What does it take to lead in the skill-based gaming industry?

For Michael Anthony Griffin Sr., it started long before the boardroom. It began in a small town in Eastern North Carolina, on ball fields and in a busy household with 9 brothers and sisters.

Today, Griffin serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board of National Business Center, Inc. He also leads Vegas-Style Skill Games and Blue Bull Gaming. His path to the top did not follow a straight line. It was built step by step, role by role, inside the very industry he now helps shape.

“I didn’t start at the top,” Griffin says. “I started as a player. I learned the business from the ground up.”

Early Life in Eastern North Carolina

Michael Griffin is the son of the late Accie and Evelyn Griffin of Hobgood, North Carolina. Growing up in a large family taught him structure, resilience, and competition.

“With 9 brothers and sisters, you learn quickly how to stand your ground,” he says. “You also learn how to work together.”

Sports played a major role in his early life. He played baseball and football in high school. He even tried out for professional baseball.

“Baseball taught me patience,” Griffin says. “Football taught me toughness. Both taught me discipline.”

He graduated from high school and later attended college, though he did not complete his degree. Instead, life pulled him toward work and opportunity.

How Michael Griffin Entered the Gaming Industry

Griffin’s entry into gaming was not executive-level. It was hands-on.

He spent years in the customer service industry. Over time, he transitioned into the gaming business, first as a player. That experience shaped how he views the industry today.

“When you’ve sat on the other side of the machine, you understand the customer,” he explains. “You see what works. You see what doesn’t.”

That perspective became a competitive advantage. Griffin moved through different leadership roles. He learned operations. He studied customer behavior. He paid attention to compliance and market shifts.

By March 2018, he was named CEO of National Business Center, Inc.

Leading National Business Center, Inc.

As CEO, Griffin oversees operations and development across multiple brands, including Vegas-Style Skill Games and Blue Bull Gaming. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for all three entities.

His leadership style is practical. He focuses on systems, people, and long-term positioning.

“We’re in a fast-moving space,” Griffin says. “If you don’t adapt, you fall behind.”

One of his key initiatives was the creation of the Vegas-Style Rewards program. The goal was simple: strengthen customer engagement and build loyalty in a competitive market.

“Loyalty isn’t automatic,” he says. “You have to earn it.”

He also oversaw development of the Vegas-Style online casino platform. The move into digital expanded the company’s reach and aligned with shifting consumer behavior.

“The customer doesn’t just live in one place anymore,” Griffin notes. “You have to meet them where they are.”

Navigating COVID-19 as a Gaming CEO

The 2019–2020 COVID-19 pandemic tested leaders across every industry. Gaming was no exception.

Operations slowed. Regulations shifted. Uncertainty grew.

Griffin focused on stability and continuity.

“In tough times, people look to leadership for calm,” he says. “You have to stay steady.”

He worked with his team to manage operational challenges while protecting the company’s long-term vision. The period required flexibility and clear communication.

“You can’t control everything,” he adds. “But you can control how you respond.”

The experience strengthened his emphasis on planning and adaptability.

What Sets Michael Griffin Apart in the Gaming Industry?

Griffin’s career arc stands out because of where it began.

Many executives enter from finance or corporate backgrounds. Michael Griffin entered the industry as a participant.

“I’ve seen every level,” he says. “That gives me perspective.”

He understands customer experience firsthand. He also understands operational complexity at scale.

His approach blends practical knowledge with executive oversight. He focuses on sustainable growth rather than quick wins.

“This business changes fast,” Griffin says. “You have to think long term.”

Life Outside the Office

Away from work, Griffin returns to the activities that shaped his early years.

He enjoys golf and is a member of a country club. He also spends time playing basketball and baseball. Drawing and gaming round out his interests.

“Golf keeps me sharp,” he says. “It’s strategy and patience.”

Sports remain a steady theme in his life. They inform how he thinks about leadership.

“A team only works when everyone knows their role,” he says. “Business is no different.”

The Ongoing Journey

Michael Griffin’s story is not one of overnight success. It is a story of steady progression.

From a young athlete in Eastern North Carolina to CEO and board chairman, his path reflects persistence and hands-on learning.

“I’ve always believed in learning by doing,” he says. “Every role taught me something.”

In an industry that continues to evolve, Griffin remains focused on adaptation, operational discipline, and understanding the customer.

“The work isn’t finished,” he says. “You build, you adjust, and you keep moving forward.”

For Griffin, leadership is not about titles. It is about responsibility.

And that mindset continues to define his role in the gaming business today.

Read more:
Michael Griffin: From Player to Gaming CEO