The American Gaming Association (AGA) is creating new pathways for industry growth, innovation, and reinvestment while promoting the social and economic value the gaming industry delivers across the United States. They advocate for casino operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and employees, speaking for the industry on a range of business, legislative, and regulatory issues. Allie Barth commented that one of the objectives of the organization is to unite the American casino industry to advance a proactive policy agenda that ensures gaming thrives and contributes to local communities.
In what position, year and company did you start in the gaming industry? What is your situation now?
I started with the American Gaming Association in 2014 as the Senior Director of Communications and am now Senior Vice President of Industry Relations.
What was your main inspiration to grow within the industry? What were the most important learnings?
Having spent many years focused on communications, marketing and public affairs/advocacy, I wished to better understand the business of gaming. The most important learnings have been around how member companies specifically evaluate their ROI, where investment is not just hard costs, but time, effort and attention. It is illuminating to understand the value of human resources, especially to learn where gaming leaders will dedicate their time and energy and why.
How do you define the role of women in the gaming market? What do you value most of a leader?
The role of women in gaming, like every industry, is significant. While the visibility and profile of women in all industries continues to improve, I’m heartened to see the women in gaming who have served as leaders in the industry to date – and that the predominately male-dominated casino-gaming industry is among the first to recognize and applaud those female gaming leaders. For instance, an earlier inductee into the Gaming Hall of Fame was Claudine Williams, who was touted as a pioneer for her knowledge and leadership in gaming. Leaders who support, recognize and celebrate achievement for those who truly achieve it, regardless of demographic or psychographic differences, are the types of leaders that I value most.
The percentage of women in high executive positions grows year by year. Do you think that trend will continue? What are the most important challenges for women today?
The more role models that young women see through women executives, the more tangible the goal becomes for our next generation of women leaders.
