According to the information released by AGA, the inductees are: Diana Bennett, a casino management luminary and renowned philanthropist; John Breeding, the visionary behind the electronic card shuffler and proprietary table games; Joe Kaminkow, the legendary slot game designer who pioneered the industry in licensing branded games; and Melvin B. Wolzinger, a prominent Nevada businessman and Las Vegas community leader.
"The Class of 2017 was instrumental in shaping the casino-gaming industry," said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. "From revolutionizing the way games are seen and experienced, to reshaping employee operations and business development, these leaders' achievements extend throughout the nation, and even the world."
Since its
formation in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has awarded the industry's highest
honor to leaders who have distinguished themselves through significant
contributions to gaming. This year, more than one hundred accomplished
candidates were nominated for the prestigious recognition.
The selection committee comprises seven industry stakeholders, including Bo
Bernhard (executive director at the International Gaming Institute at
University of Nevada Las Vegas); Phyllis Gilland (senior vice president and
General Counsel of American Casino & Entertainment Properties); Roger Gros
(publisher of Global Gaming Business); Ryan Growney (general manager at South
Point Hotel and Casino); Gavin Isaacs (Vice Chairman of the Board at Scientific
Games); Jim Murren (chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International) and Victor
Rocha (owner and editor of Pechanga).
