AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Class of the Industry
Recognizing the legends who have driven our industry forward
BY MAUREEN BEDDIS
Annually , the American Gaming Association has the honor of announcing a new class of industry leaders for induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame . This year , we are pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the Gaming Hall of Fame Class : Jim Allen , Alan Feldman and Debi Nutton .
From transforming tribal gaming and pioneering responsible gaming research to blazing new paths in casino operations , these individuals have all made significant marks on the gaming industry throughout their careers .
Jim Allen
Chairman , Hard Rock International and CEO , Seminole Gaming ; Former Chairman , American Gaming Association
Jim Allen , a seasoned veteran with over 44 years in gaming and hospitality , is the CEO of Seminole Gaming and chairman of Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Digital . He is also an alumnus of the AGA , having served as chairman of our Board of Directors .
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 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 , and partnerships with Formula 1 Racing in both Miami and Las Vegas , Red Bull Racing , Lionel Messi , and Hard Rock Stadium , which hosts the NFL ’ s Miami Dolphins .
Alan Feldman
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming , UNLV International Gaming Institute ; Former Executive , MGM Resorts International
Alan Feldman is a leader in the field of responsible gaming . As the director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow at the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas , 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 Game- Sense , 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 chairman emeritus of the International Center for Responsible Gaming , where he formerly served as chairman of the board .
Debi Nutton
Board Member , Everi Holdings ; Executive Coach-Consultant ; Former Casino Operations Executive , MGM Resorts , Wynn Resorts
Debi Nutton serves as a board member at Everi Holdings , while also helming her business as a gaming consultant and executive coach . Since starting her career in 1980 , she has been a trailblazer , beginning as one of the few female dice dealers on the Las Vegas Strip . She was a part of the opening team of The Mirage in 1989 , where she distinguished herself as the sole female craps pit manager at the time . Over her 24-year tenure with MGM and Mirage , Nutton 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 . Now , as an executive coach-consultant , she mentors the next generation of gaming leaders .
Each of these leaders has earned the thanks of the global gaming community for helping drive our industry to new heights , and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at Global Gaming Expo 2024 this October .
Maureen Beddis is senior vice president , membership and events at the American Gaming Association
10 Global Gaming Business SEPTEMBER 2024