Grainne Hurst Honoured in Global Gaming Women’s 10 Rising Stars

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, is recognized as one of Global Gaming Women’s 10 Rising Stars. (C: Casinos.com)

The Betting and Gaming Council, which promotes best practices for member organizations like casinos, betting shops, and online casino operators, has expressed its enthusiasm over CEO Grainne Hurst being named one of this year's Global Gaming Women’s 10 Women Rising in Gaming. 

This accolade highlights the vital contributions of women in the gaming industry and promotes the advancement of female leaders.

Women From Across the Globe Selected as Honourees 

The Betting and Gaming Council took to LinkedIn to celebrate Hurst’s impactful work, stating, “Grainne's passion for increasing the number of high-profile women in the industry led her to establish the international arm of Global Gaming Women, which currently oversees the charitable organisations expansion into the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. 

"We’re delighted to see her hard work recognized alongside so many talented and inspiring leaders. Congratulations, Grainne!” 

The 2024 class of 10 Women Rising includes influential figures from diverse locations, including Lake Charles, Louisiana, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, London, and beyond. These leaders are not just distinguished for their professional success but also for their commitment to paving the way for future generations of women in gaming. 

The Global Gaming Women initiative aims to spotlight the extraordinary accomplishments of women within the gaming sector. (C: Courtesy of Global Gaming Women)

Lauren Bates, President of Global Gaming Women, expressed her admiration for the honourees: “These remarkable leaders exemplify what it means to lead by example, inspiring those around them and creating a lasting impact within our industry and beyond. 

"Their achievements are a testament to their individual dedication and hard work, as well as a reflection of the power of women supporting women. I am excited to celebrate their success and watch their continued growth and influence in our industry.”  

CEO Looking Forward to Event in Vegas 

Posting on her LinkedIn page, Grainne Hurst said: “I am over the moon to have been chosen as one of the CDC Gaming Reports "10 Women Rising in Gaming", in partnership with Global Gaming Women! 

“To be nominated and shortlisted is a huge honour, but I couldn't do any of it alone. As they say, "behind every great woman are lots of other amazing women" ... and that is certainly true here. Julia Weygandt, Kimberley Broad, Christie Roser, Dearbhla Doyle, Bethan Lloyd, Victoria Reed, Brigid Simmonds, Elise Dingli, Anna Davies, Tara Alvarez Garcia and many more. 

“Global Gaming Women exists to help other women progress personally and professionally in our wonderful industry. As Madeleine Albright powerfully said, ‘There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women’, which is a motto I live by every day. 

“Huge congratulations to the other amazing nominees and I look forward to celebrating with you all in Vegas!”  

Award Inspires Aspiring Female Leaders 

Notably, the selection process for this year’s awards featured no age restrictions on nominees, requiring only that candidates have at least five years of experience in the gaming industry. This change helped to highlight a broad spectrum of talent and potential within the field. 

As the gaming industry evolves, initiatives like the 10 Women Rising in Gaming not only celebrate current successes but also inspire aspiring female leaders to strive for excellence within this dynamic sector.