In line with the digital transformation sweeping across industries, Six Flags has embarked on a digital transformation initiative aimed at redefining the guest experience in theme parks. Central to this endeavor is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies aimed at transforming every aspect of the guest journey.
One of the flagship components of this initiative is the introduction of Missi Six, a digital concierge powered by generative AI. Set to debut on a revamped website launching this year, Missi Six will provide guests with personalized recommendations and assistance tailored to their preferences. Moreover, a redesigned mobile app will feature interactive maps for park navigation, mobile food ordering, and real-time updates on attractions and events.
Complementing these enhancements is the upcoming launch of the Six Flags Digital Wallet, a platform that enables guests to access their loyalty benefits and make payments using their preferred methods via the app, smartwatch, or wristbands. This innovation will eliminate the need for physical wallets, offering a hassle-free and secure payment experience across all Six Flags theme and water parks.
The technology-driven initiatives are made possible through the collaborative efforts of The Digital Alliance, a consortium of leading tech firms including Google, Dell and HCL Tech. Together, the firms are identifying and implementing solutions to enhance the experiences of both guests and team members, with the goal of “transforming Six Flags into a technology-centric entertainment company,” Omar Jacques Omran, chief digital officer of Six Flags, said in a Monday (April 29) press release.
Expanding its digital entertainment frontier, Six Flags is also venturing into the gaming industry with the launch of what it calls “the largest e-gaming initiative in the theme park industry.” This initiative includes the development of a new metaverse gaming platform that merges the excitement of theme parks with the immersive world of online gaming.
Meanwhile, the gaming industry itself is undergoing a digital transformation.
MGM Resorts International, one of Las Vegas’ largest casino operators, recently reported robust revenue growth driven by its investment in the online gaming joint venture, BetMGM. With BetMGM emerging as a top competitor in both U.S. iGaming and sports betting, the company is expanding its digital footprint through strategic partnerships and platform enhancements, further solidifying its position in the evolving digital landscape.
The sportsbook and online casino platform recently partnered with X (formerly Twitter), making it the exclusive Live Odds Sports Betting partner for the social media platform. The collaboration integrates BetMGM’s offerings into X’s platform, allowing users to access BetMGM’s website and app directly from X, enhancing accessibility and engagement for sports fans.
At the same time, there’s a digital shift happening in how gamers handle payments. Research by PYMNTS Intelligence indicates a growing demand for digital instant payment methods among gamers, challenging the traditional dominance of cash payments.
In fact, 76% of gamers who can’t access instant payouts would if they could, prompting companies like Caesars Sportsbook to offer push-to-card instant payouts within their apps. This move not only improves customer satisfaction but also fosters loyalty among gaming enthusiasts, illustrating the importance of digital payments in shaping the gaming experience.
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Job cuts in government, technology and retail led the way as U.S. employers announced the largest number of cuts in one month since May 2020.
Among the 275,240 job cuts announced in March, 216,215 were in government, 15,055 were in technology and 11,709 were in retail, Challenger, Gray & Christmas said in a report released Thursday (April 3).
“Job cut announcements were dominated last month by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to eliminate positions in the federal government,” Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and workplace expert for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said in the report. “It would have otherwise been a fairly quiet month for layoffs.”
The total number of job cuts made in March was more than three times the 90,309 cuts announced in March 2024, according to the report.
By sector, compared to March 2024, government job cuts were almost six times higher, technology cuts were about 6% higher and retail cuts were nearly twice as high, per the report.
All the government job cuts made in March occurred in the federal government, the report said.
The top reason employers gave for cutting jobs in March was “DOGE impact,” which was cited for 216,670 of the month’s cuts, according to the report.
Other common reasons included store, unit or department closing, to which 17,666 job cuts were attributed, and market/economic conditions, which accounted for 11,594 cuts, per the report.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas also said in the report that employers are planning to hire fewer workers than they were a year ago. Companies’ hiring plans dropped by about 37%, from 21,102 in March 2024 to 13,198 in March 2025, according to the report.
The specter of uncertain job security may accelerate a spending pullback that is already in motion, PYMNTS reported Wednesday (April 2). Consumer confidence that was already shaken may have been further impacted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest snapshot of the labor market released Tuesday (April 1), which found that the labor market slowed in February, with a decline in job openings over the past year.
The Conference Board reported March 25 that consumer confidence slipped for the fourth straight month in March, due in part to a plunge in consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions.
