▶ Black Executives On The Rise ▲

June 2026

Ruben Warren

Vice President & General Manager, Penn Entertainment

Hometown:

Las Vegas, Nevada

First job in the gaming industry:

Count and Coin Room Clerk

What do you like about working in gaming?

Gaming is a dynamic, ever‑evolving industry that demands continuous learning, curiosity, and adaptability. No two days are the same. It requires staying current through research, networking, and engagement while balancing innovation within regulatory boundaries. That constant evolution is what keeps the work both challenging and rewarding.

Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?

I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse opportunities the industry offers. Gaming provides many career paths and real access to leadership roles across operations, technology, finance, compliance, and hospitality. It quickly became clear this was an industry where ambition, capability, and integrity could truly translate into long‑term leadership growth.

Were you familiar with gambling before landing a job in the industry? What were your thoughts about gaming before starting to work in the industry?

Yes, I was familiar with gambling long before entering the industry—it was part of my upbringing. My mother worked at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, and my father built his career at the Dunes and later the Golden Nugget. Both dedicated decades to the industry through union roles and ultimately retired from gaming. Growing up, I saw gaming primarily as a place of steady employment and opportunity, not as the complex, sophisticated business it truly is. Only later, through my own journey, did I come to appreciate the scale, innovation, and leadership depth of the industry—and the generational impact it can have on families and communities like my own.

Has your impression of the industry changed at all?

Absolutely. My eyes are wide open now. Gaming is a sophisticated, highly regulated, and innovation‑driven business that blends entertainment, technology, analytics, and customer experience. I often find myself thinking about how this industry will continue to evolve over the next 50 to 100 years and the role leaders must play in shaping that future responsibly.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the gaming industry?

Cultivate an open mindset. Be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn as the industry evolves. Approach challenges with curiosity instead of certainty. Equally important, be intentional about diversifying your network—inside and outside the industry. Growth accelerates when you learn from perspectives different from your own.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself, your journey or the industry.

My journey in gaming has reinforced that leadership is built through humility, consistency, and service to others. This industry offers incredible opportunities for those willing to put in the work, stay adaptable, and lead with integrity. I’m proud to contribute to an industry that continues to innovate while creating meaningful careers and economic impact for diverse communities.