The American Gaming Association (AGA) has revealed the inductees for the 2026 Gaming Hall of Fame, honoring four prominent figures whose efforts have greatly influenced the legal gaming landscape.
This year's inductees include Holly Gagnon, a Board Member at Bragg Gaming Group; Bill G. Lance Jr., Secretary of State for the Chickasaw Nation; Scott Olive, Principal and Founder of HRG Studios; and Timothy J. 'Tim' Wilmott, the former Chief Executive Officer of PENN Entertainment.
Bill Miller, President and CEO of AGA, stated, 'The Gaming Hall of Fame celebrates individuals whose vision and commitment have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern legal gaming industry. Holly, Bill, Scott, and Tim have each made significant contributions over decades of leadership, setting a high standard for future generations.'
Lou Jacobs, Chairman of AGA, noted that this class exemplifies the diversity within the gaming sector, encompassing both commercial and tribal gaming operators alongside gaming suppliers. 'Each inductee has made substantial advancements in the industry, and we are honored to welcome them into the Gaming Hall of Fame,' Jacobs added.
Founded in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame acknowledges those whose achievements have propelled both commercial and tribal gaming forward. The formal induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place during an exclusive event at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this fall.
The selection committee for the 2026 Gaming Hall of Fame comprised notable industry leaders, including Eric Schippers, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations at PENN Entertainment; Mark Fulton, President of Cherokee Nation Entertainment; Trevor Croker, CEO of Aristocrat Technologies; Sherri Sosa, Senior VP of Human Resources at Hard Rock Las Vegas; and Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus of the International Center for Responsible Gaming.
Other committee members included Kirsten Clark, Executive Director of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA); Siobhan Lane, Executive VP and CEO of Gaming at Light & Wonder; Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the UNLV International Gaming Institute; and Lou Jacobs, Co-CEO of Delaware North and AGA Chairman.
Holly Gagnon, who has a 34-year career in gaming starting at Foxwoods Resort Casino, has held various senior roles at Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts before leading Pearl River Resort and Chumash Enterprises. She was named the 2016 NAFOA Executive of the Year and is a strong proponent of tribal economic growth and leadership development through Global Gaming Women and the UNLV International Gaming Institute.
Bill Lance, Secretary of State of the Chickasaw Nation, managed over 60 businesses in sectors such as gaming and hospitality, employing around 7,000 individuals. He played a key role in establishing the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma, and now represents the Chickasaw Nation in various civic and governmental matters.
Scott Olive, founder of HRG Studios, is recognized for popularizing penny and Australian-style slot machines in the U.S. during his tenure at Aristocrat Gaming. After co-founding True Blue Gaming in 2007, he launched HRG Studios in 2012, creating several commercially successful slot games.
Tim Wilmott has over 30 years of experience in the gaming sector, having served as CEO of Penn National Gaming from 2013 until his retirement in 2019. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the industry.