Gambling Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees

The American Gaming Association has announced its 2012 inductees, which include a gambling legend, a Nevada politician, the creative force behind the Las Vegas Strip's entertainment industry, and a celebrity chef.

Dennis Gomes, a former Vegas gaming regulator and Resorts Atlantic City co-owner, and Sen. William Raggio, a former gaming attorney and Nevada's longest-serving state senator, were both inducted posthumously into the Gaming Hall of Fame. Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté and serial restaurant chef Julian Serrano were also honored.

The four men will be formally inducted in the American Gaming Hall of Fame at a massive charity gala and induction ceremony in Las Vegas in October. All proceeds from the event will go to the benefit of the National Center for Responsible Gaming, underlying the AGA's commitment to that noble cause.

Induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame is considered the industry's highest honor. More than 70 people have been inducted since 1989 for making significant contributions to the industry. We believe it is only a matter of time until leaders of the online gambling industry are recognized for their contributions to the industry.

Barney Frank, the US Representative for Massachusetts and the leader in Congress of the push for legalized online gambling, and Alfonse D'Amato, a former US Senator for New York and Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance, are just two of the men who could one day be honored for helping win the fight for legal online gaming in the US.