Bill Boyd, cofounder and longtime leader of Boyd Gaming, helped build one of the most respected casino operators in the United States by focusing on regional gaming markets, operational discipline, and customer loyalty. The son of industry pioneer Sam Boyd, he expanded the family business from its Las Vegas roots into a nationwide gaming and hospitality company with properties across Nevada and other key markets. Known for conservative management and strong local positioning, Boyd played a central role in shaping modern regional casino operations and maintaining the company’s reputation for steady performance through industry cycles.

Jon Yarbrough, founder of Video Gaming Technologies (VGT), built a fortune by transforming a niche market—Class II gaming machines for tribal casinos—into one of the most profitable segments in the gaming industry. Launching VGT in 1991, he focused on underserved Native American casino operators, combining tailored game design with revenue-sharing partnerships that allowed tribal gaming to scale rapidly across the United States. After decades of growth and recurring revenue dominance, Yarbrough sold VGT to Aristocrat Leisure for $1.3 billion, becoming one of America’s wealthiest self-made entrepreneurs. Low-profile and disciplined, he has since expanded into private investments, technology ventures, and philanthropy.