LONDON, Sept. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game
Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that
Knute Knudson, Jr., Vice
President of Global Business Development and Tribal Ambassador,
will be inducted into the American Gaming Association's (AGA)
Gaming Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021. Knudson will
be honored on October 5 at the AGA's
Chairman's Reception during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.
Induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame is the highest honor
accorded by the gaming industry. Each year, two or more
individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant
contributions receive this honor. Gaming Hall of Fame honorees
are selected by an independent panel of gaming leaders.
"Knute's dedicated support and committed advocacy of tribal
gaming expansion and sustained health and well-being of Indian
country are unmatched in our industry," said Renato
Ascoli, IGT CEO, Global Gaming. "Knute is a true
champion of tribal gaming—a constant source of knowledge, guidance,
and support to hundreds of tribes throughout his lengthy career.
IGT is incredibly proud that Knute's impact as a strategic partner
and dedicated friend to Indian Country is being recognized with an
induction into the AGA's Gaming Hall of Fame."
"I am distinctly honored and thrilled to be accepted into
this esteemed group of AGA Gaming Hall of Fame honorees," said
Knudson. "The advancement of Indian gaming, tribal
self-sufficiency, and, importantly, Tribal Sovereignty has been my
life's work, and my success is intricately tied to Indian people
who have trusted me to advance their causes and expand gaming
opportunities on their behalf. I am grateful for their confidence,
partnerships and friendships and thank IGT for its continued
support."
For more information about IGT visit igt.com and follow us
on LinkedIn.
About Knute Knudson,
Jr.
Knudson has been an advocate and proponent of
Indian gaming for three decades. As Deputy Chief of Staff at the
Department of the Interior from 1989 to 1993, Knudson led efforts
to implement the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, working on compacts,
trust applications, and National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGA)
appointments.
After joining Sodak Gaming, Knudson played an integral role in
securing economic self-sufficiency for Indian Country throughout
the 1990s, financing more than $1.5
billion in equipment and systems sales to tribes looking to
start gaming businesses. Knudson authored "Getting Started in
Indian Gaming" which became a blueprint for the first decade of
tribal gaming startups.
Knudson testified in front of Congress, state legislatures, and
regulators as an advocate of tribal gaming, constantly navigating
the complexities of policy and practice to identify and address the
needs of Indian people and culture. In the early 1990s, Knudson
successfully presented the case to the Department of the Interior
and NIGA that linked Wide Area Progressive games were permissible
under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This led to the launch of
the Native American Progressive System (NAPS) in 1994.
Today, Knudson continues to advance the interests of tribal
gaming growth, Sovereignty, and prosperity. His work for IGT brings
the latest technology, branded content, and proven core games to
tribes to grow casino revenues and strengthen tribal
self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Knute has been honored by dozens of tribal governments and
associations and, in 2018, he was honored with NIGA's Lifetime
Achievement Award.
About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in
gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences
for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming
Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a
wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation,
player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge
technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that
engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local
presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more
than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering
to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility.
IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information,
please visit www.igt.com.
Contact:
Phil
O'Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in
U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452;
outside U.S./Canada +1 (401)
392-7452
Francesco Luti, +39 3485475493; for
Italian media inquiries
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1
(401) 392-7190
© 2021 IGT
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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC