Michelle Hackett’s Path from Poker Dealer to Chief Operating Officer

I took a road trip to the Bicycle Hotel & Casino recently and while there, I learned that the Bike had hired a new executive by the name of Michelle Hackett. I didn’t immediately recognize the name, as I had known Michelle by her maiden name. After seeing a picture of her, I was thrilled to discover that Michelle was indeed someone I have known and liked since 2004, when I met her at the Seneca Niagara Casino. Since that time, she has worked her way up through the ranks and I am proud to announce that Michelle is now the Chief Operating Officer at the Bike.

At one point in her career, Michelle worked for Card Player Cruises as a poker dealer. I found her to be intelligent and charismatic and a welcome addition to the staff. We lost track of each other for a few years and I was delighted to see her again about five years ago when she was working as a shift boss at the Peppermill Casino in Reno. Needless to say, I was intrigued to discover more about her career path from poker dealer to COO at one of the largest cardrooms in the world so I set up an interview with Michelle.

Linda Johnson: Wow! I am so proud of you for your accomplishments. What path led you to become the Bike’s COO at such a young age?

Michelle Hackett: Right after turning 21, I moved to Reno and a friend taught me how to deal poker. My first stint as a poker dealer was at the Cal Neva in Reno. After that, I worked in the slot department at Seneca Niagara Casino until I got the chance to work for Card Player Cruises on the Party Poker Million. I remember being very seasick and very nervous, so I was pleased that you asked me to deal on other cruises. That trip convinced me to leave New York and follow the tournament trail as a poker dealer.

Next, I moved to Florida and dealt poker at Sarasota Kennel Club. From there, I got the opportunity to help open a new card room at Tampa Greyhound where I helped train dealers and became a Tournament Director and then Shift Manager. Meanwhile, Mike Gainey, whom I knew from Seneca, had become the poker room manager at the Peppermill. I later moved to Reno to work for him. I worked my way up to become the swing shift boss, but I realized there wouldn’t be many advancement opportunities there for a while so when Jimmy Horikawa asked me to join his newly formed casino management consulting company, I decided to take a chance.

I enjoy the poker world but I wanted to learn all facets of the casino industry. I took the initiative to read and study on my own time. After a few years, I relocated to Salinas, California, to be the General Manager of Bankers Casino. We had a few table games and some poker tables. I oversaw the entire operation… security, cage, accounting, DOJ interaction, licensing, and marketing. My next move was to the Bay area to work for Parkwest Casino 580 which is a very unique, upscale cardroom featuring California-style Table Games like Baccarat and Blackjack, but no poker. I learned so much there about California Games and quality VIP Service. However, shortly after taking that position, I saw an announcement for this job at the Bicycle Hotel & Casino and had to apply. I was honored just to be granted an interview with the Bike’s Chief Executive Officer and General Partner, Hashem Minaiy. Two weeks later, I got a call with the job offer.

LJ: What does it feel like to be the COO of one of the biggest and most well-known cardrooms in the world?

MH: I am thrilled beyond belief. I genuinely love this job! It is a surreal experience. At some point during the course of every day, I step back and realize how lucky I am to have been given this opportunity. I just hope that I can make the most of it.

Working under Hashem Minaiy is such an honor. Hashem also started his career as a poker dealer and he is now one of the most respected and successful gaming executives in the world. It is amazing to have the opportunity to learn from him.

LJ: What are your duties as COO?

MH: Every day is different and there is always a new challenge to confront. I oversee the daily operations of the company and I am involved in many facets of the business. I spend a lot of time meeting with staff and other executives on topics that range from policy and procedure, to compliance, to VIP services and promotions.

LJ: What skills do you possess that make you a good manager?

MH: I’ve worked in many jobs in the industry. I enjoy solving puzzles and finding solutions. I’ve made it my mission to learn how to “modernize” and maintain the Bike’s reputation as a leader of this industry. I never want to be satisfied with the status quo. I definitely don’t believe in “doing it how it’s always been done.” I believe we can always do better

LJ: I’m so happy for you and for the Bike. Good luck in your new job!

It’s always nice when good things happen to good people. I hope Michelle has a long and wondrous career in our poker world. ♠

Linda Johnson is a partner in Card Player Cruises. She invites you to join her on one of the 2018 poker cruises. The itineraries can be found at www.cardplayercruises.com.