WASHINGTON – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller outlined his optimism for the gaming industry’s recovery in AGA’s annual State of the Industry address today at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2020.

Miller heralded the industry’s ability to rebound stronger than ever throughout his remarks. “Gaming’s continued innovation, coupled with our deep-rooted culture of compliance, have our industry on solid ground as we continue our recovery.”

Miller pointed to new AGA research showing that more Americans view gaming positively than ever before as evidence of a strong foundation for the industry’s recovery. Fifty percent of American adults have a favorable impression of the casino industry, up five points in two years. Additionally, 9 in 10 (89%) adults view gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment.

“We have built this support over many decades,” said Miller. “As gaming has grown from two states in 1978 to 44 states today, more and more Americans have gotten to know us…They recognize the positive impact we deliver: The jobs we support; the small businesses we sustain; and the tax revenue we contribute…These are the reasons Americans have embraced gaming and they will fuel gaming’s recovery.”

Miller highlighted AGA’s three priorities to unite the industry and aid gaming’s recovery:

1. Building Champions on Capitol Hill: Working alongside the Congressional Gaming Caucus to advance the industry’s legislative goals, including further COVID-19 economic assistance, tax relief, and liability protections.
2. Payments Modernization: Advancing payments modernization will accelerate gaming’s modernization, help limit the spread of COVID-19, and give consumers new tools to gamble responsibly.
3. Growing the Legal Sports Betting Market: Supporting the expansion of legal, regulated sports betting through responsible gaming and strong regulatory frameworks is essential to driving out the illegal marketplace.

2020 marks the 25^th anniversary of the AGA: “While COVID-19 may have shifted our plans, we never lost our focus. If anything, the pandemic has elevated AGA’s role as the leading advocate for the American gaming industry. No matter how big the challenge, we have always worked hard to help this industry overcome it. And I’m confident we can do it again.”

View the full schedule for G2E 2020, held Oct. 27-28, here.

WASHINGTON – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller will deliver remarks on industry growth and recovery in his annual State of the Industry address at the Global Gaming Expo 2020 (G2E), Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 at 11 a.m. EDT.

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WHO:           AGA President and CEO Bill Miller

WHAT:         State of the Industry Addres

WHEN:         Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:      G2E 2020, held virtually

Immediately following his remarks, Miller will moderate a keynote discussion with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). For more information on G2E 2020, visit GlobalGamingExpo.com.

WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) has added four new senior-level staff members, furthering the association’s success in serving its members and the rapidly evolving gaming industry: Cait DeBaun, senior director of strategic communications; Jessica Feil, senior director of government relations; Meredith Pallante, senior director of events; and Gabrielle Voorhees, senior director of finance.

“There’s never been been a more exciting time to be a part of the gaming industry, and our ability to attract this level of talent reflects that,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO. “These four, high-caliber professionals represent a broad array of experience and talent that will be an asset to our industry and our members day in and day out.”

Cait DeBaun, senior director of strategic communications
DeBaun develops and leads AGA’s integrated communications strategies to promote the social and economic value of the $261 billion U.S. casino gaming industry. Previously, she served as the director of communications for Project: Time Off at the U.S. Travel Association and led national social change efforts for federal government campaigns at Ogilvy Public Relations. DeBaun and her work have been recognized by PR News, Public Relations Society of America, Washington Women in PR, and the American Society of Association Executives.

Jessica Feil, senior director of government relations
Feil advocates for AGA’s objectives and goals in state legislatures and regulatory bodies around the country. Before joining AGA, she was an associate at a boutique DC-based law firm, where she specialized in litigation, regulatory compliance, and licensing for gaming companies and worked with iDEA Growth. Feil was recently named to the Emerging Leaders of Gaming: 40 Under 40, Class of 2019-2020.

Meredith Pallante, senior director of events
Pallante brings more than a decade of experience in event creation and operations to her new role overseeing the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) brand and portfolio of events: G2E Las Vegas and G2E Asia. Prior to joining AGA, she led domestic and international events at the Consumer Technology Association, including managing CES Keynote logistics and partnerships. She previously oversaw international and domestic trade show operations for the Association for Manufacturing Technology.

