Washington, DC – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced its most diverse class of inductees into its Gaming Hall of Fame with the selection of the late gaming law expert Bob Faiss; former Las Vegas mayor and current Caesars executive Jan Jones Blackhurst; Nevada gaming control board pioneer Patricia Becker; and the second-ever tribal gaming leader to be selected, Ernie Stevens. The 2014 class will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony hosted by MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas on September 29th as part of the industry’s annual trade show, Global Gaming Expo (G2E).

“We’re proud to recognize these men and women who have led the gaming industry as it’s become a job creating and economic development machine in Las Vegas, around the country and across the globe,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “Bob, Jan, Patty and Ernie have moved gaming forward by guiding the industry through a period of incredible growth, by blazing a path for more women to assume leadership positions, and by advocating on behalf of tribal communities across the nation. I look forward to celebrating their tremendous careers and contributions to gaming.”

Bob Faiss (posthumously), gaming law expert, Lionel Sawyer

Faiss was a gaming law expert who represented the industry at the Nevada State Legislature for more than three decades and helped gaming expand across the country and around the world. Prior to joining Lionel Sawyer & Collins, Faiss was city editor of the Las Vegas Sun, assistant executive secretary to the Nevada Gaming Commission, aide to Nevada Governor Grant Sawyer and a White House staff assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson. For more on Bob Faiss, please click here.

Jan Jones Blackhurst, executive VP of communications, government relations and corporate responsibilities, Caesars Entertainment

Jones Blackhurst represented the center of the gaming world as the mayor of Las Vegas for two terms and has blazed a trail for women to thrive in the industry. In her role at Caesars, Jan has developed a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and promoting environmental stewardship throughout the company. She has also been proactive in supporting women in the gaming industry, such as by serving on the steering committee for the AGA’s Global Gaming Women initiative. For more on Jan Jones Blackhurst, please click here.

Patricia Becker, first female member, Nevada Gaming Control Board

Becker has more than 35 years of experience in the gaming industry and holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve on the Nevada Gaming Control Board.  In addition to operating a gaming consulting business, she currently serves as chair of the compliance committee at Bally Technologies, Inc. and at Tropicana Entertainment, Inc.

Becker held numerous executive positions including roles as a Senior Vice President with Aladdin Gaming and Harrah’s and served on the Board of Directors for Cash Systems Inc., Fitzgerald’s Gaming Corp., and Powerhouse Technologies. For more on Patty Becker, please click here.

Ernie Stevens, chairman, National Indian Gaming Association

Stevens will be the second inductee from Indian Gaming in recognition of his tireless efforts as an advocate for tribal gaming. He has worked on behalf NIGA members to inform and educate government leaders on the most pressing issues that affect the economic, social and political lives of Indian people. For more on Ernie Stevens, please click here.

For a list of all previous inductees, please click here.

The Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Gala and Induction Ceremony is an annual event organized by the AGA and its members to honor achievements in industry leadership and entertainment. Induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame is the highest honor accorded by the gaming-entertainment industry. Each year, individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the industry receive this distinction. More than 80 people have been inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame since its inception in 1989. All proceeds from the event will benefit the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG).