Vents Magazine
Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff: From Film and TV Star to “Goddess of Slots” Casino Influencer
[as originally published on ventsmagazine.com]
Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, better known as the "Goddess of Slots" across social media, has made a name for herself both in the entertainment and the gaming worlds. Known for her viral jackpot win and vibrant social media presence, Lorraine has captivated audiences with her engaging gaming tutorials, fashion, and humor. She’s collaborated with numerous prominent casinos and has made significant contributions to film and TV, appearing in notable roles like "Real Rob" (Netflix) and "Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn" (HBO), as well as such films as "Swing State" and "Six Gun Savior."
Now, Lorraine is set to take on a thrilling new role in “Bloodhound,” an upcoming TV series that follows the true story of the infamous 1990 Isabella Garner Museum Heist. Produced by the Emmy winning team behind Studio City, "Bloodhound" promises a gripping narrative, and Lorraine's performance will add another impressive credit to her acting repertoire.
Along with her acting career, Lorraine continues to dominate the gaming scene as the "Goddess of Slots," launching her own brand that has become a go-to platform for gaming enthusiasts and those interested in casino and club fashion. And most recently she partnered with Virgin Voyages, an adults-only premiere cruise line, for her upcoming “Goddess of Slots x Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady” cruise setting sail in September.
Lorraine, your rise to fame as the "Goddess of Slots" is quite a unique story. How did a viral jackpot win launch you into becoming a leading gaming influencer, and what role does your digital presence play in your career?
Thank you for your interest in my journey! I was between acting jobs when I was in a casino and threw some money into a slot machine, which hit a jackpot. We happened to catch it on video and posted it to social media, which went viral. A friend explained that there was such a thing as casino influencers and it just took off from there.
It’s interesting because, at first, I kept my professional acting life—where I’m known as Lorraine Ziff—and the casino influencer life separate. But with so much cross reference from one to the other, and the fact that social followings seem to be a thing these days, even in the acting world, it made sense to cross pollinate the two. The “Goddess of Slots” moniker was created to stay active between acting jobs and, as life sometimes imitates art and sometimes art imitates life, each role has benefitted the other.
You've achieved major milestones in the gaming industry, including participating in a million-dollar casino slot tournament. What's been the most rewarding part of your journey as the "Goddess of Slots" and how has this success opened new doors for you?
The most enjoyable part of the journey has been the ability to meet and connect with people from all walks of life who enjoy the gaming world. I've met some incredible people, from other influencers to those working in the gaming industry to those who consider themselves fans. Overall, folks have been really terrific—sharing their own stories of wins and losses, supporting and cheering me on, and discussing my fashion with me. So much so that all the clothing in my reels is now for available for purchase via my website. I've truly enjoyed these interactions. And, of course, hitting jackpots is a major coup, too!
You've had an impressive career in movies and TV. How do you approach your roles and what do you find most rewarding about acting?
I've been involved in the acting world since my days in Junior High School. My goal was to always be an actor and a writer. And while I diverted a bit by doing a stint in law school and achieving my M.S.W., as well as working as a social worker, I remained loyal to my goals. The diversions were the "Plan B"—reality-based careers, but I kept up with auditions and with writing on nights and weekends. The acting world is a hard one to break in to. And I think it was even harder when there was no real social media. I’ve approached each role by really getting into the head and heart of whatever character I’ve played, always remembering that there is no two-dimensional character. The richer you can make the life of the character, the better. There’s no straight "this person is all good" or "this person is all bad," but rather nuances of good and dark that make up real people in any good drama, just as in life. The exception to that is in an outlandish comedy or a Marvel movie, when there is a clear hero and a clear villain. I think having worked as a therapist really helped me in terms of creating more "real life" characters that I'm able to bring to the screen.
You're currently working on “Bloodhound,” a show spearheaded by Emmy-winning television producer Michele Kanan, who's writing and directing it. How does it feel to be a part of a project with such high profile backing and what drew you to the story of the Gardner Museum Heist?
