The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) has revealed that David Lucchese and Marcus Prater are the esteemed recipients of the 2026 Memorial Awards.
Lucchese will be honored with the Jens Halle Memorial Award for Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, whereas Prater has been awarded the Peter Mead Memorial Award for Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications. Both awards will be presented at a prestigious ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas on September 30.
The annual awards, established by AGEM, aim to acknowledge the significant contributions of Halle, former executive at Bally and Novomatic, who later served as CEO of Merkur Gaming within the Gauselmann Group, and Mead, the founding figure behind Casino Enterprise Management magazine.
Lucchese, a distinguished gaming professional with over 30 years under his belt, has held key positions in leading companies including Bally, Casino Data Systems, Aristocrat Leisure Industries, and Global Cash Access. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping sales, operations, and product strategies as the gaming equipment industry transformed worldwide.
Most recently, Lucchese was the Executive Vice President at Everi Holdings, where he spearheaded sales and marketing efforts and directed strategy and development for the interactive division. He was instrumental in the planning of Apollo Global Management’s acquisition of Everi and IGT in 2025.
“Dave Lucchese exemplifies the qualities AGEM seeks to honor with this award, showcasing humanity in a competitive arena, a commitment to go beyond expectations, and a long-standing devotion to the vitality of our sector,” stated AGEM Board Chair Ryan Comstock of Ainsworth Game Technology.
In contrast, Prater brings nearly three decades of expertise in casino operations and gaming manufacturing. He initiated his career in marketing at Ameristar Casinos before transitioning to supplier-side roles with Sigma Game and Bally Gaming.
His journey with AGEM began during his tenure at Bally, culminating in his appointment as Executive Director of the organization in 2008. During his leadership, he transformed AGEM into a globally recognized trade association representing gaming suppliers worldwide, a role he maintained until stepping down in 2022.
“What began as a modest association of companies has flourished into a global entity under Marcus’s guidance, fostering enduring relationships that persist today,” remarked AGEM President and CEO Daron Dorsey. “Both our industry and AGEM have gained strength from the foundations Marcus helped establish, and we will continue to reap the benefits of his contributions for years to come.”
Previous award recipients of the Jens Halle Memorial Award include Len Ainsworth, Rick Meitzler, Gavin Isaacs, among others recognized for their contributions in gaming manufacturing and operations. Notable past winners of the Peter Mead Memorial Award include media and communication leaders like Howard Stutz, Frank Legato, and Victor Rocha.
For the Jens Halle Memorial Award in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years in the global gaming supply industry and demonstrate professionalism, business achievements, international engagement, meticulous attention to detail, and an eagerness to exceed expectations. They should maintain integrity in business dealings, adopt a fair and respectful approach in a competitive landscape, and promote the overall health and stability of the gaming sector.
For the Peter Mead Memorial Award in Gaming Media & Communications, candidates should also have at least 10 years of experience in media, trade journalism, or gaming-related public relations and communications. They are expected to display robust reporting skills, actively engage to develop ideas and collect information, and be open to challenging conventional wisdom within the industry.