The American Gaming Association (AGA) board of directors elected Michael Rumbolz, Executive Chair of the Board of Everi Holdings Inc., as the association’s new chairman. He will succeed Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen, who has served as AGA chairman since January 2022. Rumbolz begins his two-year term in January 2024.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape gaming’s future as the AGA’s next chair,” said Rumbolz. “From stopping illegal gambling to evolving responsible gambling, the AGA is tackling transformational issues and I am eager to build on the progress made during Jim’s tenure.”

Working from a busboy to the c-suite, Rumbolz’s career spans all levels and aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming equipment manufacturing and distribution; hotel and casino operations; casino fintech; digital gaming; and gaming legislation and regulation. Rumbolz previously served as President and CEO of Everi, Member and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and Chief Deputy Attorney General of Nevada.

“It’s an honor to welcome Mike—an industry legend in his own right—as the next AGA chairman,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Mike’s career as an operator, manufacturer and regulator is unparalleled and will be vital to driving meaningful progress on industry priorities.”

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During Allen’s tenure as chairman, the AGA supported the industry’s record-setting COVID recovery while working to evolve the industry’s approach to responsible gaming and launching a new effort to stop illegal gambling.

“Jim’s knowledge, insight and guidance have helped the AGA advance our mission and maximize our impact for the industry. He’s been a trusted advisor to me, and I am thankful for his partnership over the last two years,” Miller continued.

“Our industry and this association have never been stronger. I am immensely proud of our success over the last two years accelerating gaming’s recovery while defining and advancing new priorities,” said Allen. “The AGA is well-positioned under Mike and Bill’s leadership.”

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, ​ is excited to announce its partnership with VentureBeat and GamesBeat, a premier source for tech news and events, for its upcoming 2024 Global Tour. The Global 2024 Tour brings an exciting series of events to cities worldwide.

This collaboration between Xsolla, and GamesBeat, marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The tour is set to kick off in Austin, Texas, at the renowned SXSW festival, showcasing a commitment to connecting industry leaders and enthusiasts from around the globe.

The 2024 Global Tour promises to be a melting pot of ideas, featuring prominent figures from the gaming and tech industries. As the tour progresses, it will extend across four more locations including various cities in Europe and APAC, offering a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring the latest gaming technology and commerce trends.

Details regarding additional cities and dates will be announced, highlighting the tour’s potential to draw a diverse audience, including game developers, publishers, and tech enthusiasts.

“We are excited to embark on the Global 2024 Tour with GamesBeat, bringing together the gaming community’s brightest minds and most passionate voices,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Xsolla. “We aim to share insights and foster a dialogue that propels the industry forward. Including diverse voices and perspectives, especially through our Women in Gaming initiative, is a testament to our commitment to providing equal access to games and technology for everyone around the world..”

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The tour’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion is further exemplified by the partnership between Women in Gaming and Diversity & Games at GamesBeat events in 2024. This initiative underscores the commitment to creating a more inclusive gaming environment.

In addition to the tour, GamesBeat will offer live quarterly updates, enhancing the community’s engagement with the evolving gaming landscape. These innovative strategic media partnerships are made possible through the thoughtful and creative process with VB Lab, which focuses on creating the right opportunities for its partners.

“The collaboration with Xsolla for the Global 2024 Tour represents a significant milestone for GamesBeat,” said Gina Joseph, Chief Strategy Officer of VentureBeat. “Our journey through cities like Austin signifies more than just an event; it celebrates the gaming community’s diversity, creativity, and potential. Through our live streams, quarterly updates, and thought leadership series, we aim to provide unparalleled value and insights to all stakeholders in the gaming ecosystem.”

Complementing these efforts, Xsolla will release insightful quarterly reports, offering a deep dive into the latest trends and developments in the gaming industry. These reports, VB spotlight webinars, and exclusive content from GamesBeat will provide a comprehensive view of the industry’s trajectory, enriching the dialogue and insights shared throughout the Global 2024 Tour.