In this edition of the Industry Insider, we spoke with Matthew Heenan, Customer Success Manager at Everi about how he got started in gaming, the launch of LGBTQ+ in Gaming group, how we can continue to build more a move inclusive industry, and more.

Tell us about your career path, how you got into the gaming industry and your current position at Everi?

As a Las Vegas native, the casino industry has always been part of my life and community. My father was a proud member of the Local 501 Operating Engineers and worked at Caesars Palace for 25 years before retiring in 2012. Some of my earliest jobs as a teenager involved changing air filters in hotel rooms and working on demolition crews during room renovations—hard hats and steel-toed boots included!

I have a vivid memory of watching casino executives in suits doing walkthroughs of the construction zones and thinking, “That’s what I should be doing.” That moment sparked what became a 12+ year journey through hotel operations, casino marketing, strategy, and eventually, corporate marketing.

Working with diverse, talented teams across 30+ casino properties gave me a deep appreciation for the wide range of voices and experiences that make this industry thrive—all united by a shared goal: creating great gaming experiences and delivering exceptional service.

Today, I’m proud to be at Everi as a Customer Success Manager for our Loyalty Products, where I support some of our largest clients. My focus is on helping operators succeed—so they, in turn, can create memorable, rewarding experiences for their guests.

Moving into June, we cast a spotlight on the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in celebration of Pride Month. Can you share how you were involved in starting LGBTQ+ in Gaming, and what motivated you to help launch this community within the industry?

It really started with a spark, during a powerful moment at G2E last year during the Out Executives in Gaming fireside chat. Hearing those stories made it clear that there was a need for ongoing connection, visibility, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ professionals in gaming.

From there, we started to organize and ask: What if there was a space where LGBTQ+ folks and allies across the industry could connect, share resources, and lift each other up year-round—not just during Pride? That question became the foundation for launching LGBTQ+ in Gaming, and I’m honored to have played a part in building it.

As LGBTQ+ in Gaming gains momentum, what are the long-term goals for this group, and how do you envision its role evolving in shaping more inclusive, supportive, and visible spaces within the gaming industry?

Our long-term vision is to help make LGBTQ+ inclusion a core part of how the gaming industry operates—not just a one-month celebration. We want to create a lasting community that brings people together across companies, roles, and identities to share insights, develop inclusive practices, and celebrate the unique contributions LGBTQ+ professionals make to gaming culture.

As we grow, we hope the group becomes a central hub for:

• Hosting programming and panels with impact
• Connecting underrepresented talent with mentors and opportunities
• Partnering with organizations to evolve workplace policies and guest experiences

Ultimately, we want LGBTQ+ in Gaming to be seen as a driver of innovation, culture, and success in our industry.

Mentorship can be a powerful tool for fostering belonging and professional growth, especially for underrepresented voices. How can mentorship programs be leveraged to support underrepresented individuals in gaming?

Mentorship helps people feel seen, supported, and connected, which is especially important for LGBTQ+ professionals who may not always have visible role models in their organizations. Effective mentorship doesn’t just provide career guidance, it creates space for authenticity, affirmation, and advocacy.

We can leverage mentorship in gaming by:

• Connecting mentors and mentees across companies and sectors to broaden perspectives
• Encouraging reverse mentorship, where senior leaders learn from emerging voices
• Embedding mentorship into an inclusive strategy, not just talent development

And most importantly, by ensuring mentors reflect the diversity we want to see—so that underrepresented individuals can see themselves in leadership and know they belong there.

G2E is the catalyst for legal, regulated gaming – fostering innovation and driving growth by convening the global industry in one place to get business done. What are you most looking forward to seeing at G2E 2025?

G2E has always been where the gaming industry shows up at its best—bringing together innovation, leadership, and vision from across the globe. What I’m most looking forward to at G2E 2025 is seeing how that innovation extends beyond products and technology, and into culture and inclusion.

There’s incredible momentum building around creating more diverse and equitable spaces within gaming, and I’m excited to see how those conversations take the main stage. I’m especially looking forward to connecting with peers who are prioritizing representation, inclusive guest experiences, and workplace culture—because driving business forward means creating environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute and lead.

And, of course, I can’t wait to see LGBTQ+ in Gaming represented again, continuing the spark that started at last year’s Out Executives meetup. I’m confident G2E 2025 will be a showcase of both innovation and intentional progress.