IAGA - International Association of Gaming Advisors

History

IAGA was founded in 1980 as the National Association of Gaming Attorneys (NAGA) by prominent Nevada gaming attorneys including A.J. “Bud” Hicks, Lyle Rivera, Shannon Bybee, Robert Faiss, Frank Fahrenkopf, and Mike Sloan. The original mission was to unite gaming attorneys, facilitate negotiations, and promote education within the legal sector. As the industry globalized, NAGA attracted international members and rebranded as the International Association of Gaming Attorneys (IAGA) in 1985, holding its first international conference in Monte Carlo. Over the following decades, the association broadened its focus beyond legal matters to encompass financial, operational, and regulatory dimensions, leading to another name change in 2007 to the International Association of Gaming Advisors.

Membership and Events

Today, IAGA's membership includes leading attorneys, senior executives, financial advisors, regulators, compliance officers, consultants, academics, and sports representatives from around the world. The association’s primary offering is the annual International Gaming Summit, a multi-day conference that features panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking sessions. Recent summits have been held in Berlin (2025), Washington, D.C. (2024), and Belfast (2023). IAGA also organizes smaller events, webinars, and committee meetings throughout the year. Members gain access to a network of top-tier professionals, educational resources, and opportunities to contribute to industry white papers and guidelines.

Business Model and Funding

IAGA is funded through membership dues, sponsorship of events, and professional development activities. It operates as a nonprofit professional association, with a small professional staff of approximately 8 employees (based on LinkedIn data) supported by a large volunteer leadership structure. The organization is headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, and its day-to-day operations are led by an Executive Director.

Leadership and Governance

IAGA is governed by a Board of Trustees and an Executive Committee (Officers) elected annually. The Board includes representatives from major gaming operators, law firms, and regulatory bodies. Notable current board members include Jeffrey Catanzaro, Sue Dawson, Steve Kastner, David Rebuck, and Simon Thomas. The senior staff executive is Kirsten Clark, who serves as Executive Director. The founders remain recognized for their role in establishing the organization.

Market Position and Influence

IAGA does not produce commercial products but holds significant influence in the gaming industry through its advocacy for regulatory best practices, its role as a neutral platform for cross-sector dialogue, and its contributions to the professional development of gaming advisors. The association’s annual summit attracts leaders from all segments of the industry and serves as a key networking and educational event. IAGA’s committees focus on specific issues such as responsible gaming, esports, and compliance, producing guidance that shapes industry standards.