David Lopez

David Lopez has established himself as one of the leading names in the gambling industry. From his early years serving in the military to entering the iGaming industry in the late ‘90s and finally becoming CEO of American Gaming Systems, David Lopez has excelled in all areas of his career, driving AGS toward an exciting and successful future. 

Career

Chief Executive Officer

American Gaming Systems

2014 - present

President

Global Cash Access

2012 - 2014

Chief Operating Officer

Shuffle Master

1998 - 2011

Education

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

1995 - 2000

Hudson Valley Community College

NA, Business Administration and Management, General

1991 - 1993

Major Achievements

Before entering the gaming industry, David spent nearly seven years in the US military, from January 1993 to December 1999.

David Lopez was the COO of Shuffle Master for 13 years.

In 2015, while at AGS, David oversaw the $370 million purchase of Cadillac Jack. In 2023, David guided AGS to a record Q1 revenue of $83.2 million, up 14% year-over-year.

Awards & Recognition

David Lopez has achieved remarkable things during his impressive career. His tenure at AGS has been one of the most successful in the company’s history, earning him considerable recognition.

• David was featured at #35. on Games Masters’ 2025 Top 100 list, in partnership with SCCG Management
• In 2019, David was named American Executive of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards

Career Highlights

David Lopez’s career path in the gaming industry has not been typical compared with most iGaming CEOs. After leaving education, before becoming a gambling executive, he served for seven years in the United States Army, which instilled in him the importance of discipline and teamwork. 

Upon departing the military, David took his first role in the industry, an unglamorous job working in the MGM Grand warehouse. In this capacity, David was involved in inventory control and accounting before deciding he wanted to be more actively engaged. In 1999, David’s wish came true when he became the COO of Shuffle Master. 

During his 13-year tenure at Shuffle Master, he made continual advancements, even serving as interim CEO. Here, he oversaw sales, product development, and operations while building a reputation for strategic insight and cross-functional leadership.

It was during David’s tenure at the company that Shuffle Master experienced one of its most significant events. In 2001, it was awarded a patent for continuous card shuffling machines, which are now widely used in casinos around the globe. 

Following a successful 13 years as Shuffle Master COO, David Lopez embarked on a pivotal next chapter as President of Global Cash Access. During a 1-year and 9-month residency in the role, David oversaw sales and operations during a period of significant growth. 

In February 2014, David took the helm as CEO of American Gaming Systems, guiding the company through a period of transformation. 

Under his leadership, a game content partnership was agreed upon between PlayAGS and North American operator DraftKings. In it, more than 20 of AGS’ proprietary slot titles were made available to New Jersey players. Under the terms of the agreement, DraftKings Casino significantly boosted its North American online casino operations.  

The amended deal is an expansion of the ongoing partnership between AGS and DKNG. The latest release will give New Jersey players access to real-money gaming content through DraftKings’ online casino. To date, AGS and DKNG offer New Jersey gaming fans 10 titles, including River Dragons, Fu Nan Fu Nu, Rakin’ Bacon!, Jade Wins and Capital Gains, as well as Peacock Beauty and Tiger Lord, two games from Imperial 88. 

In Their Own Words

David Lopez’s AGS leadership is laser-focused on developing an environment where employees feel valued, and customers want to be involved. This, coupled with a successful strategy, bodes well for AGS’s future.

You can’t just drive results. You have to build an environment where people actually want to come to work — and where customers can feel that energy too.

David Lopez

Frequently Asked Questions