Gabrielle Voorhees, senior director of finance
As a licensed CPA, Voorhies oversees AGA’s financial operations and human resources department. She has three decades of defense contracting and nonprofit experience having held positions at Electronic Data Systems and SAIC, and most recently at IPMA-HR, a public safety association.

These additions compliment organizational changes announced earlier this summer, reflecting AGA’s enhanced focus on industry modernization, communications, and advocacy. Other recent additions to AGA’s growing team include Will Dennis, manager of strategic communications; Audra Hill, executive assistant; Brandon Leggiero, manager of government relations and PAC director; and Mirvantz Pierre, finance and operations coordinator.

Washington, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022, honoring three leaders for their noteworthy contributions to the industry:

• Gavin Isaacs, former President and CEO, Scientific Games Corporation and current Chairman, Games Global
• Virginia McDowell, former President and CEO, Isle of Capri Casinos and current Non-Executive Director, Entain plc and Cofounder, Global Gaming Women
• Michael Rumbolz, former CEO, Everi Holdings, Inc. and current Executive Chairman of the Board, Everi Holdings, Inc.

“Gavin, Virginia and Mike have each helped transform the gaming industry in their own significant ways,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “From leading casino and manufacturing operations across the country to serving in a multitude of board and advisory roles, their influence has spanned the U.S. and global gaming industry—and we are all better off for it.”

Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming legends, pioneers and business leaders for their lasting impacts on the industry. The Class of 2022 will be honored during an invitation-only induction ceremony at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.

“The Gaming Hall of Fame is comprised of individuals that have pushed the industry forward through innovation, leadership and excellence. This year’s inductees are well-deserving additions to its ranks,” said AGA Chairman of the Board and Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. “I look forward to celebrating their contributions alongside the entire gaming industry at G2E 2022.”

Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:

• Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International and CEO, Seminole Gaming
• Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
• Jeffrey Compton, Business Manager, CDC Gaming Reports
• Alan Feldman, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming and Distinguished Fellow, UNLV International Gaming Institute
• Craig Ferreira, Interim Executive Director, UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation
• Dan Little, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
• Cassie Stratford, SVP, Legal Operations & Regulatory Compliance, Boyd Gaming and President and Chair, Global Gaming Women
• Steve Sutherland, President and CEO, Konami Gaming

Headshots of the inductees can be downloaded for editorial use here. The inductees’ accomplishments include:

Gavin Isaacs, Former President and CEO, Scientific Games Corporation; Current Chairman, Games Global 

Currently chairman of Games Global, Isaacs helped form the American gaming landscape by serving as a top executive at several of the country’s largest casino suppliers and leading multiple industry-shaping mergers. He most recently served as president and CEO of Scientific Games (now Light & Wonder), where he oversaw the company’s acquisition of Bally Technologies. Prior to joining Scientific Games, he held positions as CEO of SHFL Entertainment and Executive Vice President and COO of Bally Technologies, facilitating significant revenue growth, global expansion, and improvements to the slot businesses at both companies. He began his career in gaming with Aristocrat Technologies, where he grew the company’s Americas business to record revenue.

Virginia McDowell, Former President and CEO, Isle of Capri Casinos; Current Non-Executive Director, Entain plc and Cofounder, Global Gaming Women

Named Gaming Executive of the Year for 2009 by Casino Journal Magazine, McDowell served as the only female president and CEO of a major gaming operating company from 2007 until her retirement from Isle of Capri Casinos in April 2016. She now serves as a non-executive director of Entain plc, where she chairs the Environmental, Social and Governance Committee and serves as the designated workforce director. McDowell is also the cofounder of Global Gaming Women, a nonprofit she established in 2016 with a mission to support, inspire and influence the development of women in the gaming industry through education and mentoring. Her career in gaming spans 40 years, with additional stints in casino operations in a number of regional and destination markets.

