The American Gaming Association Wednesday announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three individuals for their contributions to the industry.
The new members are:
- Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chairman, Seminole Gaming CEO, and former chairman of the AGA.
- Alan Feldman, UNLV International Gaming Institute Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, and a former executive with MGM Resorts International.
- Debi Nutton, Everi Holdings Board Member, executive coach-consultant, and former casino operations executive with MGM Resorts and 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 in a statement.
Founded in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes icons and leaders who have influenced the gaming industry. The Class of 2024 will be recognized at an invitation-only induction ceremony in October during G2E 2024 in Las Vegas.
“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders that have had a distinct impact on our industry’s success,” added AGA Chairman of the Board and Everi Executive Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022). “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.”
This year’s new Hall of Fame members have made unique contributions to the gaming industry.
Allen has 44 years of experience in the gaming industry. Since 2021, he has overseen all aspects of gaming, including hospitality and entertainment, for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Allen has led the expansion of the company’s entertainment offerings in sports and sports betting including the 2020 launch of Hard Rock Digital, and forged partnerships with Formula One Racing in both Miami and Las Vegas, Red Bull Racing, Lionel Messi, and Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins
Feldman, while working at MGM Resorts for 30 years, helped launch GameSense, an initiative promoting healthy gambling strategies at all MGM properties in the U.S. He is also in demand as a speaker on responsible gaming and serves as chair emeritus for the International Center for Responsible Gaming, where he formerly served as chair of the board.
Nutton began working in the gaming industry in 1980 as one of the few female dice dealers on the Las Vegas Strip. She contributed to the opening team at The Mirage in 1989, where she was then the sole female dice pit manager. During 24 years as an executive with MGM and the Bellagio, Nutton served as senior vice president of casino operations and marketing. She became the executive vice president of casino operations at Wynn Resorts in 2013.
Hall of Fame honorees were selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members includes:
- Churchill Downs EVP, Gaming, Maureen Adams
- Wind Creek Hospitality President and CEO Jay Dorris
- Light & Wonder EVP and CEO Gaming Siobhan Lane
- DRA CEO and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of African Americans in Gaming Alex Dixon
- International Center for Responsible Gaming Chairman Mark Lipparelli
- International Association of Gaming Advisors Executive Director Kirsten Clark
- Global Gaming Women Chair Lauren Bates
- UNLV International Gaming Institute Executive Director Dr. Brett Abarbanel
- AGA Chairman of the Board and Everi Executive Chairman Mike Rumbolz
