Inductees to the American Gaming Association‘s Gaming Hall of Fame have sometimes been questionable (mobbed-up Clifford Perlman, for one) but this year’s foursome are 
unlikely to stir controversy. In a family affair, Paragon Gaming CEO Diana Bennett joins her late father in the HoF, albeit not on the grounds that she fleeced Sam Nazarian to the tune of $1 billion when she sold the Sahara (and if he were not to be sheared, God would not have made Nazarian a sheep).
Her citation reads, in part, “Bennett earned a reputation as an expert in establishing gaming systems during her time as the president of Casino Data Systems (CDS), where she planned, grew and managed one of the major gaming manufacturers in North America. Following the formation of Paragon Gaming in 2000, Bennett, considered one of the most influential women in 
gaming in the United States … led revitalization efforts at Las Vegas’ Riviera Hotel. Under her stewardship, Paragon expanded further by assuming operations at Westgate Las Vegas and the Hooters Casino-Hotel, acquiring the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe, and developing Parq Vancouver, which is set to open Sept. 29. Bennett instituted a philosophy of the ‘circle of service,’ which empowers employees to address issues of concern without the burden of bureaucracy, forming a personal connection with the customer and ensuring a positive experience at every level of the organization.”
Card counters everywhere will bemoan the induction of John Breeding, inventor of the electronic card shuffler. In a Horatio Alger-like saga, Breeding got the idea while working as a truck driver. “Breeding developed dozens of card shufflers, electronic table games, slot machines, internet games and legendary table 
games – including Let It Ride,” reads his citation. Mel Wolzinger‘s leading quality seems to have been a perspicacity for being in the right place at the right time, spearheading development in North Las Vegas before it was a gaming market. He also spent 27 years on the Mirage Resorts board, followed by another 12 at MGM Mirage. “He is a generous supporter of University of Nevada, Las Vegas … and is a trustee for the UNLV Research Foundation. Wolzinger also has served as a champion of many nonprofit organizations spanning education, athletics and the Jewish community. He is known as a humble and gentle soul who does not take to limelight or fanfare.” (They’re looking at you, Sheldon Adelson.)
Finally, we have Joe Kaminkow, “Pioneer of Pop Culture in Gaming.” Whatever you think about the craze for themed games, we have Kaminkov to thank for it. He casts a long shadow across 
the slot industry. He’s still at it, too, designing the Game of Thrones and Britney Spears slot franchises, so he hasn’t lost feel for the pulse of pop culture, making “little movies” out of the slot experience. “Seeing the future of internet gaming on the horizon, Kaminkow founded his own online social gaming company before being tapped by Aristocrat to bring his games to the casino floors, and create thrilling gaming experiences with extraordinary content and new-age cabinets,” reads his citation in part. Kaminkow is currently designing games for Zynga and will undoubtedly continue to be a force within the casino industry for years to come.
