Honors bestowed upon David Berman, Ann Simmons Nicholson, and Charles Lombardo in the realm of gaming's premier establishment.
2025 Gaming Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the inductees for the 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame. This prestigious honour recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the gaming industry, demonstrating excellence and enduring influence.
This year's inductees are David Berman, Ann Simmons Nicholson, and Charles Lombardo.
David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital's Americas Gaming & Leisure sector, has over 30 years of experience in gaming finance. He has led more than 100 mergers and acquisitions totaling over $125 billion and helped raise $215 billion in client funding. Beyond finance, Berman is engaged in philanthropy and industry leadership. He also founded REGAL Capital Advisors, a gaming-focused advisory firm, and 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, Founder and CEO of Simmons Group, has over 40 years of experience in strategic planning and organizational consulting, with expertise in human capital strategy, leadership development, organizational culture, and executive coaching. Her firm has provided training to over 27,000 gaming professionals globally. While specific details on her individual contributions were not outlined, her leadership in the sector has earned recognition for positively impacting workforce development and the broader gaming industry.
Charles Lombardo, with over 50 years of experience in slot operations and game innovation, held senior leadership roles at Caesars Palace, Bally's, Paris Las Vegas, and Seminole Gaming. His operational expertise and leadership have significantly influenced gaming operations within major resorts and casinos. Lombardo was the first inductee into the Eilers Hall of Fame for Slot Operations.
The inductees will be formally inducted and honoured at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas in October 2025. The Gaming Hall of Fame is sponsored by the American Gaming Association and honours individuals who have shaped the gaming industry.
The selection committee for this year's Gaming Hall of Fame includes industry leaders such as Anika Howard, CEO of Wondr Nation, Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute, Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, Lauren Bates, Vice President of Sales at Light & Wonder and Chair of Global Gaming Women, Mike Palm, Circa Resorts Vice President, Operations, and Ryan Comstock, Ainsworth Chief Operating Officer and AGEM chair.
Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association, stated that the inductees have made lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming. Mike Rumbolz, AGA Chairman, echoed this sentiment, stating that the inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define the gaming industry. Last year, Rumbolz was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame, and this year he is a member of the selection committee. Debi Nutton, an industry consultant and 2024 Gaming Hall of Fame inductee, is also a member of this year's selection committee.
Rege Behe is not listed as one of the 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame inductees.
The 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame inductees have profoundly shaped the legal gaming industry through leadership in finance, operations, and workforce development. Their induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes their enduring influence and contributions to the diversity and strength of the gaming industry.
David Berman's contributions to the gaming industry stretch beyond finance, as he founded REGAL Capital Advisors, a gaming-focused advisory firm, and 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's leadership in the gaming sector has positively impacted workforce development and the broader industry, with her firm providing training to over 27,000 gaming professionals globally.
