In the latest episode of the Betting on Success podcast, host Mark Morton — “Morty” — sits down with one of the gaming industry’s most respected leaders — Tom Jingoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Konami Gaming, Inc.

Between laughs about childhood memories and reflecting on growing up in a tight-knit Italian-American family in New Jersey, Jingoli offers listeners a personal look at the man behind the title.

It’s a conversation filled with laughs, gratitude, and insights into what makes Tom a respected leader — both in and out of the boardroom.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from their discussion. Listen to the complete podcast on PodBean or Apple Podcasts.

Planted From New Jersey Roots

Known throughout the industry by various nicknames including “TJ,” “Jingo,” and “The Big Italian” (courtesy of the late Steve Layman), Jingoli’s favorite title these days is “Papa Jingo,” bestowed by his grandson who lives just minutes away.

The gaming executive painted a vivid picture of his New Jersey roots, growing up in Lawrenceville between Trenton and Princeton. His childhood epitomized Italian-American family life, complete with his father’s construction company and Sunday dinners where extended family gathered for homemade gravy and pasta.

In an unexpected revelation, Jingoli shared that he grew up playing soccer with the Menendez brothers in Princeton.

“My parents were actually very good friends with their parents,” he said, reflecting on the connection to what would become one of the decade’s most notorious legal cases.

Before finding his way to the gaming industry, Jingoli played Division III baseball at Bethany College, a small school in the foothills of West Virginia. He described the unique location where you could cross three states just by walking across a golf course, and recalled the Friday night football culture that reminded him of “Friday Night Lights” before the movie existed.

A Career Sparked by an Unexpected Summer Job

Two industry titans played pivotal roles in shaping Jingoli’s career path. Bill Maroy, then chief of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, gave him his first taste of the industry through a summer internship.

“I thought they were in charge of putting stock in the ponds,” Jingoli said about his initial understanding of gaming enforcement.

That summer job, which his father insisted he take instead of heading “down the shore,” became his gateway into gaming.

During his four years at the Division of Gaming Enforcement, Jingoli crossed paths with the late Dennis Gomes, who would become a mentor. Gomes, who had worked at the DGE before a gaming career in Las Vegas, introduced Jingoli to University of Nevada-Las Vegas gaming program. This guidance led Jingoli to pursue graduate studies at UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, a decision that would shape his future in the industry.

Konami Gaming and Industry Leadership

Jingoli’s journey at Konami Gaming began in June 2003, when he joined as director of compliance. Drawing from his regulatory background, he quickly established himself as an expert in gaming law compliance across multiple jurisdictions. His role expanded over the years, leading to promotions that reflected his growing influence in the company.

“The amusement side of the business is in our DNA,” he says, referencing Konami’s evolution from its early days in arcade gaming to its current position as a major force in the casino industry.

Today, Jingoli oversees all aspects of Konami’s sales, marketing, and business development initiatives. Under his leadership, alongside President & CEO Steve Sutherland, the company has strengthened its position in both domestic and international markets. Tom also serves on the Board of Directors for The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers.

The “Betting On Success” podcast, sponsored by Las Vegas-based companies Marker Trax and Koin Payments, features conversations with gaming industry leaders while exploring the future of cashless gaming technology.