Frequently Asked Questions about Global Gaming Women

• What is Global Gaming Women?

  Global Gaming Women (GGW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and influencing the development of women in the gaming industry. Launched as an independent charity in 2016, GGW provides education, mentorship, and networking to more than 9,000 members in over 70 countries.

• Is GGW membership free?

  Yes. GGW membership is completely free and open to anyone — women and allies — who supports the global gaming sector. You can join here in a few minutes.

• Who can join Global Gaming Women?

  Membership is open to professionals across every gaming segment, including commercial casinos, tribal gaming, suppliers and manufacturers, lottery, sports betting, iGaming, regulatory, hospitality, and tourism. Both early-career professionals and senior executives are welcome, along with male allies.

• What’s the difference between GGW Foundations and Leadership Conferences?

  Foundations Conferences are two-day professional development programs aimed at women earlier in their gaming careers, focused on core leadership, communication, and confidence-building skills. Leadership Conferences are designed for mid-career and senior women, with deeper content on executive presence, strategic decision-making, and advancement. Both are offered by scholarship at no cost to participants.

• What is a GGW Link & L.E.A.R.N. event?

  Link & L.E.A.R.N. events are short, single-day regional gatherings — typically held at a host casino property — that combine networking (“Link”) with a focused education session (“L.E.A.R.N.”). They’re free for GGW members and a low-friction way to engage locally.

• What is the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award?

  The Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award, named for GGW co-founder Patty Becker, recognizes women in gaming who actively mentor and elevate the next generation of female leaders. Honorees are announced annually and celebrated at GGW’s Kick Up Your Heels fundraiser during G2E.

• What is 10 Women Rising in Gaming?

  10 Women Rising in Gaming is a twice-yearly editorial feature published by CDC Gaming in collaboration with Global Gaming Women. It profiles ten emerging women leaders making an impact across casino operations, supplier companies, regulatory bodies, tribal gaming, lottery, and iGaming.

• What mentorship programs does GGW offer?

  GGW runs two flagship mentorship programs: Lean In Circles, peer-to-peer small groups that function like a personal advisory board, and OneUpOneDown, a near-peer mentorship platform that pairs members with mentors a few steps ahead in their careers.

• What is the Fair Game Podcast?

  Fair Game is GGW’s official podcast, featuring interviews with women leaders, executives, and rising voices from every corner of the global gaming industry. New episodes are published regularly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.

• What is GGW Voices?

  GGW Voices is a monthly commentary column on CDC Gaming, written by women across the gaming industry on topics ranging from operational strategy to leadership and career development. It’s a partnership between CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women.

• How is CDC Gaming connected to Global Gaming Women?

  CDC Gaming is a partner of GGW. We publish the monthly GGW Voices commentary series, the annual 10 Women Rising in Gaming features, ongoing coverage of GGW events and award honorees, and maintain the GGW Bulletin Board connecting our readers to the GGW community. The CDC Gaming team is proud to feature numerous GGW members.