The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced its Hall of Fame classes of 2020 and 2021, with the aim of recognizing those who have “distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the gaming industry.”
Inducted into the 2020 Hall of Fame is James R. Maida, President and CEO, Gaming Laboratories International, Jeffrey A. Silver, Of Counsel, Dickinson Wright PLLC, and Dr. Mark Yoseloff, Retired Chairman, CEO, Shuffle Master, Inc.; Founder, UNLV Center for Gaming Innovation.
And named in the 2021 Hall of Fame is Jeremy M. Jacobs, Chairman, Delaware North, Jim Shore, General Counsel, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Knute Knudson, Jr., Vice President of Global Business Development and Tribal Ambassador, IGT.
The Gaming Hall of Fame was established in 1989, with this year’s announcement including both the 2020 and 2021 versions due to the postponement of the event last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Each of these pioneers has left a unique, indelible mark on our industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Under their leadership, tribal gaming has boomed, professional sports leagues have embraced sports betting, and the gaming industry is thriving despite the challenges we’ve faced over the past year and a half.”
Hall of Fame inductees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives, with the latest selection committee including industry leaders such as Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors, Steve Sutherland, President and CEO, Konami Gaming Inc., and Christie Eickelman, Vice President, Global Marketing, GLI and (former) President, Global Gaming Women, among many others.
“This year’s honorees have been key players in proving that gaming is a world-class entertainment experience,” added Aristocrat Technologies CEO and AGA Chairman of the Board Trevor Croker. “We’re proud to recognize them and the important role they’ve played shaping gaming into the dynamic industry it is today.”