If the relationship between the gaming industry and Gaming Laboratories International was a coin, Kelly Myers could identify every flip of it—forwards, backwards and even on its side. GLI’s manager of client solutions is a rare industry find as an individual who understands the vantage point of operators, vendors and regulators.
Myers works closely with tribal and state gaming regulators in the Midwest and consults with tribal and state gaming clients across the U.S. and Canada. The job requires not only leadership and organizational skills, but an outgoing personality. Myers has all three.
Although Myers anticipates industry trends, recognition as one of the 25 People to Watch was one thing she didn’t see coming.
“I was completely shocked and honored by this recognition,” she says. “Individuals that I have known who have received this are outstanding leaders in the industry.”
After two decades in gaming, Myers assists the industry from another vantage point via GLI.
One function of GLI is to help different states adopt standards that protect patrons, like a standard payout range of a game, for instance. Another company sector helps companies who want to enter gaming markets test their products to comply with standards within specific jurisdictions. If a GLI test confirms the standards are met, companies feel comfortable applying for licenses or introducing new products.
Myers feels at home with GLI, and thus is encouraged to stretch her talents further.
“It’s a joy to be in this environment,” Myers says. “I just love this job; it’s hard to say anything more than that. Our team members were just discussing how we have such a great rapport with GLI. They are amazing. They take care of their employees. They make us feel like we are the company. It makes you buy into it for sure.”
Myers brings a wealth of experience, intel and insights to GLI’s Native American and First Nation regulator and operator clients. She spent 17 years in tribal gaming regulation, helping the casino operations she oversaw to grow by embracing new opportunities while maintaining the highest levels of compliance.
Prior to joining GLI, she was compliance and licensing manager for the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission. She also served as chairwoman of the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association and of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Gaming Commission. Previously, she was chief operations officer for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Enterprises, and has served as a board member for the National Tribal Gaming Commission Regulators.
The Tahlequah, Oklahoma native travels throughout the Midwest as part of her job. The flexibility allows her to enjoy the company and rising stature of 17-year-old daughter Katelyn, who made it through the early rounds of American Idol a couple of years ago and now sings professionally in Nashville. So Kelly Myers dubs herself a “Mom-A-Ger.” As she looks over her career and her daughter’s musical emergence, Myers expects the hits to keep on coming.