Michael Rumbolz, Former CEO, Everi Holdings, Inc.; Current Executive Chairman of the Board, Everi Holdings, Inc.
Rumbolz currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Everi Holdings, Inc., having previously served as CEO of the company from February 2016 to April 2022. For the past 40 years, he has been involved in all aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming-related equipment and systems manufacturing and distribution; casino project development and construction; hotel and casino operations; casino fintech equipment and systems; casino regulatory technology; digital gaming; lottery and slot-route operations; and gaming legislation and regulation. He previously served as the Chairman and CEO of Cash Systems Inc., CEO of Anchor Gaming Inc., and Vice Chairman of Casino Data Systems. Mike has been a member of the Board of Managers of Seminole Hard Rock International since 2008 and a member of the Board of Directors of VICI Properties Inc. since 2017. He also formerly served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Nevada and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

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Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry:

• Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Gaming; Former Chairman, American Gaming Association
• Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Former Executive, MGM Resorts International
• Debi Nutton, Board Member, Everi Holdings; Executive Coach-Consultant; Former Casino Operations Executive, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts

“From helping transform tribal gaming and pioneering responsible gaming research to blazing new paths in casino operations, Jim, Alan and Debi have been integral to shaping the modern gaming industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming icons and leaders for their enduring influence on the industry. The Class of 2024 will receive recognition at an invitation-only induction ceremony held during G2E 2024 in Las Vegas this October.

“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders that have had a distinct impact on our industry’s success,” added AGA Chairman of the Board and Everi Executive Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022). “This year’s inductees have met and exceeded this threshold throughout their careers and continue to do so in their current work. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at G2E 2024.”

Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:

• Maureen Adams, EVP, Gaming, Churchill Downs Inc.
• Jay Dorris, President and CEO, Wind Creek Hospitality
• Siobhan Lane, EVP and CEO, Gaming, Light & Wonder
• Alex Dixon, CEO, DRA and Co-Founder and Co-Chair, African Americans in Gaming
• Mark Lipparelli, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
• Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
• Lauren Bates, Chair, Global Gaming Women
• Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
• Mike Rumbolz, Executive Chairman, Everi and Chairman of the Board, AGA

Additional information about each inductee’s accomplishments is below and headshots can be downloaded for editorial use here.

Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Gaming; Former Chairman, American Gaming Association
A gaming and hospitality industry veteran with more than 44 years of experience, Allen currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Digital. He also recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AGA. Since 2001, Allen has overseen all gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including leading the tribe’s 2007 acquisition of Hard Rock International, the first acquisition of a major international company by a North American Indian tribe. Under his leadership, Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International have grown their global business footprint and their leadership in U.S. casino gaming, winning numerous awards for excellence in operations, hospitality and employment. Allen has also led the expansion of the company’s entertainment offerings to sports and sports betting, including the 2020 launch of Hard Rock Digital—an online and retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform—and partnerships with Formula One Racing in both Miami and Las Vegas, Red Bull Racing, Lionel Messi, and Hard Rock Stadium which hosts the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Allen also lectures at many professional conferences, governmental programs and college campuses and makes frequent appearances on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business and other financial news networks.

Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Former Executive, MGM Resorts International
Alan Feldman currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, where he is at the forefront of developing programs and policies that enhance industry knowledge and regulatory practices around responsible gaming. During his 30-year tenure at MGM Resorts, Feldman was instrumental in launching GameSense, a pioneering initiative that now promotes healthy gambling behaviors across all MGM U.S. properties. Feldman is also a globally sought-after speaker on responsible gaming and holds key advisory roles in the industry, including serving as Chair Emeritus of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, where he formerly served as Chair of the Board. Feldman’s significant contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Gaming Professional of the Year by the Casino Management Association in 2002 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Gaming Communications from the American Gaming Association in 2009.

Debi Nutton, Board Member, Everi Holdings; Executive Coach-Consultant; Former Casino Operations Executive, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts
Nutton currently serves as a Board Member at Everi Holdings while also helming her business as a gaming consultant and executive coach. Her career in the gaming industry began in 1980 as one of the few female dice dealers on the Las Vegas Strip. She notably contributed to the opening team of The Mirage in 1989, where she distinguished herself as the sole female dice pit manager at the time. Over her 24-year tenure with MGM and Mirage, Debi rose to Senior Vice President of Casino Operations and Marketing for MGM and Bellagio before assuming the role of Executive Vice President of Casino Operations at Wynn Resorts in 2013. Today, she is shaping the next generation of gaming as an executive coach-consultant, advising the industry on leadership practices and casino operations. A founding board member of Global Gaming Women, Debi has received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Great Women of Gaming Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2009 Casino Enterprise Management Great Women of Gaming Proven Leader Award, and being named a “Woman of Distinction” by the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2007.

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AGA President and CEO Bill Miller sent the following industry update on March 11, 2020.

Like many of you, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is paying close attention to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has created uncertainty for the gaming industry and economy broadly.

Last month, we led a deliberate and inclusive process with AGA members and through close consultation with the Macau and U.S. government made the decision to postpone G2E Asia to July 28-30, 2020. The Macau gaming market plays a vital role in the global gaming industry, and is essential to the interests of U.S. operators and suppliers. We will continue to support efforts as Macau returns to full capacity.

As COVID-19 impacts increasingly hit closer to home, we are communicating with administration (CDC, Office of the Vice President) and Congressional leaders, including the Congressional Gaming Caucus. In these ongoing discussions, we continue to reiterate the need for gaming’s inclusion in any economic stimulus being considered. We are also communicating back to policymakers the steps that our members are taking to ensure customer health and safety. We convened a call yesterday with more than 50 government relations representatives from AGA’s membership to gauge priorities in any stimulus action, and we will work diligently to preserve industry interests over the coming weeks and months.

We have engaged and will continue to engage other industry associations as the implications of this evolving health crisis continue to affect our part of the broader hospitality industry. I have personally been in direct, daily coordination with travel and hospitality industry association CEOs to make sure our voice is represented among the broader travel industry. Yesterday, the AGA joined those organizations to encourage Americans to follow expert advice and make fact-based decisions about traveling.

Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will share more frequent updates to help you stay informed on the latest efforts and resources available.

AGA President and CEO Bill Miller sent the following industry update on March 11, 2020.

Like many of you, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is paying close attention to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has created uncertainty for the gaming industry and economy broadly.

Last month, we led a deliberate and inclusive process with AGA members and through close consultation with the Macau and U.S. government made the decision to postpone G2E Asia to July 28-30, 2020. The Macau gaming market plays a vital role in the global gaming industry, and is essential to the interests of U.S. operators and suppliers. We will continue to support efforts as Macau returns to full capacity.

As COVID-19 impacts increasingly hit closer to home, we are communicating with administration (CDC, Office of the Vice President) and Congressional leaders, including the Congressional Gaming Caucus. In these ongoing discussions, we continue to reiterate the need for gaming’s inclusion in any economic stimulus being considered. We are also communicating back to policymakers the steps that our members are taking to ensure customer health and safety. We convened a call yesterday with more than 50 government relations representatives from AGA’s membership to gauge priorities in any stimulus action, and we will work diligently to preserve industry interests over the coming weeks and months.

We have engaged and will continue to engage other industry associations as the implications of this evolving health crisis continue to affect our part of the broader hospitality industry. I have personally been in direct, daily coordination with travel and hospitality industry association CEOs to make sure our voice is represented among the broader travel industry. Yesterday, the AGA joined those organizations to encourage Americans to follow expert advice and make fact-based decisions about traveling.

Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will share more frequent updates to help you stay informed on the latest efforts and resources available.

Washington – The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2023, honoring four leaders for their significant contributions to the industry:

• Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
• Robert Miodunski, Former CEO, American Gaming Systems; Former President & CEO, Alliance Gaming and President, Bally Gaming
• Jim Murren, Former Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International
• Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wynn Resorts

“This year’s Gaming Hall of Fame class enshrines industry leaders that have positively transformed businesses and communities through their contributions to gaming,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “From leading casino and supplier operations to advancing industry regulation and tribal gaming, Bill, Ellen, Jim and Robert’s far-reaching impacts on gaming are indelible—and undoubtedly worthy of inclusion in the Hall of Fame.”

Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming legends, pioneers and business leaders for their lasting impacts on the industry. The Class of 2023 will be honored during an invitation-only induction ceremony at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.

