Global Gaming Women Honors Six Leaders with Patty Becker Award

The landscape of the gaming industry is evolving, and much of this transformation is driven by women who take on leadership roles and pave the way for the next generation. Global Gaming Women (GGW) has recently announced the recipients of the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award for 2026. This accolade is regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions for women who have distinguished themselves through mentorship, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the success of their peers.

The decision comes in a year of significant importance for the organization, as GGW celebrates its 10th anniversary. A record number of nominations were submitted, demonstrating a growing awareness of the importance of female leadership in the global gaming sector. The six chosen women represent various facets of the industry, ranging from land-based casinos and suppliers to specialized legal practices.

Numbers and facts

The list of honorees features prominent names from the international gaming world. Michelle Baillie, General Manager at SkyCity Hamilton, is recognized alongside Tracy Bradford, President of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services. From the field of marketing and customer relations, Melissa Cox of Gaming Capital Group has been selected. The legal sector is represented by Bethan Lloyd, Partner at Wiggin LLP. Michelle Schenk, Director of Global Communications at IGT, represents the supplier industry, while Maureen Wasloski, Vice President and General Manager at Margaritaville and Boomtown Bossier City, completes the group.

„GGW received a record number of nominations for this year’s Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award, demonstrating the remarkable depth of leadership, service, and commitment among women across the gaming industry.“ - Siobhan Lane, President and Board Chair of Global Gaming Women

The formal presentation of the awards will occur on September 30 between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Intrigue at Wynn Las Vegas. This event, known as Kick Up Your Heels, is not only a gala but serves as a primary fundraising initiative for GGW's mission-driven educational programs. In the past, these events have raised significant funds for scholarships that provide women with access to specialized professional training.

Background

The history of the award is closely linked to Patty Becker, a former regulator and industry leader who created Kick Up Your Heels in 2010. What began as a networking event for female executives evolved under the American Gaming Association and later as an independent organization into a global movement. The goal is to foster a culture of inclusiveness and diversity that empowers women to succeed at all levels of gaming management. Honorees traditionally receive a specially designed bracelet symbolizing their role as mentors.

A look at the recent past shows the continuity of these efforts. For instance, Shondra DeLoach-Perea of IGT was previously honored for her contributions; she has spent over 25 years in the industry, overseeing global teams across multiple continents. Such careers serve as blueprints for young talents navigating an environment often defined by strict regulations and technical complexities.

Why it matters for German players

While the award ceremony takes place in Las Vegas, the promotion of diversity and professional management has direct implications for the German market. Players active with operators licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) benefit from highly professional structures. Companies that promote diversity often exhibit better compliance and a stronger focus on player protection. In Germany, the market is strictly regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This includes a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros and a stake limit of 1 euro per spin on virtual slots. Professionally managed companies setting international standards in HR development are usually at the forefront of implementing these social and technical safeguards within systems like LUGAS or OASIS.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators on the German whitelist, the recognition of such achievements validates global standards. In a demanding regulatory environment like Germany, the quality of management is paramount. When international corporations like IGT, which also supply software to the German market, empower women in leadership, this expertise flows into product development and customer service. A GGL-licensed casino must meet the highest requirements for security and transparency. Leaders trained through Global Gaming Women programs often bring a holistic view of responsibility, which ultimately strengthens the integrity of the entire German gaming market.