10 Women Rising in Gaming
September 2026
Stacy Phillips
Company: Light & Wonder
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 25
Hometown: Reno, Nevada
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 with IGT in Reno as a MegaJackpot accountant. Before joining IGT, I spent a couple of years right out of college as a public auditor, where several of my clients were Reno casinos. That experience gave me early exposure to the industry and helped spark my interest in gaming. I went on to spend 20 years at IGT in Finance and Operations roles before joining Light & Wonder, where I have spent the past five years continuing to grow as a leader and expand my impact. Having been born and raised in Nevada, gaming has always been part of the community around me, so in many ways, it felt like a natural path and maybe even a little destined.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
Gaming is an exciting, dynamic industry that continues to evolve in different ways around the world. What keeps me engaged is the constant innovation, the pace of change, and the opportunity to work with talented people across so many areas of the business. Even though gaming is a global industry, it still has a close-knit feel where relationships matter and collaboration is important. That combination of energy, innovation, and community is what makes the industry unique and keeps it fun.
Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make in the industry, and what would you like your leadership legacy to be?
I hope to continue making an impact by helping build strong teams, improving how we work, and using our unique position as a gaming supplier to help our customers be more successful. One of the things I value about being on the supplier side of the industry is that we have the opportunity to support many different customers, markets, and business needs. That gives us a unique perspective and a real responsibility to deliver solutions, service, and partnership that help our customers become stronger. I would like my leadership legacy to be that I helped develop others, removed barriers, and created positive change through collaboration, accountability, and respect.
What personal and professional qualities or traits do you believe are essential for success in the gaming industry, and which of those qualities have helped you thrive in your own career?
I believe success in the gaming industry requires adaptability, curiosity, strong relationships, and a willingness to keep learning. On the supplier side, the industry moves quickly, and because it touches so many different areas, such as technology, operations, finance, compliance, customer service, and entertainment, it is important to be open-minded and able to adjust as the business evolves. The qualities that have helped me most in my own career are accountability, resilience, and the ability to connect with people across different parts of the business. I have always tried to approach challenges with common sense, simplify where I can, support the team, and look for practical ways to make things better.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
My advice for women seeking careers in gaming is to be open to the opportunities the industry can provide, even if your path does not start exactly where you expected or takes you in an unexpected direction. Be curious, ask questions, build strong relationships, and do not be afraid to take on challenges that stretch you. I would also encourage women to trust their experience and their voice. There will always be moments when you are learning something new or stepping into unfamiliar territory, but that is often where the most growth happens. Gaming is a relationship-driven industry, and there is a lot of opportunity for women who are willing to work hard, stay adaptable, and bring their perspective to the table.
