AGS appoints Robert Ziems as Chief Legal Officer; Victor Gallo steps down as General Counsel

Gaming manufacturer and supplier PlayAGS announced Monday that Robert "Rob" Ziems has been appointed as Chief Legal Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Victor Gallo, who retired as General Counsel after serving since 2010. Gallo will remain as Secretary for the company.

Ziems brings over 24 years of gaming and legal experience and will lead the company's legal and compliance affairs and oversee the Latin America and Interactive business strategy, the company announced in a press release.

He joins AGS from Aruze Gaming, where he served for over 12 years. Most recently, Ziems served as President of Aruze, Global Chief Legal Officer of Aruze Gaming Group, and Corporate Secretary. At Aruze, Ziems led global legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and global human resources. In addition, he oversaw operating efficiencies, business development, and procurement in the Americas.

AGS welcomes new Chief Legal Officer Robert Ziems! Read more: https://t.co/RYB1pq4g9g

— AGS (@playAGS) February 13, 2023

Ziems has served as in-house counsel for gaming corporations for most of his career, handling legal and regulatory matters worldwide. Before Aruze, he served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Mikohn Gaming, later known as Progressive Gaming International Corporation (PGIC), where he managed the global legal, human resources, compliance, and internal audit departments, in addition to overseeing all corporate activities.

He began in the gaming industry as Associate General Counsel at Station Casino and later joined Aristocrat Technologies as Associate General Counsel. Ziems earned his law degree from Drake University School of Law, his Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, and his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida.

David Lopez

David Lopez, AGS President and CEO, said: "Rob is a great addition to our leadership team as we diversify AGS' portfolio and advance our business strategy. He has deep gaming and regulatory experience combined with a forward-thinking and collaborative leadership approach."

Lopez also reflected on Victor Gallo stepping down as General Counsel. "Looking back, it is difficult to overstate the extraordinary impact Vic has had on AGS over the past 12 years. He was instrumental in the acquisition and integration of Cadillac Jack, as well as the company's IPO in 2018, and he has helped shape the strategy, structure, and culture that have made AGS successful as a company today. On behalf of the entire leadership team, we wish him a well-deserved retirement," he concluded.

AGS’ Award-Winning Bonus Spin™ Xtreme Progressive Nearing $1 Million Jackpot!https://t.co/0MZQMcN0TA pic.twitter.com/80aeJxlgPp

— AGS (@playAGS) February 10, 2023

As for other recent news, last week the supplier announced that its Bonus Spin Xtreme at Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City is nearing $1 million. 

Borgata features 17 tables with the linked Bonus Spin Xtreme progressive jackpot on multiple table games, including AGS’ Bonus Spin Xtreme for Blackjack and Criss Cross Poker. "A million-dollar hit on Bonus Spin Xtreme would be the first in the side bet’s history but not the first for AGS’ table games division," the company stated.