Three Industry Veterans Join 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame

The American Gaming Association is getting ready to honor three industry veterans whose efforts helped shape legal gambling as we know it. The 2025 Gaming Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated this October during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas.

Good to know

• David Berman helped lead over $125 billion in mergers and acquisitions.
• Ann Simmons Nicholson has trained more than 27,000 gaming workers.
• Charles Lombardo has worked with major operators like Caesars and Hard Rock.

Unlike some flashy announcements, this one focuses on real contributions. Each honoree took a different path, but all three made lasting marks across finance, workforce development, and operations.

David Berman built his career in the financial side of gaming. He is the co-head of Macquarie Capital’s Americas Gaming & Leisure division. Over three decades, he led more than 100 M&A deals and helped raise $215 billion for clients. Before Macquarie, he started REGAL Capital Advisors, which was eventually acquired by the firm. He also sits on the USC Board of Leaders and acts as treasurer for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.

Ann Simmons Nicholson has spent 40 years helping gaming companies refine their people strategies. Through Simmons Group, which she founded, Nicholson has supported over 60 casino projects and developed training programs for thousands. Her work is centered on building stronger corporate cultures and aligning leadership with long-term planning.

Charles Lombardo brings more than 50 years of hands-on experience in casino operations. He has been involved with many major names in the industry, including Seminole Gaming, Hard Rock, Caesars, Bally’s, and Paris Las Vegas. His work spans across multiple phases of casino development and management.

AGA President Bill Miller said:

“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who’ve shaped today’s gaming industry. David, Ann, and Charlie have each made enduring contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming.”

AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz added:

“This year’s inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry. Their careers exemplify excellence and lasting influence – and these three couldn’t be more deserving.”

Since it was launched in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has celebrated people who have had a lasting impact on commercial and tribal gaming. Each new class highlights how different areas of the industry rely on a mix of strategic thinking, deep experience, and strong leadership.

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