The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced its 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame inductees, honoring three distinguished leaders who have significantly shaped the legal gaming industry. David Berman, Ann Simmons Nicholson, and Charles Lombardo will be formally recognized this October at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, Nevada, for their profound contributions across finance, operations, and human capital strategy.
AGA Honors Industry Visionaries for 2025 Hall of Fame
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has unveiled its 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame class, celebrating three individuals whose careers have profoundly influenced the legal gaming industry. The induction ceremony will take place at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, Nevada, this October.
Key Takeaways
- The AGA’s Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes three industry professionals for their influence on responsible growth.
- Inductees’ careers span finance, operations, and human capital strategy.
- The induction ceremony will be held at G2E in Las Vegas, highlighting excellence in the gaming industry.
Celebrating Decades of Impact
Established in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced both commercial and tribal gaming sectors. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller praised the honorees, stating, "The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who’ve shaped today’s gaming industry. David, Ann, and Charlie have each made enduring contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming."
The 2025 Inductees
The 2025 honorees are:
- David Berman: Co-head of Macquarie Capital, Americas Gaming & Leisure. With over 30 years in gaming finance, Berman has led more than 100 M&A deals valued at over $125 billion and helped clients raise $215 billion. He founded REGAL Capital Advisors, later acquired by Macquarie. Beyond finance, he serves on the USC Board of Leaders and is treasurer for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.
- Ann Simmons Nicholson: Founder and CEO of Simmons Group. Nicholson brings four decades of expertise in strategic planning and human capital strategy. She has supported over 60 casino projects and trained more than 27,000 gaming professionals globally, known for shaping corporate cultures and her leadership in industry and community organizations.
- Charles Lombardo: Possessing over five decades of gaming operations experience, Lombardo has worked with prominent entities such as Seminole Gaming, Hard Rock, Caesars, Bally’s, and Paris Las Vegas.
AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz commented, "This year’s inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry. Their careers exemplify excellence and lasting influence – and these three couldn’t be more deserving."
AGA Addresses Recent Scrutiny
While celebrating these industry visionaries, the American Gaming Association has recently faced criticism regarding its stance on the One Big Beautiful Bill, which reduced gamblers’ tax loss deductions from 100% to 90%. This change, a Senate amendment to a House-passed bill, drew complaints from players who felt they were being taxed on money they didn’t retain. In response to this feedback, the AGA now supports Rep. Dina Titus’s FAIR Bet Act, which aims to reinstate the full deduction.
Sources
- AGA Names 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame Honorees, Covers.com.
