Few slots players have any idea who Lauralyn McCarthy is, but she’s actually an integral part of the U.S. slots scene.
McCarthy began her gaming career at International Game Technology (IGT) and quickly branched out on her own and began selling slot machines to New Mexico casinos. This is when industry giant Scientific Games contacted McCarthy and hired her to be their vice president of strategic operations. The “Slot Queen” has since helped the company acquire WMS Industries Inc. and purchase Bally Gaming Technologies, expanding Scientific Games’ already massive slot empire.
Obviously McCarthy has done well for herself in the gaming business world. But as Vegas Seven reports, she’s equally as passionate about helping women advance in the industry.
“It’s critical for successful women to mentor young women advancing through the ranks,” she said. “Having positive role models who can guide them and provide knowledge from their own experiences will motivate and encourage the next generation of leaders.”
Aside from helping women, McCarthy is also a foundation board member of Opportunity Village, an organization that has raised over $90 million for disabled adults.
“I have two severely disabled siblings, and my family has spent our whole lives looking for the best quality of life for them,” she explained. “Opportunity Village is unique on the planet for the services it provides to the adult disabled. And it’s all grassroots, started by Las Vegas families. Every year … it is changing the way disabled adults live.”
As for the future of Scientific Games, McCarthy said that some of their latest projects include the skill-based Space Invader Revolution and The Simpsons, which will include player-gesture control.
“With the acquisition of WMS and Bally, we are now a leader in the global gaming and lottery business,” said McCarthy. “Our mission is to empower our customers by creating the world’s best gaming and lottery experiences.”