The Surprising Work Culture at Napoleon Games

Napoleon Games is one of those organizations you’ve heard of by name, but have no idea what’s really going on behind the scenes. You probably wouldn’t immediately associate it with international recruitment of niche talent, unlimited leave, or a strong People strategy. Until you take a real look inside Napoleon Sports & Casino. “Some people think we’re gaming in dark basements,” laughs Sara De Coster, Head of HR Belgium. “But we’re more like a tech company à la Coolblue than the cliché people expect.”

Values That Truly Live

At Napoleon Sports & Casino, you won’t find corporate values printed on posters. Here, they truly come to life — literally. The hallways and desks are filled with dice, large and small, each printed with one of the five core values: Champion our Customer, Lift Each Other Up, Take Ownership, Impact the Game, and Do What’s Right. “We noticed that no one really remembered the English values, so we started linking them to symbols and actions,” says Sara. During town halls, colleagues who embody the values are celebrated. “Our leadership team even writes personal thank-you notes — and that really makes a difference.”

On the fourth floor of headquarters, you might think you’ve stepped into a sports club. “We completely rebranded that floor with a sports theme. Think: punching bag, dart boards, ping pong tables — we even have Remco Evenepoel’s bike mounted on the wall,” Sara proudly shares. “It’s amazing how many colleagues love being there. Some even arrive early just to secure a spot.” The love for sport isn’t just in the décor — it’s also in the mindset. “There’s healthy competition and strong friendships among colleagues.”

Flex vs. Fixed

Sara is clear: “We’re an output-driven company. Want to go to the hairdresser in the morning? Go ahead — as long as your deadlines are met.” That freedom is deeply rooted in the company culture, especially at headquarters. “We ask people to come in two to three days a week; the rest is hybrid. And yes, if your child needs to be picked up at 3 PM, feel free to catch up in the evening. Nobody bats an eye.”

Another standout: their unlimited leave program (OPAL). Say what? “I had my doubts at first too. But it works surprisingly well. It’s especially reassuring for ex-freelancers or young starters who don’t have many vacation days.”

Employees can take additional leave on top of the 20 statutory days and 10 extra days everyone receives — with clear expectations. Those who take up to three extra weeks can arrange that directly with their manager. For more than three weeks, there’s a conversation with HR. “Not to push back,” says Sara, “but to ensure business continuity.”

So, the OPAL program isn’t ‘free holidays for all,’ but rather a mature and flexible system based on trust and accountability. And it works: around 15% of employees use it, usually for an extra week or a few days — rarely for long absences.

A Rapidly Evolving Industry

The world of gaming and sports betting is constantly evolving. New technologies, changing regulations, and a more critical public mean that Napoleon Sports & Casino must continuously adapt and think ahead. “We operate in a sector where speed and innovation are crucial,” says Sara. “You need to be agile and open to change. It’s not for everyone, but those who thrive on that energy are in the right place here.”

That speed and drive are also reflected in the culture. Employees are ambitious, entrepreneurial, and work hard — but with enjoyment. The ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality may no longer be the official slogan, but the company DNA still breathes sport and competition. “We don’t expect everyone to move abroad or become a manager,” says Sara, “but if you want to grow, the opportunity is there.”

The Supercharge program makes that promise tangible. It’s more than a bonus system — it’s part of the performance process and a broader culture of recognition, ambition, and growth. Employees are held accountable for their goals and valued for their impact, dedication, and potential. And it pays off: top performers can earn up to 2.5 times their standard bonus.

The program operates on five performance levels, based on clear OKRs and 360° feedback:

• Make a Change: Goals not met? No bonus, but clear feedback to recalibrate.

• Refocus: Partial bonus and additional guidance to help realize your potential.

• Sustainer: Meet your goals? Receive the full bonus.

• Changemaker: Exceed expectations? Earn a higher bonus in recognition.

• Superstar: Deliver exceptional results? The highest bonus tier awaits.

Evaluations take place twice a year, with structured feedback moments. “We want people to always know where they stand — not just at year-end,” says Sara.

At Napoleon, it’s simple: doing what you love is totally fine — and good performance is rewarded. But if you want more, you can truly move forward. That balance between freedom, responsibility, and ambition is key to their culture.

Diversity as the Norm

Napoleon employs people from all over the world, especially in specialized roles like in their gaming halls (e.g. croupiers). The workplace is multicultural, and that’s naturally embedded. Language isn’t a barrier: “We don’t make a fuss about it,” says Sara. “We communicate in three languages by default.” Sure, that takes some getting used to — but the onboarding process smooths it out. “Managers are super approachable here. Everyone is.”

Responsible Gaming as a Red Thread

In a sector often under scrutiny, Napoleon makes a clear choice for responsible gaming. “We take responsible gaming very seriously. We have a dedicated full-time team, we organize an annual awareness week, and we offer lunch & learns and training for all employees. We want everyone here to understand what responsible gaming means — and how we contribute to it. It’s not PR; it’s a core value.”

And still… working for a gaming company? Not everyone is immediately convinced. “People sometimes worry about the image. Family or friends saying: ‘Is that really good for your career?’” Sara understands, but adds nuance: “We’re a highly regulated industry, licensed and overseen by the Gaming Commission. We take our responsibility seriously — both toward players and staff.” It shows in their ‘Bring a Friend’ initiative. “It really works, especially in our gaming halls. Some families even work here together — mom, dad, and son or daughter.”

Behind the flashy world of Napoleon Sports & Casino lies a warm and surprising work culture. Or as Sara puts it:
“You have to see it to believe it.”