Interview with Lauren Bates, Board President & Chair of GGW

_{Lauren Bates shares the vision of GGW with Alan Evans. (Image: Lauren Bates/Casinos.com)}

Global Gaming Women (GGW) was created in 2011 to support, inspire, and influence the development of women in the land-based, online casino and gaming industry by a group of exceptional females representing 100+ years of knowledge and leadership.

Headquartered in Nevada and launched as an independent charitable organisation in 2016, GGW delivers high-impact programs and events to women in gaming. Today it counts over 7,000 active members and continues to offer educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events globally. 

In an industry where women have been under-represented, Global Gaming Women is levelling the playing field. Their vision is a future of inclusiveness and diversity that benefits every individual.

Casinos.com spoke exclusively to Lauren Bates, Board President & Chair of GGW.  

Let’s dive into the milestones Global Gaming Women (GGW) has achieved since its inception. For someone who might be new to this, what stands out as a significant impact you've made in the gaming industry?  

I often think about how to boil it down to one sentence. I can confidently say that we're able to connect and network thousands of women globally on an annual basis. 

Educating and connecting women across the globe has incredible implications, especially when you consider the traditional barriers that existed just a decade ago.

Speaking of connectivity, what technology do you prefer to use to engage these women?  

Technology really is our best friend. To give you some context, Global Gaming Women was formed in 2011 as an initiative by the American Gaming Association (AGA). 

We became an independent 501(c)(3) organisation in 2016. Initially, we focused on the Las Vegas community, but everything changed in 2020 with COVID-19. Virtual initiatives took off, and our membership grew exponentially because women were eager to connect and educate themselves during that time. 

It sounds like the pandemic really accelerated your growth. You mentioned that your programs remain free for women in the gaming industry. Can you tell me how you fund these initiatives? 

Great question! All our work relies significantly on our sponsors and partners. Thanks to them, any woman in the gaming industry can join for free and access a wealth of resources.

_{The pioneering women of GGW shape diversity in the gaming industry. (Image: GGW)}

That's impressive! How do you engage your members? Is it strictly through social media or other platforms as well? 

In the last few years, Tashina Lascano has elevated our marketing strategies. We’ve increased our social media presence across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn while also hosting virtual masterclasses and education sessions that attract global participation.  

GGW has provided over 650 educational conference scholarships through its Charitable Education Fund. Could you elaborate on the type of initiatives you run, particularly regarding self-development and skill-building for women in gaming? 

Absolutely! We focus on various developmental areas, including educational and leadership training. We revamped our educational framework, moving from a one-size-fits-all model to a more tailored approach that addresses both hard and soft skills.  

Are there any success stories that stand out? Perhaps someone who’s made significant strides due to your programs? 

I have many examples, but one of the most rewarding things is receiving feedback from women who say our programs have changed their lives. It could be as simple as connecting them with a mentor or offering essential skills training. 

_{Our candid conversation with Lauren Bates touched upon expanding scholarship opportunities. (Image: Casinos.com)}

What about your scholarship funding? How do you select recipients?  

Our scholarships are open to anyone in the gaming industry who applies. We just launched new programs in Europe, ensuring we provide seats for our sponsors while also extending opportunities to a broader audience. 

In terms of diversity, equality, and inclusion, what specific initiatives has GGW enacted to promote these values? 

DEI is embedded in everything we do. We’re excited to publish our first impact and sustainability report soon, which will reflect our commitments and benchmarks. 

We’re already witnessing progress in higher-level positions for women, but we’re also tackling the “broken rung”—the challenges women face in ascending to management roles. 

There are still barriers to overcome, but it sounds like you’re optimistic about the future. With your organisation thriving, what core message do you want to convey, especially to men in the industry? 

The first step is being an active ally—asking questions and engaging with diverse voices at the table. Everyone benefits when we support each other and ensure all voices are heard. 

As you enter your second year of the presidency of GGW, what legacy do you hope to leave? 

I want to ensure a sustainable and scalable organisation that allows future leaders to thrive. When I started, I was given opportunities that I want to pass on to the next generations. 

My overarching goal is to leave GGW better than when I found it. 

Global Gaming Women is dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the gaming industry by offering mentorship programs and networking avenues. GGW holds a strong belief that mentor-to-mentee relationships help women grow professionally and personally. Can you tell us about any recent developments in this area?   

Certainly! I'm really excited to share a couple of key initiatives with you. Firstly, we launched the Fair Game Podcast, and our inaugural season has been nothing short of incredible. It continues to grow, and I'm thrilled about the positive reception and the direction it's heading. 

This year, we conducted a beta pilot for a mentorship program called "One Up One Down." We're incredibly excited to announce that we will be launching it fully in 2025. 

_{Lauren showed us resources that inspire. (Image: Casinos.com)}

The program functions similarly to a dating app, but it’s designed for mentorship. It allows individuals to create profiles and register either as mentors or mentees. 

Participants are then connected with women from around the globe, providing an opportunity for meaningful connections and learning. You can specify your areas of interest, making it easy to find someone who aligns with your goals. 

Additionally, the program offers a feature called "skip levels." 

For instance, if I wanted to enhance my knowledge in social media but I’m not an expert in that area, I could register and express my interest in connecting with a social media specialist. 

This way, I can gain insights on the latest trends and learn how to optimise my online presence. Overall, it's a fantastic initiative aimed at fostering professional growth and collaboration. 

We have also launched a partnership with Harvard Business, giving our members access to business education resources. We’re also excited to roll out our mentorship program next year. There’s a lot in store, and we’re committed to elevating our mission!  

You also have a bit of last-minute news for 2024. What is that about? 

As we reach the end of 2024, GGW has one more announcement to make. Global Gaming Women (GGW) has named ex-Caesars Entertainment director of VIP Pamela Buckley as its new executive vice president (EVP). 

As part of her duties in the role, Pamela will be tasked with overseeing the strategic leadership of the group to ensure growth. She will report to GGW executive director Kelly Hatch.  

Pamela arrives at GGW with significant experience within the gaming sector, her most recent position being executive director of casino VIP services and loyalty club for Fontainebleau Las Vegas.