WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry. The honorees include:
- 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,” said Mike Rumbolz, AGA Chairman of the Board and Everi Executive Chairman. “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
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 CEO 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
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, Nutton rose to SVP of Casino Operations and Marketing for MGM and Bellagio before assuming the role of EVP 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, Nutton 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.
