(PRESS RELEASE) -- The American Gaming Association announced the 2025 inductees into the Gaming Hall of Fame, recognizing three individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped the legal gaming industry:
- David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas and Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure
- Ann Simmons Nicholson, Founder and CEO, Simmons Group
- Charles Lombardo, Former Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations at Seminole Hard Rock Gaming, and former Senior Vice President of Slot Operations for Caesars Palace, Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas.
“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who’ve shaped today’s gaming industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “David, Ann, and Charlie have each made lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming, and we’re proud to recognize their impact.”
“This year’s inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry,” said AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022). “The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders whose careers exemplify excellence and enduring influence – and these three couldn’t be more deserving of this recognition.”
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of industry legends who have driven the commercial and tribal gaming industry forward. The Class of 2025 will be formally inducted at an invitation-only ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.
This year’s selection committee members include:
- Mike Palm, VP, Operations, Circa Resorts
- Anika Howard, CEO, Wondr Nation
- Ryan Comstock, COO, Ainsworth and Chair, AGEM
- Debi Nutton, Industry Consultant and Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024
- Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus, International Center for Responsible Gaming
- Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, IAGA
- Lauren Bates, VP, Sales, Light & Wonder and Chair, Global Gaming Women
- Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
- Mike Rumbolz, Chairman, AGA