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AGA Announces Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Allen, Feldman, Nutton to be Inducted
Today, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry:
- Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Gaming; Former Chairman, American Gaming Association
- Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Former Executive, MGM Resorts International
- Debi Nutton, Board Member, Everi Holdings; Executive Coach-Consultant; Former Casino Operations Executive, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts
“From helping transform tribal gaming and pioneering responsible gaming research to blazing new paths in casino operations, Jim, Alan and Debi have been integral to shaping the modern gaming industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming icons and leaders for their enduring influence on the industry. The Class of 2024 will receive recognition at an invitation-only induction ceremony held during G2E 2024 in Las Vegas this October.
“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders that have had a distinct impact on our industry’s success,” added AGA Chairman of the Board and Everi Executive Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022). “This year’s inductees have met and exceeded this threshold throughout their careers and continue to do so in their current work. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at G2E 2024.”
Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:
- Maureen Adams, EVP, Gaming, Churchill Downs Inc.
- Jay Dorris, President and CEO, Wind Creek Hospitality
- Siobhan Lane, EVP and CEO, Gaming, Light & Wonder
- Alex Dixon, CEO, DRA and Co-Founder and Co-Chair, African Americans in Gaming
- Mark Lipparelli, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
- Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
- Lauren Bates, Chair, Global Gaming Women
- Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
- Mike Rumbolz, Executive Chairman, Everi and Chairman of the Board, AGA
Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Gaming; Former Chairman, American Gaming Association
A gaming and hospitality industry veteran with more than 44 years of experience, Allen currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Digital. He also recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AGA. Since 2001, Allen has overseen all gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including leading the tribe’s 2007 acquisition of Hard Rock International, the first acquisition of a major international company by a North American Indian tribe. Under his leadership, Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International have grown their global business footprint and their leadership in U.S. casino gaming, winning numerous awards for excellence in operations, hospitality and employment. Allen has also led the expansion of the company’s entertainment offerings to sports and sports betting, including the 2020 launch of Hard Rock Digital—an online and retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform—and partnerships with Formula One Racing in both Miami and Las Vegas, Red Bull Racing, Lionel Messi, and Hard Rock Stadium which hosts the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Allen also lectures at many professional conferences, governmental programs and college campuses and makes frequent appearances on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business and other financial news networks.
Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Former Executive, MGM Resorts International
Alan Feldman currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, where he is at the forefront of developing programs and policies that enhance industry knowledge and regulatory practices around responsible gaming. During his 30-year tenure at MGM Resorts, Feldman was instrumental in launching GameSense, a pioneering initiative that now promotes healthy gambling behaviors across all MGM U.S. properties. Feldman is also a globally sought-after speaker on responsible gaming and holds key advisory roles in the industry, including serving as Chair Emeritus of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, where he formerly served as Chair of the Board. Feldman’s significant contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Gaming Professional of the Year by the Casino Management Association in 2002 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Gaming Communications from the American Gaming Association in 2009.
Debi Nutton, Board Member, Everi Holdings; Executive Coach-Consultant; Former Casino Operations Executive, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts
Nutton currently serves as a Board Member at Everi Holdings while also helming her business as a gaming consultant and executive coach. Her career in the gaming industry began in 1980 as one of the few female dice dealers on the Las Vegas Strip. She notably contributed to the opening team of The Mirage in 1989, where she distinguished herself as the sole female dice pit manager at the time. Over her 24-year tenure with MGM and Mirage, Debi rose to Senior Vice President of Casino Operations and Marketing for MGM and Bellagio before assuming the role of Executive Vice President of Casino Operations at Wynn Resorts in 2013. Today, she is shaping the next generation of gaming as an executive coach-consultant, advising the industry on leadership practices and casino operations. A founding board member of Global Gaming Women, Debi has received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Great Women of Gaming Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2009 Casino Enterprise Management Great Women of Gaming Proven Leader Award, and being named a “Woman of Distinction” by the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2007.
The post AGA Announces Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Team Vitality accelerates global growth with acquisition of Bigetron Esports
The acquisition will see Team Vitality continue to forge its path to becoming one of the only truly international esports organisations, by entering the mobile gaming market in new regions and markets
Leading esports club, Team Vitality, is proud to announce the acquisition of Indonesian esports organisation, Bigetron Esports, following a deal with one of the most powerful mobile gaming esports brands globally. The move will strengthen Team Vitality’s presence in the mobile gaming market as well as extend the brand’s reach further into the Southeast Asian region, continuing to forge its path to become a truly global, multifaceted presence across all elements of esports.
