Honoring Gaming’s Leaders
The AGA welcomes another powerful class to the Gaming Hall of Fame.
The gaming industry supports more than 1.8 million jobs with dedicated professionals creating and delivering world-class experiences, driving organizational growth and leading companies across the country. Among them are visionary leaders whose innovation, leadership and commitment have shaped gaming and whose impact will last forever.
For more than 35 years, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized those individuals whose dedication and vision have led the industry to where it is today. Representing commercial and tribal gaming, suppliers, manufacturers and game designers, Hall of Fame inductees reflect the breadth of the industry.
Each year, the American Gaming Association is proud to welcome a new class of inductees, adding to the distinguished legacy of the Gaming Hall of Fame, showcasing contributions that have advanced the industry and are inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Selected by an independent panel of respected gaming executives, this year’s four inductees exemplify excellence, innovation and service.
The 2026 Gaming Hall of Fame Inductees
Holly Gagnon, Board Member, Bragg Gaming Group
Gagnon began her 34-year gaming career on the opening team of Foxwoods Resort Casino in 1992, at the birth of modern tribal gaming in America. She went on to hold senior financial and operational roles at Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International before serving as president and CEO of Pearl River Resort, CEO of Chumash Enterprises for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corp. for the Seneca Nation of Indians.
Named 2016 Executive of the Year by NAFOA (the Native American Finance Officers Association), Gagnon is a recognized champion of tribal economic development. As a founding member of Global Gaming Women and a Distinguished Fellow at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, she has helped develop more than 300 gaming executives. She currently serves as a board member of Bragg Gaming Group.
Bill G. Lance, Jr., Secretary of State, Chickasaw Nation
Secretary Lance has served the Chickasaw Nation for decades in senior leadership roles spanning commerce, health care and governance. As secretary of commerce for more than 13 years, he oversaw more than 60 gaming, hospitality, retail, media, manufacturing and tourism businesses employing approximately 7,000 people. He also served as administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Health System, overseeing construction of the 370,000-square-foot Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma.
Lance currently serves as secretary of state, representing the Chickasaw Nation in civic, business and governance capacities.
Scott Olive, Principal & Founder, HRG Studios
Olive is one of the most influential game designers in the history of the slot machine industry. His career spans more than three decades, beginning at Aristocrat Gaming in 1997, where he helped drive the adoption of penny and Australian-style slots in U.S. gaming markets.
After co-founding True Blue Gaming in 2007, Olive established HRG Studios in 2012, where he went on to create some of the most commercially successful slot titles ever produced, such as Lightning Link.
Timothy J. Wilmott, Retired CEO, Penn Entertainment
Wilmott spent more than three decades as one of the gaming industry’s most respected operational leaders. He served as chief executive officer of Penn National Gaming from 2013 until his retirement in 2019, having previously served as president and chief operating officer from 2008 to 2013.
Before joining Penn National, Wilmott served as COO of Harrah’s Entertainment and president of its Eastern Division, holding a series of leadership positions at Harrah’s properties dating back to 1988.
Thank You
These inductees represent the leadership, vision and dedication that continue moving our industry forward. To Holly, Bill, Scott and Tim, the AGA thanks you for your lasting contributions to our industry. Your leadership has made gaming stronger, more innovative and better positioned for the future.
We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments and officially welcoming you into the Gaming Hall of Fame.
Maureen Beddis is senior vice president of membership and events for the American Gaming Association.
