AGA announces 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame class
David Berman, Ann Simmons Nicholson, and Charles Lombardo are set to be inducted at the 2025 G2E conference in October.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced the 2025 inductees into the Gaming Hall of Fame, recognizing three individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped the legal gaming industry:
David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas and Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure
Ann Simmons Nicholson, Founder and CEO, Simmons Group
Charles Lombardo, Former Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations at Seminole Hard Rock Gaming, and former Senior Vice President of Slot Operations for Caesars Palace, Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas.
“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who’ve shaped today’s gaming industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “David, Ann, and Charlie have each made lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming, and we’re proud to recognize their impact.”
“This year’s inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry,” said AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022). “The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders whose careers exemplify excellence and enduring influence – and these three couldn’t be more deserving of this recognition.”
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of industry legends who have driven the commercial and tribal gaming industry forward. The Class of 2025 will be formally inducted at an invitation-only ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.
This year’s selection committee members include:
Mike Palm, VP, Operations, Circa Resorts
Anika Howard, CEO, Wondr Nation
Ryan Comstock, COO, Ainsworth and Chair, AGEM
Debi Nutton, Industry Consultant and Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus, International Center for Responsible Gaming
Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, IAGA
Lauren Bates, VP, Sales, Light & Wonder and Chair, Global Gaming Women
Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Mike Rumbolz, Chairman, AGA
About the 2025 Inductees
David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas and Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure
David Berman has more than three decades of experience in gaming mergers & acquisitions and capital markets, having led more than 100 mergers & acquisitions worth more than $125 billion and helped clients raise more than $215 billion in debt and equity. He founded REGAL Capital Advisors, a gaming-focused advisory firm acquired by Macquarie in 2011, and previously held senior roles at Credit Suisse, CIBC World Markets, and Oppenheimer & Co. Berman currently serves on the Board of Leaders at USC’s Marshall School of Business and is Treasurer of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.
Ann Simmons Nicholson, CEO and founder of Simmons Group
Ann Simmons Nicholson is an expert in strategic planning and organizational consulting. Over her 40-year career, she has worked with nearly every major gaming company, supporting more than 60 property openings, expansions, and acquisitions. Her expertise spans human capital strategy, leadership development, organizational culture, and executive coaching, and her firm has provided training to more than 27,000 gaming professionals globally. A dedicated community leader and advocate, she has served on board including United Way of Southern Nevada, Global Gaming Women, and Noah’s Animal House.
Charles Lombardo, Former Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International, and former Senior Vice President of Slot Operations for Caesars Palace, Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas
With more than 50 years of experience in slot operations and game innovation, Charles Lombardo has helped define the modern casino experience. He has held senior leadership roles at Caesars Palace, Bally’s, Paris Las Vegas, and Seminole Gaming, where he led the development of Class II and III gaming standards, pioneered groundbreaking slot technologies, and helped shape state and tribal regulatory frameworks. Today, he continues to consult on game development and casino openings and serves as a special gaming advisor to Seminole Gaming. Lombardo was the first-ever inductee into the Eilers Hall of Fame for Slot Operations.
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