Bigetron by Vitality: A strategic move into Southeast Asia and mobile gaming
The acquisition places Team Vitality in a strategically important gaming market – Southeast Asia. With a population of over 270 million, and more than 30% of whom are under 30, Indonesia represents a vibrant and highly engaged audience for esports. The country is home to over 100 million gamers, making it the fourth-largest gaming market in the world. Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, is also one of the fastest-growing regions for mobile gaming, with a remarkable 20% year-over-year revenue growth.
As part of the move, Bigetron Esports’ brand identity will change to ‘Bigetron by Vitality’, to show respect to the club’s local legacy while allowing Team Vitality to integrate the brand authentically and exclusively into all future mobile gaming activities. Bigetron Esports CEO, Edwin Chia, alongside Team Vitality’s Co-Founder CEO, Nicolas Maurer and Corporate Director of Global Operations, Danny Engels, will work together as the respective leads for Vitality’s mobile gaming entity.
This acquisition marks a significant step in Team Vitality’s expansion into mobile gaming, following the 2024 acquisition of Bigetron’s Women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster. Prompting a deeper exploration of the mobile esports space, Bigetron represents a fantastic addition to help introduce and grow the Vitality brand within this fast-growing and dynamic segment of the industry.
Bigetron Esports has built a formidable reputation in the mobile gaming world, with an impressive social media presence across multiple platforms, totaling over 6.8 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. As part of this acquisition, all Bigetron social media channels will be rebranded to align with Team Vitality as ‘ Bigetron by Vitality’, integrating seamlessly into the broader Team Vitality network.
Bigetron is one of the few Southeast Asian organisations with an established footprint in four key mobile gaming titles, a strong competitive track record, and existing partnerships with gaming industry leaders Moonton and Tencent. Following the deal, Team Vitality will be represented by the organisation’s existing key rosters and talent including:
- Men’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang Team: Competing in the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID), the organization recently secured 3rd place in the highly competitive league operated by game publisher Moonton, with a notable peak viewership of an astonishing 4 million.
- PUBG Mobile Team: With total prize winnings exceeding $1.2 million, Bigetron has made multiple World Championship appearances, including the 2024 World Championship, and holds World Championship titles from 2019 and 2020.
- Free Fire Team: Champions of the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Indonesian Fall 2024. The team also earned a spot in the Free Fire World Series Grand Finals 2024.
- Honor of Kings Team: The Honor of Kings team recently triumphed in the Indonesian Qualifier for the HoK Invitational Season 3 and became a partner team in the newly established Professional Honor of Kings League in Indonesia.
- Women’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang team: Following acquiring the team in 2024, Bigetron will offer additional support, resources and infrastructure to further support the roster ahead of the Esports World Cup in 2025.
- Additionally, Bigetron has assembled a lineup of Southeast Asian brand ambassadors with a combined social media following of over 27 million, all of whom will further amplify the clubs partnership with Team Vitality throughout the region
All of the above teams that qualify for the Esports World Cup will represent Team Vitality and compete under the Team Vitality banner and team name. Following this, teams competing in Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Free Fire tournaments will do so as Bigetron by Vitality, marking the full integration of Bigetron into the Team Vitality network.
TEAM VITALITY IN FIGURES
After Bigetron Esports acquisition
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Ambitious international plans for 2025
With ambitious plans for international expansion, Team Vitality is setting its sights on reaching new heights in esports throughout 2025. This year, the organisation is focused on securing victories, strengthening its legacy, and pioneering the esports industry into the new generation. This commitment not only supports Team Vitality as one of the world’s leading esports powerhouses but also contributes towards the broader success of the organisation on a global scale.
“We are thrilled to announce our acquisition of Bigetron Esports.” said Nicolas Maurer, CEO of Team Vitality “As the popularity of mobile gaming continues to soar, particularly with younger generations growing up on mobile games, Team Vitality is proud to support shaping the long-term future of mobile gaming esports together with the Bigetron leadership team. This acquisition marks an important step in our internationalisation as well as becoming the best gaming organization in the world.”
