Game Designer, Mathematician

Job Description

Job Description

Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) is a market leader in online casino and sports betting, currently operating real-money gaming with our brands: BetRivers.com, PlaySugarHouse.com, and RushBet.co. We're building bridges between online, social and land-based gaming businesses to create amazing, integrated experiences that keep players in the game.

The Game Designer, Mathematician is a senior individual contributor responsible for designing the functional mechanics and mathematical models of original online casino games developed by RSI's in-house game studio. The Game Designer defines features, bonus structures, paytable economics, and underlying math models that determine how games play, perform, and engage players, while also contributing to the design and optimization of site-wide promotional and gamification mechanics that reflect the RSI brand.

The Game Designer owns the full functional design-to-model lifecycle for each game, from initial concept and feature design through mathematical modeling, PAR sheet creation, simulation validation, and iterative tuning, in close collaboration with engineering, product, and creative teams. The position requires deep expertise in casino game mathematics and mechanics design, as well as the ability to develop compliant games within a fast-paced, regulated environment while delivering engaging, commercially viable player experiences aligned with the RSI brand.

What You'll Do:

• Design and define the functional mechanics for original online casino games, including base game structures, bonus round triggers and flows, progressive jackpot systems, gamble features, cascading/grid-style mechanics, and meta-game experiences
• Build the complete mathematical models for each game, including RTP targets, volatility profiles, hit frequency, standard deviations, prize distribution, and payout structures
• Create and maintain PAR sheets, combination sheets, and all regulatory math documentation required for internal review, testing laboratory certification and regulatory approvals
• Define symbol hierarchies, paytable structures, reel layouts (including non-traditional formats such as grid slots and cluster-pay), win-line configurations, and feature trigger conditions
• Build and run simulation code (Python, C++, C#, Javascript, or equivalent) to validate math models, verify behavior across gameplay scenarios, and test edge cases
• Write demo and prototype code to rapidly test mechanic concepts before full production commitment
• Evaluate existing casino concepts for adaptation into RSI's online real money gaming environment
• Create comprehensive Game Design Documents (GDDs) and functional specifications for engineering, art, audio, and production teams
• Ensure all math models meet regulatory requirements across RSI's operating jurisdictions, adapting designs for market-specific RTP ranges, win caps, odds requirements, and fairness standards
• Play-test and iterate on in-development games, providing feedback on math balance, mechanic feel, feature pacing, and edge case behavior
• Analyze post-launch game performance data and recommend math and mechanic adjustments to live games
• Maintain and contribute to RSI's internal game design standards and style guides
• Collaborate with creative leads by providing functional specifications and mechanic requirements that inform visual and thematic direction
• Work with software engineers to verify math implementation in code and review game software during development
• Partner with designers and product managers to brainstorm concepts, refine games in progress, and share best practices

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering, or a closely related quantitative field required. Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline preferred.
• 8+ years of direct, hands-on experience in slot game design and/or slot game mathematics within a land-based or online casino game studio environment. This is a non-negotiable requirement — candidates without direct slot game experience will not be considered.
• Expert-level knowledge of casino game mathematics: RTP calculation, volatility modeling, hit frequency analysis, standard deviation, prize distribution, combinatorics, and probability theory
• Proven ability to design engaging slot game mechanics across different gambling concepts and styles, including innovative feature structures, bonus flows, progressive/jackpot systems, and paytable economics
• Proficiency in building and running game math simulations and verification scripts using Python, C++, C#, Javascript or equivalent programming languages
• Advanced Excel skills for probability modeling, paytable prototyping, and large-dataset analysis
• Deep familiarity with PAR sheet creation and regulatory documentation standards for online and/or land-based slot games
• Strong understanding of player psychology, behavioral engagement patterns, and what makes slot games commercially successful
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex mathematical concepts into clear documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences #LI-REMOTE #LI-PROMOTE

This role spans a wide breadth of experience at Rush Street Interactive, welcoming candidates with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and locations. The pay range reflects potential variations in experience, skills, and location. The pay range does not reflect total compensation, which includes base pay, benefits, and/or bonuses. For candidates outside the US (Canada, Europe, Latin America), we take a locally informed approach to compensation and will share specific ranges based on your country of residence.

Location Eligibility (for nationwide roles): Open to candidates across the U.S.

Location Eligibility (for other roles): Location requirements may vary and will be specified in the job posting.

Benefits:

• Discretionary annual company bonus (Eligibility Varies by Role)
• 401(k) plan with 100% company match on the first 4%
• Comprehensive medical coverage (HSA & FSA plans), dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (Eligibility Varies by Role)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pay Range

$160,000—$180,000 USD

What Makes Us Great:

• Comprehensive compensation
• Work-life balance initiatives
• Autonomy – we embrace personal freedom and responsibility
• Creativity – we are open to new ideas of how we can be better
• Growth – we want you to develop personally as well as professionally
• Top-notch professionals who are passionate about what they do
• People-oriented environment and supportive atmosphere

As a rapidly growing company in an emerging industry, you'll have a huge impact on our product and our company. We like proactive team members and strive to have a company of self-disciplined professionals who enjoy collaboration, having fun, and of course, achieving together what others believe to be improbable. We are dedicated to treating everyone with respect and to support your professional and personal growth.

Rush Street Interactive is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity and expression, marital status, family status, lifestyle, age, culture, religion, military and veteran status, citizenship, or disability.

Be at the forefront of this ground-breaking industry! Apply now!

Rush Street Interactive uses AI-assisted tools at select stages of the hiring process to enhance efficiency, consistency, and communication. AI does not make hiring decisions - final decisions are made exclusively by our recruiting and hiring teams.