It is a fluid process—sometimes I feel more fully retired, but at other times, not so retired at all. Through it all, I know I am very fortunate, not “having to” work and being able to take work that stimulates me, is important or innovative and is done on behalf of a very small group of clients that I feel really appreciate my candor and perspective.

The best thing about being “semi-retired”, is that I can be very picky about which gaming clients I will work for. Now I don’t want this to sound elitist, but I figured, what the heck, if I’m going to keep consulting, I’d better make sure I damn well enjoy it.

It has been a while since I've written a column of random observations on the gaming industry. It's not that I haven't been observing these things; it just takes some time to gather the scribbled notes on various casino cocktail napkins, plus re-visit the strange recesses of my mind from where these industry thoughts spring.