois Gaming Board, Rehberger says he remains focused on strengthening Lucky Lincoln Gaming’s service, compliance, and partner relationships.

As the video game industry continues to blossom in popularity and is increasingly viewed as a legitimate art form, Lucky Lincoln Gaming is in a unique position to help lead the cultural charge, thanks in large part to Rehberger’s leadership. 

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