“The merger was driven by our shared vision with Team Vitality to inspire and empower gamers to achieve greatness through innovation, collaboration, and relentless dedication to excellence. We believe alongside Team Vitality, we can continue achieving greatness and showcasing the stellar Indonesian esports talent on an expansive international stage.” commented the CEO of Bigetron Esports, Edwin Chia.
The post Team Vitality accelerates global growth with acquisition of Bigetron Esports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kaizen Gaming named Latin America’s Casino and Sportsbook Operator of the Year at the SBC Awards Americas 2025
Dual wins as ‘Casino Operator of the Year (LatAm)’ and ‘Sportsbook Operator of the Year (LatAm)’ affirm Kaizen Gaming’s leadership and product excellence across Latin America
Kaizen Gaming, one of the world’s biggest GameTech companies and owner of the Betano online sports betting and gaming brand, has been crowned ‘Casino Operator of the Year (LatAm)’ and ‘Sportsbook Operator of the Year (LatAm)’ at the highly celebrated SBC Awards Americas 2025 held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday 14th May.
The two wins recognise Kaizen Gaming’s strong focus and commitment to delivering an exceptionally high-quality product offering with customer experience and satisfaction at its core. They also signify the company’s sustained growth and accelerating momentum as a leading operator across the region and beyond.
Christos Tzalavras, Chief Product Officer, Kaizen Gaming, said: “We’re proud to be recognised for having the best sportsbook and casino products in Latin America, which is undeniably one of the most dynamic and exciting gaming markets in the world today. These awards reflect our team’s passion, the strength of our strategy, and our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality, and responsible gaming experiences. Our main secret is prioritising the customer experience in everything we do. This is a milestone moment for our brand, but the ‘Kaizen way’ is one of continuous improvement, so we’ll keep raising the bar. Thank you to the whole team for your hard work and dedication in making this achievement possible.”
Kaizen Gaming was the first operator to be officially licensed in Brazil this January. Key highlights in 2025 to-date include the renewal of Betano’s partnership with F1 legend Felipe Massa, its continuing support for Supercopa Betano Rei 2025 and the Supercopa Feminina Betano 2025, and notably the recent start of its landmark long-term principal and front-of shirt sponsorship with Club Atlético River Plate. These milestones follow its rapid expansion into three new LatAm markets last year, its partnership with CONMEBOL Copa America 2024, and title sponsorship agreements with the Brasileirão Betano in Brazil and Torneo Betano in Argentina.
The inaugural SBC Awards Americas honour outstanding companies representing the gaming and betting industry across the region. With a hand-picked judging panel, the accolades recognise the achievements and accomplishments of operators, affiliates and suppliers from all the major disciplines including payments, marketing, platform providers and data.
The SBC Awards Americas took place at Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale on the second day of SBC Summit Americas. The show brings together 10,000 industry professionals and over 400 exhibitors for networking, knowledge exchange, and growth opportunities across the casino and sports betting sectors in North, South, and Central America.
The post Kaizen Gaming named Latin America’s Casino and Sportsbook Operator of the Year at the SBC Awards Americas 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Red Rake Gaming expands its presence in New Jersey with Hard Rock Bet
Red Rake Gaming, a leading provider of online casino content, has announced the launch of its games on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet platform via Aristocrat Interactive.
With this launch, Red Rake Gaming continues to consolidate its growth in the United States after obtaining regulatory approval in New Jersey and other strategic markets. The availability of its most innovative and high-performing games on Hard Rock Bet reinforces the company’s presence in the region and reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality content to top-tier operators.
Grant Williams, SVP Casino at Hard Rock Bet, commented: “We’re thrilled to Roll with Red Rake Gaming via Aristocrat Interactive and provide our players with an exciting new array of innovative gaming options. Their engaging portfolio will nicely complement the over 2,700 games available on Hard Rock Bet as we continue to elevate the online gaming experience for our players.”
Nick Barr, Managing Director of Red Rake Gaming Malta, added: “We are very excited about the addition of our games on Hard Rock Bet and the opportunity to further expand our presence in the U.S. market. Hard Rock is a globally recognized brand, and we are confident that our games will resonate with Hard Rock Bet’s players, offering a unique and immersive experience.”
The post Red Rake Gaming expands its presence in New Jersey with Hard Rock Bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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