David Lopez has led American Gaming Systems, known as AGS, since February 2014. He built his career in gaming supply, moving up through operating and executive roles at two other companies first. His path shows how steady industry experience can shape a modern gaming executive.
AGS designs slot machines, table games, and online casino content used across casinos in the United States and beyond. Lopez has guided the company through acquisitions, a public stock listing, and a return to private ownership. Today, AGS keeps growing under new ownership, with record online gaming revenue and an expanding slot library. Lopez still sits at the helm, guiding day to day strategy and long term growth plans.
Career Timeline
| Role | Company | Years |
| President and CEO | AGS | 2014 to present |
| President and CEO | Global Cash Access | 2012 to 2014 |
| Chief Operating Officer | Shuffle Master | 1998 to 2012 |
Major Achievements
- Guided the 370 million dollar purchase of Cadillac Jack in 2015, adding roughly 11,000 tribal gaming machines to the AGS lineup
- Took AGS public in January 2018, pricing its initial share offering at 16 dollars on the New York Stock Exchange
- Led three straight years of record company revenue heading into 2025
- Helped AGS more than double its global slot unit sales, passing 6,100 units placed worldwide
- Grew online real money gaming content revenue by more than 150 percent over three years
- Guided AGS through its 2025 sale to Brightstar Capital Partners, a deal valued near 1.1 billion dollars
Awards and Recognition
David Lopez has picked up recognition across the gaming industry for his work at AGS.
- Named American Executive of the Year at the 2019 Global Gaming Awards, chosen by a 100 judge panel from a field of 19 nominated gaming industry CEOs
Career Highlights
Lopez spent nearly 15 years at Shuffle Master, a supplier of table games and card shuffling equipment. He rose through sales, product development, and operations, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer, and also served a stint as interim CEO on the company’s board.
During his time there, Shuffle Master grew from about 27 million dollars in annual revenue in 1998 to nearly 260 million dollars by the time he left in 2012. That growth reflects the operational track record he later brought to AGS.
In 2012, Lopez became President and CEO of Global Cash Access. He led the company through a stretch of growth until Everi Holdings acquired it in 2014. AGS itself had been acquired by funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management in December 2013, and in February 2014, Lopez joined as President and CEO, a role he still holds more than a decade later.
Under his leadership, AGS built a content partnership with DraftKings, announced in 2023. The deal brought more than 20 AGS branded slot titles to real money players in New Jersey, including Rakin’ Bacon!, Jade Wins, and Fu Nan Fu Nu. In June 2025, Brightstar Capital Partners completed its purchase of AGS for $12.50 per share, taking the company private and off the New York Stock Exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did David Lopez become CEO of AGS?
David Lopez became President and CEO of AGS in February 2014, after leaving Global Cash Access.
What happened to AGS in 2025?
Brightstar Capital Partners completed its acquisition of AGS in June 2025 for about 1.1 billion dollars, making the company privately held again.
What was David Lopez’s career like before AGS?
He spent nearly 15 years at Shuffle Master, then became President and CEO of Global Cash Access before joining AGS in 2014.
What are some popular AGS slot games?
AGS titles include Rakin’ Bacon!, Jade Wins, and Fu Nan Fu Nu, offered through partners like DraftKings Casino.
Is AGS still a publicly traded company?
No. After the 2025 Brightstar Capital Partners deal, AGS became privately held and left the New York Stock Exchange.
Has David Lopez received industry recognition?
Yes. He was named American Executive of the Year at the 2019 Global Gaming Awards.