First and foremost, it’s an honor to work with Michele and the entire team. She’s a great director who never seems to get ruffled, no matter what is thrown at her, which I really admire. She brings a calmness to set that allows actors to take chances in their acting. One of my favorite genres is mystery, especially if it's based on a true story. That was the appeal for this series. The fact that this heist is still, all these years later, unsolved, makes it even more intriguing.
What aspects of your character in “Bloodhound” are you most excited to explore, and how does this role differ from others you’ve played in your career?
I’ve played everything from silly bimbo to FBI agent. This role allows me to be the most human. I have a husband I'm very much in love with, but also very frustrated with because I can see the writing on the wall based upon the different life choices he makes. I can't tell you much more than that without giving things away, however, I can tell you that I loved playing the character, both as a younger person and as a woman many years later.
You're also working with Sean Kanan in “Bloodhound,” an Emmy-nominated actor known for his roles in “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Cobra Kai.” What has it been like collaborating with him and how has his experience influenced your work together?
You’re forgetting "The Karate Kid" film series too! Sean is a seasoned actor and a true professional. He’s acted in many things, between movies and television, and he's also written several books. He is a real inspiration and a true pleasure to be around. While we didn't have many scenes together, just watching him in action was a real treat. He's as generous off set as he is on, and with his peers too. He’s very giving as a professional and as a human, which makes him a super special person.
Balancing your acting career with your influence in the gaming industry must be a challenge. How do you manage both, and do you find that your acting skills help in creating content as the "Goddess of Slots"?
The only challenge between acting and gaming is time. I've had to move some things around to meet filming schedules, but luckily—for the most part—everyone I've had the opportunity to work with has been flexible enough so that things have worked out. I think the ad lib of the slot game has kept me sharp while in between acting jobs. And I think the acting jobs and all of the professional training that I’ve had over many years, both in college and outside of college, in NYC and LA, has enabled me to feel comfortable in front of the camera. The two worlds have co-mingled better than I could have ever hoped for!
How do you view the intersection between acting, entrepreneurship, and gaming? How do you see this blend influence your career moving forward?
It’s funny you mention that. I was just thinking about it recently myself. I've always loved the arts and the creativity that it affords me. I've had the deep dive into the human psyche with my training as a therapist. I've also always loved being a businesswoman and—in addition to real estate that I own and manage—having the ability to partner with an import-export company in order to offer fashion online via my clothing company. All of this enables me to live out my entrepreneurial dreams. The gaming industry allows me to not only meet people and offer tutorials and exploration of games, but to essentially play as well. It all seems to have come together to afford me a life I've always wanted—one that allows me to examine and experience the many aspects of who I am and what I enjoy. It's the perfect blend and I'm eternally grateful for all of it.
Looking ahead, what projects are you most excited about? Can you tell us more about any upcoming ventures you are involved with?
I'm excited to continue my appearances and opening up casinos and high-limit rooms. I'm excited about growing my "Goddess of Slots" brand. In fact, I've just partnered with Virgin Voyages to put together a "Goddess of Slots" cruise for this upcoming September, from the 12th through the 17th. It's going to be amazing with cocktail parties and an introduction to the high-limit room on board, as well as handouts, meet-and-greet, slot tournaments, dining in specialty restaurants on board together, and overall just having a complete blast. The feedback I'm already getting has been incredible! The rooms are going quickly, so sign up soon!
I am also excited about more filming for “Bloodhound” as well as a second TV show I'm currently working on. All I can say that one is that it’s a very funny comedy and people will easily recognize me on the show. Stay tuned for more information! And you can always check my website under "Events" to see what I am up to and where am.
For more information on Lorraine, please visit:
Instagram: @goddessofslots
YouTube: Goddess of Slots Channel
Facebook: Goddess of Slots
TikTok: @goddessofslots1
X/Twitter: @goddessofslots1
Cameo: Goddess of Slots
Website: goddessofslots.com
To book a spot on Lorraine’s “Goddess of Slots x Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady” cruise, please visit: airtable.com.