Freelance Game Simulation Programming Jobs in Illinois

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