Gaming Industry Honors Women: Nominations Open for '10 Women Rising in Gaming'

The gaming industry is once again spotlighting the achievements of women. Nominations for the '10 Women Rising in Gaming' award are open until July 24 at 5 p.m. PT. This annual program, powered by CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women (GGW), recognizes women who have driven the industry forward through significant contributions. It has established itself as a global tradition. The honorees will be celebrated on September 27 at CDC Gaming's G2E Day Zero Party at Resorts World Las Vegas.

The '10 Women Rising in Gaming' program honors women from all facets of the gaming sector. This includes land-based and online gaming, sports betting, and lotteries. Professional services such as legal, accounting, and marketing that support the industry are also included. It is an important initiative to highlight the diversity and crucial contributions of women. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment significantly shape the future of gaming.

Numbers and facts

Global Gaming Women is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The organization was originally founded by the American Gaming Association. Today, it operates independently, committed to fostering women in the international gaming industry through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Cory Roberts, Chief Operating Officer and Publisher of CDC Gaming, commented on the collaboration: “CDC Gaming is excited to partner with GGW for the fifth consecutive year to present the ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ program and recognize extraordinary women from across the global gaming sector.” This long-term partnership underscores their shared commitment to empowering women in the industry.

Pamela Buckley, Executive Vice President of Global Gaming Women, emphasized the importance of the award in light of the anniversary: > “As GGW celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we are proud to continue spotlighting the women whose leadership, innovation and contributions are shaping the future of gaming.” - Pamela Buckley, Executive Vice President at Global Gaming Women

Previous programs like the 'Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40' have demonstrated the high level of interest in recognizing young talent. The program celebrated its seventh edition in 2020, with nearly 200 nominations for the 2019-2020 class. Roger Gros, publisher of GGB Magazine, commented on the competitive nature and praised the potential of the nominated leaders.

Background

The role of women in gaming has grown historically and was often underestimated. As early as 1931, Mayme Stocker became the first woman in Nevada to receive a casino license, operating the Northern Club in Las Vegas. In the 1950s, Sarann Knight Preddy became the first African American woman to open a casino in Las Vegas, the Tonga Club. In the 1970s, Jeanne Hood took over Hyatt Nevada after her husband's death. She managed the Four Queens Hotel and later the Elsinore Company, which owned the former Playboy Casino in Atlantic City. Claudine Williams also built a successful career with the Holiday Casino on the Strip and was active in philanthropy. These pioneers paved the way for today's leaders, proving that women can achieve great things through hard work, diligence, and creativity.

Today's leaders, such as Eileen Moore, Regional President at Caesars Entertainment for The Flamingo, The LINQ, and The Cromwell, follow these footsteps. She emphasizes the importance of understanding all hotel departments for success. Moore began her career in traditional hotel positions before joining Harrah's in 1999 and has since worked in the gaming industry. Her story illustrates the diverse career paths available in this industry. The '10 Women Rising in Gaming' award continues this tradition and honors current achievers.

Why it matters for German Players

For German players, this international initiative to promote women in the gaming industry has no direct impact on their daily playing experience. The focus in Germany remains on compliance with the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This treaty regulates online gambling in Germany, setting strict guidelines for player protection. These include a stake limit of 1 euro per spin on slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of a maximum of 1,000 euros, which is monitored via the LUGAS system. Casinos with a GGL license must strictly adhere to these regulations to ensure a safe and responsible gaming experience.

Providers that comply with these requirements are listed on the so-called Whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). German players should only play at these licensed providers to be legally secure. Casinos without a German license often offer games without limits or with higher stakes. However, there is an increased risk here, as they are not subject to the strict German player protection measures. Efforts to empower women in leadership positions internationally are important advances for the industry as a whole. For German players, however, the priority remains choosing a GGL-licensed provider.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For online casinos with a German GGL license, international developments mean that they must continue to focus on adhering to national regulations. While promoting diversity and talent, including women, is an important global issue, it exists within the context of very specific German regulations. GGL-licensed casinos must ensure that they meet all requirements of the GlüStV 2021. This includes player protection measures, deposit limits, and integration with LUGAS. Increased diversity in leadership positions can lead to better decisions and more innovative products in the long term. However, the direct impact on licensing or business practices in Germany is minor, as German regulations are paramount. Nevertheless, such initiatives contribute to making the industry more attractive worldwide for qualified professionals, regardless of gender.