Gaming Hall of Fame: Charles Mathewson

Charles Mathewson (b. 1930?) was leader of one of the world's most successful gaming companies, overseeing a dramatic period of growth and innovation.

Mathewson found success as a broker and, in the early 1980s began invested in International Game Technology, a Nevada slot machine manufacturer and slowly began to increase his involvement with the company, becoming a director in 1985. The following year, IGT founder Si Redd asked Mathewson to chair the company's board, and Mathewson obliged.

Under his leadership, IGT became an industry pioneer in several fields, including wide area progressives, microprocessor-driven reel slots, and continued its innovation in video poker. Creating popular slot themes like Double Diamonds and Red, White, and Blue and licensing existing brands such as Wheel of Fortune, Mathewson helped make IGT the slot industry leader.

In 2000, Mathewson stepped down as chief executive officer, and in 2003 he retired as chairman of the board, but his legacy with the company, guaranteed by years of success, remains secure.


Hall of Fame home About this exhibit Center for Gaming Research About the Center Gaming Abstract Subject Guides Reading Room Virtual Museum Gaming Collection Academic Users Media/Industry Just Curious UNLV Special Collections UNLV Libraries UNLV home American Gaming Association Global Gaming Expo	1997 Inductee Charles Mathewson Industry Leader Charles Mathewson (b. 1930?) was leader of one of the world's most successful gaming companies, overseeing a dramatic period of growth and innovation. Mathewson found success as a broker and, in the early 1980s began invested in International Game Technology, a Nevada slot machine manufacturer and slowly began to increase his involvement with the company, becoming a director in 1985. The following year, IGT founder Si Redd asked Mathewson to chair the company's board, and Mathewson obliged. Under his leadership, IGT became an industry pioneer in several fields, including wide area progressives, microprocessor-driven reel slots, and continued its innovation in video poker. Creating popular slot themes like Double Diamonds and Red, White, and Blue and licensing existing brands such as Wheel of Fortune, Mathewson helped make IGT the slot industry leader. In 2000, Mathewson stepped down as chief executive officer, and in 2003 he retired as chairman of the board, but his legacy with the company, guaranteed by years of success, remains secure.
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