AGA Reveals Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Honoring Four Industry Visionaries

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced its distinguished Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four individuals for their profound contributions to the legal gaming sector. The latest inductees, whose leadership and innovation have significantly shaped both commercial and tribal gaming, are Holly Gagnon, Bill G. Lance Jr., Scott Olive, and Timothy J. "Tim" Wilmott.

AGA President and CEO Bill Miller highlighted the significance of the honor, stating, "The Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes the individuals whose vision, innovation, and dedication have helped shape today’s legal gaming industry." He further emphasized that "Holly, Bill, Scott, and Tim have each left a lasting mark through decades of service and leadership. Their contributions have set a high standard for those who follow." AGA Chairman Lou Jacobs added that the chosen class represents the diverse tapestry of the gaming world, including operators from both commercial and tribal sectors, alongside key suppliers.

The formal induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for this fall during an exclusive, invitation-only event at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. Established in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame consistently celebrates those who have notably advanced the industry.

Meet the Inductees

Holly Gagnon, a current board member for Bragg Gaming Group, boasts a 34-year career that began at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Her extensive experience includes senior leadership roles at major entities like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International. Gagnon also served as CEO for several organizations, including Pearl River Resort, Chumash Enterprises for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and Seneca Gaming Corporation. Recognized as the NAFOA Executive of the Year in 2016, she is a dedicated proponent of tribal economic development and fosters executive leadership through her involvement with Global Gaming Women and the UNLV International Gaming Institute.

Bill G. Lance Jr. currently holds the position of Secretary of State for the Chickasaw Nation. In his prior executive capacity, he oversaw a vast portfolio of over 60 enterprises spanning gaming, hospitality, retail, media, manufacturing, and tourism, which together employed approximately 7,000 individuals. He also played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Chickasaw Nation Health System, leading the development of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma. Today, Lance advocates for the Chickasaw Nation in civic, business, and governmental arenas.

Scott Olive, founder and principal of HRG Studios, is widely acknowledged for significantly boosting the popularity of penny and Australian-style slot machines within the United States during his tenure at Aristocrat Gaming. After co-founding True Blue Gaming in 2007, he established HRG Studios in 2012, where he has since been instrumental in developing some of the most commercially successful slot titles in the industry.

Timothy J. "Tim" Wilmott dedicated over three decades to the gaming industry, culminating in his role as Chief Executive Officer of Penn National Gaming from 2013 until his retirement in 2019. Prior to this, he served as president and chief operating officer for Penn National. Before joining the company, Wilmott was chief operating officer of Harrah's Entertainment and president of its Eastern Division, having started his leadership journey with various executive posts at Harrah's properties in 1988.

The selection committee for the 2026 class comprised a distinguished group of industry figures. Members included Eric Schippers of PENN Entertainment, Mark Fulton from Cherokee Nation Entertainment, Trevor Croker of Aristocrat Technologies, Sherri Sosa from Hard Rock Las Vegas, Mark Lipparelli of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, Kirsten Clark of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, Siobhan Lane from Light & Wonder, Dr. Brett Abarbanel of the UNLV International Gaming Institute, and AGA Chairman Lou Jacobs himself.