Global Gaming Women has announced the six recipients of the 2026 Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award, recognizing their dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and support within the gaming industry.
The Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate generosity, leadership, and a commitment to helping others succeed within the gaming sector. This year, Global Gaming Women (GGW) selected six leaders from various segments of the global gaming industry, reflecting the values and legacy of Patty Becker.
The 2026 award recipients include Michelle Baillie, General Manager of SkyCity Hamilton; Tracy Bradford, President of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services; Melissa Cox, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Relations at Gaming Capital Group; Bethan Lloyd, Partner at Wiggin LLP; Michelle Schenk, Director of Global Communications at IGT; and Maureen Wasloski, Vice President and General Manager at Margaritaville/Boomtown Bossier City, Louisiana.
These honorees hold key roles across operational management, marketing, legal counsel, communications, and player experience. Their recognition highlights leadership that supports player welfare, responsible gambling, and community engagement, which are essential to the industry’s ongoing development.
For players and consumers, the award signals the gaming industry’s commitment to fostering safer and more informed environments. The mentorship and advocacy these leaders provide often translate into enhanced player protections and support services. This focus benefits players by promoting responsible gambling practices and encouraging transparency within the sector.
Global Gaming Women will honor the awardees at its annual Kick Up Your Heels event on September 30. The event will be held at Intrigue at Wynn Las Vegas from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This ticketed gathering aims to inspire connection and conversation among gaming professionals while raising funds for GGW’s mission-driven programs that advance women in gaming.
Kick Up Your Heels serves as a platform to build a more inclusive and ethical gaming culture. While the award itself does not directly change player-facing policies, it highlights individuals who drive positive change behind the scenes, indirectly improving player experiences and industry standards.
Players concerned about gambling harm may find reassurance in the industry’s focus on leadership committed to responsible practices. Recognizing these leaders reflects a broader trend toward prioritizing player protection and support within the gaming community.
For additional context on the gaming sector’s financial health, Bally’s Corp. recently reported a two percent increase in casino revenue for the second quarter of 2026, according to a CDC Gaming report. This indicates ongoing investment and activity in the industry, which may influence future player offerings and protections.
More information on the 2026 Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award and its recipients is available in the CDC Gaming article. Players and industry followers can also explore relevant updates and responsible gambling resources in the GamblingNews.today USA section and the Responsible Gambling category.
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