AGA Reveals 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame Inductees

The Class of 2025 includes three influential leaders whose careers have left a lasting mark on the regulated gaming industry:

• David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas, and Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure
• Ann Simmons Nicholson, Founder and CEO of Simmons Group
• 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

“The Gaming Hall of Fame celebrates the visionaries who have helped build and guide today’s gaming landscape,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “David, Ann, and Charlie represent the very best of our industry through their innovation, leadership, and dedication.”

AGA Chairman and 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Mike Rumbolz added, “This year’s honorees reflect the depth, expertise, and diversity that define modern gaming. Their achievements have helped shape the industry’s evolution, and this recognition is well-earned.”

Established in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the commercial and tribal gaming sectors. The 2025 inductees will be honored at a private ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.

The selection committee for 2025 included:

• Mike Palm, VP of Operations, Circa Resorts
• Anika Howard, CEO, Wondr Nation
• Ryan Comstock, COO, Ainsworth & AGEM Chair
• Debi Nutton, Industry Consultant and 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
• Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus, International Center for Responsible Gaming
• Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, IAGA
• Lauren Bates, VP of Sales, Light & Wonder & Chair, Global Gaming Women
• Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
• Mike Rumbolz, Chairman, AGA

Meet the 2025 Honorees

David Berman
A seasoned leader in gaming finance, David Berman has over 30 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets. He has overseen more than $125 billion in M&A transactions and helped raise over $215 billion in capital for clients. Berman founded REGAL Capital Advisors, a gaming-focused advisory firm acquired by Macquarie in 2011. His past roles include senior positions at Credit Suisse, CIBC World Markets, and Oppenheimer & Co. He also serves on the Board of Leaders at USC’s Marshall School of Business and is Treasurer for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.

Ann Simmons Nicholson
Founder and CEO of Simmons Group, Ann Simmons Nicholson has dedicated four decades to strategic planning and workforce development in gaming. Her firm has supported more than 60 property launches, expansions, and acquisitions, and trained over 27,000 professionals worldwide. Known for her work in human capital, leadership development, and organizational culture, she is also an active community advocate, having served on boards including Global Gaming Women, United Way of Southern Nevada, and Noah’s Animal House.

Charles Lombardo
With a five-decade career in slot operations and casino management, Charles Lombardo has played a pivotal role in advancing the gaming experience. He held senior executive roles at industry giants including Caesars Palace, Bally’s, Paris Las Vegas, and Seminole Gaming. His leadership helped establish Class II and III gaming standards and introduced key innovations in slot technology. Today, Lombardo remains a consultant in game development and casino openings and is a special gaming advisor to Seminole Gaming. He was also the inaugural inductee into the Eilers Slot Operations Hall of Fame.