Longtime Nevada gaming executive Robert McMonigle, who spent nearly two decades with International Game Technology, helping the slot machine giant go public, passed away earlier this month at the age of 75.
McMonigle, who would have turned 76 on Tuesday, joined IGT in the mid-1980s as the company grew as legalized gaming expanded throughout the U.S. After the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange, McMonigle rose to the title of executive vice president of corporate relations and North American sales.
Bob McMonigle
After departing IGT, McMonigle worked with other gaming equipment manufacturers, including Aristocrat Gaming, Gardner Wells/AGT, and Suzo Happ.
While with IGT, McMonigle helped create the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) and served as the first president of the organization.
In a statement to the AGEM membership, executive director Marcus Prater said McMonigle was the “driving force behind the founding” of the trade group.
“While at IGT, Bob collaborated with arch-enemy competitors at Aristocrat, Bally, and WMS to help create AGEM and bring all of the gaming suppliers together for a common good,” Prater said. “That spirit lives on today, perhaps more than ever, given the circumstances of our current situation.”
Prater said McMonigle “made his mark at IGT as arguably the greatest slot salesperson ever, commanding 70 percent market share in jurisdictions throughout the U.S.”
McMonigle continued to “help elevate other gaming companies” as the representative at AGEM meetings for Associate Member Rising Digital.
According to an obituary, McMonigle died March 15 following health complications due to recent accident-related injuries.
McMonigle was born in St. Louis to Helen and O.R. McMonigle. He grew up in Washington, Missouri, and obtained a B.S. in business administration from Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau.
McMonigle began his business career with Readers Digest in New York City and went on to work for Rolling Stone and Outside magazines in circulation and marketing. He subsequently held various marketing management jobs in the magazine distribution industry from 1979 to 1986.
He is survived by his wife, Joni, daughter Mari, brother Pat (and wife Jeanne) of Kansas City, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.
Immediate services are not planned due to the uncertainty of today’s health crisis. The family said a celebration of life will be held for friends and family at a more appropriate time.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
