Each year, iGB’s Most Influential Women campaign highlights the vital roles women play in the gaming industry and reflects ongoing advancements in gender representation.
Melanie Ellis, a partner at Northridge Law and one of this year’s judges, emphasizes the importance of recognizing contributions across various sectors such as compliance and product development. She believes that diverse experiences can drive meaningful change. With two decades in gaming, Ellis notes substantial cultural shifts but insists that achieving gender parity remains a work in progress. Initiatives like Most Influential Women, according to her, are essential for acknowledging accomplishments and providing visible role models in the sector.
"It’s very obvious at any of these conferences that the majority of attendees are still men in suits," Ellis observed. "But I think we’ve come a long way, and it’s really important to have initiatives like this to recognize women in the sector and to provide role models for those just starting out."
The first four recipients of the Most Influential Women 2026 award are:
**Anika Howard
President and CEO, Wondr Nation**
Anika Howard expressed her gratitude for being included in the Most Influential Women list, describing the recognition as both "wonderful" and unexpected. "I’ve been really heads down this year with so many amazing things that we’ve been working on," she shared. Howard attributes her early career success to a fortuitous start at Harrah’s Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment) through their President’s Associate Programme, which provided her with unparalleled exposure to the industry.
“It planted the seed in my head that anything’s possible in this industry,” she reflected. Howard’s career evolved from Caesars where she was the first interactive hire, to roles across different positions, which allowed her to shape functions as the industry grew. Currently, as the head of Wondr Nation, she focuses on tribal gaming and innovation, envisioning Wondr Nation as a pivotal entity for the industry.
Her immediate goals include launching a Wondr Nation innovation center, which aims to support entrepreneurs and developers.
**Brett Abarbanel
Executive Director, UNLV's International Gaming Institute**
Brett Abarbanel, executive director of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV, has been deeply involved in the gaming sector for over 20 years. She found her way into gaming through her proximity to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and a background in probability and statistics.
Getting involved in online poker early on further entwined her with the industry, leading her to Las Vegas nearly two decades ago. Abarbanel has been instrumental in broadening IGI’s profile, overseeing a research-focused initiative that encompasses responsible gambling and innovative education programs. Currently, she is gearing up for a sabbatical aimed at enhancing transparency and integrity in sports through international collaboration.
**Brittany Dale
Director of Business Transformation and Programme Delivery, iGaming Ontario**
Brittany Dale has made her mark in public sector regulation, serving as the director of business transformation at iGaming Ontario. She reflects on her career as a journey of addressing complex challenges and uniting diverse stakeholders to foster industry advancements.
Dale leads initiatives like BetGuard, a centralized self-exclusion system that significantly enhances player protection in online gaming. Looking ahead, she aims to spearhead further transformations that will benefit the gaming ecosystem and is driven by a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration in leadership.
**Brooke Thomas
VP of People and Opportunities, Hard Rock International**
Brooke Thomas credits her nomination for Most Influential Women 2026 to the colleagues and community initiatives that she champions, including LGBTQ+ in Gaming. Having transitioned from a legal career into the gaming industry, Thomas is committed to fostering connections among LGBTQ+ professionals.
Thomas recognizes the importance of visibility in challenging industry norms, stating that awards help highlight the varied perspectives that drive innovation in gaming. Her advice for aspiring leaders emphasizes the need for honest feedback and community support as essential components in cultivating a thriving industry culture.
