Washington, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced Maureen Beddis will join its executive team as senior vice president, membership and events. In this new role, she will lead AGA member relations, business development and events including Global Gaming Expo (G2E).

“We’re delighted to welcome Maureen to the AGA at this critical time for our association and industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Maureen’s career is defined by her ability to drive strategy, convene members and deliver results. Her significant experience as an association executive will bolster our already strong team and help lead our organization into the future.”

Beddis joins the AGA on October 31 following 16 years at The Vision Council, most recently serving as executive vice president, membership and strategic initiatives. In this role, she led membership, organizational strategy and operations, including serving as the member liaison to the Vision Expo shows and bringing new talent into the industry and organization through DEI and Emerging Optical Leaders programs.

“I’m thrilled to join the dedicated AGA team and advance its mission to foster an environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives,” said Beddis. “I look forward to working with the association’s dynamic membership to deliver value and elevate AGA’s best-in-class events, including G2E.”

Beddis played a critical role in navigating The Vision Council through the pandemic, redefining the organization’s strategy, launching improved member programs, and creating new revenue opportunities for the organization. She previously served in marketing and communications roles for the Council.

In both 2010 and 2020, she was named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical. Beddis is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, American Marketing Association and CEO Update’s COO Forum.

Nominations Now Open for the 33rd Annual Gaming Hall of Fame

For more than 30 years, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized leaders who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the gaming industry. Consider nominating a leader that has helped the industry succeed for this highest honor.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 27. 

Nomination Process

Nominations for the 2022 Gaming Hall of Fame are open through Friday, May 27 at 11:59 PM ET and must include nominee’s full name, mailing address, email address, and an entry detailing why they should be inducted using 500 words or less.

Hundreds of qualified candidates are reviewed by an independent panel of gaming executives who select the annual Hall of Fame class. Inductees are chosen based upon their career achievements, community involvement, and innovative contributions to the industry. Inductees will be notified and announced in late summer 2022.

The 2022 inductees will be honored at the invite-only Chairman’s Reception featuring the Gaming Hall of Fame Ceremony at G2E Las Vegas on October 11, 2022.

Join the American Gaming Association as we kick off G2E 2025 with an exclusive welcome reception.

The annual Regulator Roundtable is an invite-only event that is held in conjunction with G2E. It provides a personalized opportunity for regulators and gaming policy stakeholders to hear about the latest developments and challenges facing gaming states.

For more than 30 years, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized leaders who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the gaming industry.

The 2025 inductees will be honored at the invite-only Chairman’s Reception featuring the Gaming Hall of Fame Ceremony at G2E Las Vegas on October 7, 2025.

The Gaming 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. Each year, an annual Hall of Fame class is selected by an independent panel of gaming executives.

VIEW PAST HONOREES

WASHINGTON – The National Hockey League (NHL®) and the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced a partnership today to promote responsible gaming activity through the Have A Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly. public service campaign.

Through the partnership, the NHL will use league-owned, in-arena, and digital marketing inventory for co-branded videoboard images, public address announcements, and animations of hockey-specific marketing materials that encourage responsible sports betting. The league will provide unique assets for each club in legal sports betting markets, including arena, desktop and mobile, and email applications.

“The National Hockey League is proud to partner with the American Gaming Association on this vital initiative to educate NHL fans about the importance of responsible betting,” said Keith Wachtel, NHL Chief Business Officer. “The fan experience remains one of our highest priorities as more hockey fans than ever have the opportunity to legally and responsibly bet in their home states. Ensuring that our passionate fans know how to participate in this exciting new opportunity is important, and we’re thrilled to be working with the AGA to share the responsibility in this worthy education.”

The AGA’s Have a Game Plan. campaign focuses on the core principles of responsible sports betting: setting a budget and sticking to it, keeping betting social, knowing the odds, and playing with trusted, regulated operators. The NHL is only the second professional league to adopt the campaign. NASCAR announced a partnership with the AGA effort in mid-September.

“Teams and leagues are increasingly embracing sports betting as they explore new fan engagement opportunities during COVID-19,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. “Educating patrons about how to engage in this activity responsibly is critical to the success of the sports betting opportunity as it continues to expand throughout the country. We’re thankful for the NHL’s continued leadership on responsible sports betting. Their partnership on this initiative will be important for hockey fans everywhere as they cheer on their teams in coming seasons.”

HaveAGamePlan.org equips bettors with myriad resources for wagering responsibly, including locations for legal, regulated sportsbooks and how to get help if sports betting is no longer a fun, affordable form of entertainment.

Wachtel will discuss the partnership at a Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2020 panel titled, “The Fan of the Future? How Leagues Are Capitalizing on Sports Betting Through Partnerships,” Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. ET. Media can register to attend here.

Background

• The NHL and its teams have formed 17 marketing and data sharing partnerships with gaming operators and suppliers since May 2018.
• AGA research has found that the NHL’s annual revenue may increase by $216 million a year due to legal sports betting.
• An AGA survey of sports bettors found that 27 percent of bettors wagered on the NHL in the past year—19% at a casino sportsbook, 41% online, and 22% with a bookie.
• 18 states plus Washington, D.C. now offer legal, regulated sports betting, with another four not yet operational and six considering legalization.
• Nearly half (11) of the 23 U.S. jurisdictions with legal sports betting are home to NHL teams.

The annual Regulator Roundtable is an invite-only event that is held in conjunction with G2E. It provides a personalized opportunity for regulators and gaming policy stakeholders to hear about the latest developments and challenges facing gaming states.

Join the American Gaming Association as we kick off G2E 2024 with an exclusive welcome reception at Bouchon at The Venetian Resort.

The 2024 inductees will be honored at the invite-only Chairman’s Reception featuring the Gaming Hall of Fame Ceremony at G2E Las Vegas on October 8, 2024.