“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the diverse ways gaming leaders elevate our industry,” said AGA Chairman of the Board & Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. “This year’s class epitomizes this principle, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at G2E 2023.”

Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:

• Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, International Gaming Institute, UNLV
• Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International and CEO, Seminole Gaming
• Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
• John Connelly, CEO, Interblock
• Brian Hansberry, President, Gaming, Delaware North
• Bill Lance, Secretary of State, Chickasaw Nation
• Mark Lipparelli, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
• Cassie Stratford, SVP, Legal Operations & Compliance, Boyd Gaming; President and Chair, Global Gaming Women
• Howard Stutz, Senior Reporter, The Nevada Independent

Additional information about each inductee’s accomplishments is below, and headshots can be downloaded for editorial use here.

Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
Anoatubby has served as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987. Early in his tenure, Anoatubby recognized the important role gaming could play in advancing sustainable economic development and self-determination for the tribe. Since 1987, gaming operations have helped drive the number of Chickasaw Nation employees from 250 to more than 14,000, expanding tribal assets two-hundredfold. As Governor, Anoatubby oversees the tribe’s operation of more than 100 diversified businesses—including 24 tribal gaming locations—generating funding for 200-plus programs and services that benefit education, healthcare, housing and more for Chickasaw families, Oklahomans and their communities. Anoatubby also played an integral role establishing the Indian Gaming Association and Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, as well as negotiating the 2004 Oklahoma gaming compact which solidified the future of tribal gaming in the state. Under Governor Anoatubby’s direction, the Chickasaw Nation also places a strong emphasis on preserving and sharing its heritage, history, language and culture.

Robert Miodunski, Former CEO, American Gaming Systems; Former President & CEO, Alliance Gaming and President, Bally Gaming
As President of United Coin Machine Co. (a division of publicly traded Alliance Gaming Corp.) from 1994-99, Miodunski built the nation’s largest gaming route operation, totaling more than 8,000 gaming devices. He also led the development and launch of Gamblers Bonus, the first patented cardless player tracking and bonusing system for route operation in Nevada. Promoted to President and CEO of Alliance Gaming and President of Bally Gaming in 1999, he led a team that resurrected the venerable Bally brand to its place as one of the global gaming industry’s top casino suppliers, eventually transforming into Bally Technologies. Miodunski retired in 2004, then returned to the industry in 2010 to head American Gaming Systems (AGS) as CEO, expanding the company’s footprint in Class II and Class III gaming before AGS was acquired by a private equity firm in 2014. Most recently, Miodunski served as a board member of Golden Entertainment from 2015 to 2021. 

Jim Murren, Former Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International
Murren is the former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, serving in the role from 2008 to 2020. During his time leading MGM Resorts, Murren guided the company through the wake of the Great Recession, overhauled the company’s healthcare policy to better serve employees, led technological innovation in gaming, and drove increased tourism to Las Vegas. Following his tenure at MGM Resorts, Murren headed Nevada’s COVID-19 Response, Relief, and Recovery Task Force as its gubernatorially appointed chairman, working closely with local government leaders and the private sector to secure personal protective equipment, establish a robust statewide testing system, and ensure Nevada students were provided with the resources to learn remotely. Murren has also been an integral figure in bringing professional sports to Las Vegas, leading the construction of T-Mobile Arena, becoming a founding partner of the Vegas Golden Knights, organizing the purchase and relocation of the Las Vegas Aces, and more. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wynn Resorts
Whittemore serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for Wynn Resorts. In her role, she leads the company’s global legal affairs as well as the entirety of its philanthropic, community relations and government affairs activities. She has been instrumental in Wynn Resorts’ efforts to enhance its workplace culture as well as its corporate ethics and governance, and was integral in crafting the company’s global response to the pandemic. Whittemore is also a member of the board of directors of Wynn Macau, Limited. Her legal career spans more than 30 years in gaming and hospitality, during which she has represented many of the industry’s largest companies in noteworthy regulatory matters. Before her career in private and corporate practice, Whittemore served in the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Gaming Division, where she authored several Nevada Gaming Commission regulations that remain in place today. Whittemore has long been an active community and industry leader and is the current Chair of the Nevada Resort Association and the former President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors.

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