10 Women Rising in Gaming
Nichole Hanson
Company: Light & Wonder, Director of Global Brand Marketing
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 14
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
My first job in the gaming industry was as a graphic designer for the Internal Communications team at MGM Resorts for ARIA. I joined during the final stages of CityCenter, where we were completing the construction of ARIA, VDARA, Mandarin Oriental (now Waldorf Astoria), and Veer Towers. Prior to this, I had experience in software and technology companies, starting my career at Henry Schein and later working for Landesk (now iVanti) as a graphic designer for their in-house marketing team.
I was drawn to the gaming industry through the CityCenter project. I was really excited to work for a company that took on something so huge, especially a project that was LEED Gold Certified, showing a real commitment to sustainability. ARIA, the heart of CityCenter, was designed with advanced water conservation systems, like using reclaimed water for its features, and had an incredible collection of contemporary art. All of that made me eager to be a part of it.
What really pulled me in was the unique hospitality experience CityCenter was aiming for. It wasn’t just about gaming—it was about creating a world-class space where art, architecture, and technology all came together to create something special. Even now, I’m still fascinated by how gaming blends with hospitality and unique experiences. It’s the creativity and hard work of artists, mathematicians, and designers that continue to inspire me, and that’s what made me want to be part of the gaming industry.
Were you familiar with gambling, casinos, sports betting or any of the other facets of the industry before you started? Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?
I grew up in Utah, a state that doesn’t allow gambling, so most of what I knew about the industry before starting was very limited. The only exposure I had was crossing the Utah State Line into Nevada to gamble at the Peppermill in Wendover and visiting my sister in Las Vegas while she was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.
When I started working in the industry, I was surprised by several things. First, I was amazed at how much math and complex regulations play a role in gaming. It was fascinating to learn about the many different jurisdictions around the globe and how each government, state, and country regulates gaming in its own way.
What truly inspired me to pursue a career on the manufacturing side of gaming was a conversation I had with an IT technician at ARIA. He asked me, as a graphic designer and artist, why I wasn’t working for companies that actually create the games. This was something I had never considered before. I discovered that there are numerous opportunities in the gaming industry for artists, engineers, and mathematicians, and that it’s a very nurturing environment for creative professionals. Although my focus has remained in marketing, this realization broadened my perspective on the industry and the various paths it offers.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
What I love about working in the gaming industry is the way it blends art with hospitality, creating immersive experiences that are engaging and rewarding not just for the players but also for the casinos. The industry is deeply focused on the end-user experience, which makes it both rewarding and fun to be a part of.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is collaborating with other artists and creators. Seeing people have fun with our products is incredibly satisfying. Personally, I’ve seen how gaming benefits communities by providing entertainment, creating jobs, and supporting the local economy. It’s fulfilling to be part of an industry that contributes positively to the community.
What keeps me engaged is the constant learning curve. In this industry, there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a new player experience, emerging technology, or a fresh perspective on the people, products, and places involved in gaming.
What’s truly unique about gaming is the omni-channel experience. You can play games anywhere, using the same gaming IP, but the experience varies depending on the environment—the tactile feel, the audio, and the ambiance of the location. This variety keeps the industry interesting and continuously evolving, which is why I remain passionate about it.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
My advice for women looking to build a career in gaming is to avoid limiting yourself to a single type of position. The gaming industry offers a wide range of career paths, and you can advance and grow by exploring different roles throughout your career. The variety of opportunities available can benefit you no matter where you are in your professional journey.
Take the time to consider the environment that suits you best—whether it’s working in a physical casino, an iGaming studio, or a company that manufactures gaming machines. Each setting offers unique experiences and opportunities for growth.
It’s also important to acknowledge that gaming is a male-dominated industry, so be open to networking and supporting other women in your workplace. We should strive to support one another, take pride in the progress we’ve made, and champion each other’s successes.
