The American Gaming Association has just released the inductees for its Hall of Fame Class of 2025, and the lineup includes David Berman of Macquarie Capital, Ann Simmons Nicholson of the Simmons Group, and Charles Lombardo of Seminole Hard Rock Gaming and Caesar's Palace, Bally's, and Paris Las Vegas.

The American Gaming Association has officially revealed the inductees into the prestigious Gaming Hall of Fame of 2025, celebrating three accomplished leaders whose decades of contributions have significantly influenced the growth, professionalism, and innovation within the legal gaming industry.

The Class of 2025 includes David Berman, the Co-Head of Macquarie Capital; Ann Simmons Nicholson, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simmons Group; and Charles Lombardo, a longtime executive with Seminole Gaming and Caesars Entertainment. These individuals will be honored at an exclusive induction ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in October.

"The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who've shaped today's gaming industry," said AGA President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Miller. "David, Ann, and Charlie have each made lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming, and we're proud to recognize their impact."

Industry icons celebrated for their lasting influence

Established in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in both commercial and tribal gaming sectors. AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz, himself a 2022 inductee, emphasized the caliber of this year's selections.

"This year's inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry," Rumbolz said. "The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders whose careers exemplify excellence and enduring influence - and these three couldn't be more deserving of this recognition."

The 2025 class was selected by a committee of respected gaming industry figures, including representatives from UNLV, Light & Wonder, and Global Gaming Women.

Spotlight on the 2025 inductees

David Berman's influence spans more than 30 years in gaming finance, having orchestrated over 100 mergers and acquisitions totaling over $125 billion. As Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure at Macquarie Capital, and Co-Head for the Americas, Berman has been instrumental in securing more than $215 billion in debt and equity financing for clients. A former senior executive at Credit Suisse and CIBC World Markets, he also founded REGAL Capital Advisors, later acquired by Macquarie. Outside of gaming, Berman contributes to academia and philanthropy through roles at USC's Marshall School of Business and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.

With four decades of leadership in strategic planning and organizational development, Ann Simmons Nicholson has impacted nearly every major gaming company across more than 60 property launches and acquisitions. Her firm, Simmons Group, has trained over 27,000 professionals worldwide, with expertise in human capital strategy, executive coaching, and corporate culture. Nicholson is also known for her community service, having held board roles at Global Gaming Women, United Way of Southern Nevada, and Noah's Animal House, a nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence and their pets.

Charles Lombardo is synonymous with innovation in slot machine operations and game development. With a gaming career spanning more than 50 years, he has held senior executive positions at iconic venues including Bally's, Caesars Palace, and Paris Las Vegas, as well as Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International. Lombardo has been central to the advancement of Class II and III gaming standards, helped pioneer new slot technologies, and played a key role in the evolution of tribal and state gaming regulations. He remains active as a consultant and advisor and holds the distinction of being the inaugural member of the Eilers Hall of Fame for Slot Operations.

G2E 2025: the way forward

The Gaming Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be a marquee event at this year's Global Gaming Expo, bringing together leaders from across the industry to celebrate excellence and progress. The invite-only affair is expected to spotlight the unique contributions of the 2025 honorees, continuing the tradition of honoring those who have shaped the gaming world's past and future.