Finally, remember that there are many rungs on the career ladder in gaming. Be open to the opportunities that come your way and don’t be afraid to explore different paths as you advance in your career.
What are your long-term goals? What do you hope to accomplish?
My long-term goals include continually enhancing my knowledge and experience in brand management, governance, and overall creative operations. I aim to improve the way I work, foster better relationships, and contribute to a positive culture around me. I hope to create frameworks that make creative processes more enjoyable and effective for both the organization and the individuals I work with, while also promoting a supportive and empathetic workplace environment. Looking to the future, one of my long-term goals is to integrate my passion for marketing, hospitality, and design into a project that celebrates tourism and the natural beauty of southern Nevada, though this is still in the brainstorming phase.
Do you think there is a personality type that’s well suited for this industry? What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
I do believe that certain personality traits are particularly well-suited for the gaming industry. From my experience, the industry has a unique, family-like atmosphere that harks back to the old days of Las Vegas. For example, my early days working at Bally were surprisingly nurturing and supportive, which was a pleasant surprise.
The industry thrives on creating enjoyable and memorable experiences for guests, whether they’re at the slots or enjoying hotel amenities. The people who excel in this field often possess traits of a great host or hostess—dedication to exceptional customer service, a commitment to enhancing guest experiences, and a genuine care for treating employees like family. Personally, I find that my enjoyment of connecting with others and ensuring their experiences are positive aligns well with these traits, which has made my time in the gaming industry both fulfilling and rewarding.
What do you wish you would have known starting out in gaming?
Looking back, one thing I wish I had known starting out in gaming is the technical side of the job. Specifically, having a solid grasp of the mathematical aspects of games, basic knowledge of table games, side bets, progressives, and an understanding of jurisdictions, adjacent markets, tribal gaming, and the varying regulations at local, state, and national levels would have been extremely beneficial. This knowledge is crucial for effectively marketing and supporting our customers.
Although I am still learning and discovering new facets of the industry, which keeps it exciting and engaging for me, I recognize that having this foundational understanding from the start would have provided a smoother transition into the field. The complexity and variety within the gaming industry are what make it so interesting, and I embrace the opportunity to continually learn and grow.
Do you have any resource recommendations/suggestions for other people who desire a career in gaming?
For anyone interested in a career in gaming, I highly recommend a few key resources and strategies. Firstly, Global Gaming Women has been invaluable to my professional growth. The organization offers exceptional networking opportunities and support for women in the industry, which has significantly benefited me through both networking and my Lean In Circle.
Additionally, if your organization offers Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), joining them can be a great way to advance your career and learn more about the industry. At Light & Wonder, our ERGs have provided valuable resources and opportunities for development.
Networking is also crucial. Engage with local casinos and interact with staff and hosts to gain insights and make connections. The gaming industry is dynamic, and many entry-level positions can evolve into advanced roles for motivated individuals.
For artists aiming to break into gaming, focusing on animation, illustration, and design skills is essential. Build a strong portfolio and seek out internships at gaming companies to gain hands-on experience. The gaming industry offers many opportunities for those willing to learn and grow.
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
Being a female in any industry comes with its own set of challenges, and the gaming industry is no exception, as it is still very male-dominated. As a woman in a leadership role, it has sometimes been hard for me to assert myself, especially when outnumbered in a room. Over time, I’ve been working on stepping into my authority and owning my position.
I think women often tend to question their value and contributions more than men, and that made it a longer journey for me to feel like I truly belong. There have been times when the workplace has been difficult, especially during mergers and acquisitions when things felt really uncertain. Staying focused on my goals and continuing to work hard, no matter what was going on around me, helped me push through.
It’s been really rewarding to see the company grow through those tough times, and I’m proud to have been part of that journey.
On top of that, I’ve been lucky to have a great group of friends and colleagues in the industry who’ve mentored and supported me. Their insights and encouragement have been invaluable—I honestly don’t think I would’ve made it without them.
