This week I continue my quest to chat with all the amazing women in the betting industry that I have met this year. Next up: Bronwen Greeg.
Born as a biracial daughter of an LGBTQ+ family from a low socioeconomic background, Bronwen’s story is as complex as it is captivating. From the government services division in Virginia to the vibrant neon lights of Las Vegas, her transition into gaming was unexpected yet pivotal.
We talk about her successes and challenges, the opportunities and the disparities she’s encountered. Hers is a tale that unravels the broader issues women face in male-dominated sectors and highlights the urgent need for change.
So, let’s jump in – I want to hear from someone who’s not only reshaping the gaming industry but also fervently advocating for gender equality and representation at every turn.
How did you initially become interested in advocating for gender equality in the workforce, and what motivates you to continue this work?
Bronwen. I’m the biracial daughter of an LGBTQ+ family with low socioeconomic status so advocating for equity has always been a huge passion of mine. I’m proud to be an advocate and ally for all marginalized groups, and definitely want to point out the importance of recognizing intersectionality. Gender equality specifically has grown into my fiercest passion as I’ve personally felt the impact of those inequities faced by women in the workforce most often.
What drew you to this field, and what do you find most fulfilling about working in it?
Bronwen. I was asked by my company to help open our Las Vegas office in 2020 after supporting our government services division in Virginia for 5+ years – I’d never touched a slot machine and was expecting to continue federal subcontracting in Nevada; however, it was actually Global Gaming Women that drew me into this industry! I was on the search for great networking groups to join in my new city and everyone kept raving about GGW. I finally acquiesced even though I wasn’t familiar with gaming and attended a virtual networking breakfast – the connections I made at the one event (eternally grateful for Sue Schneider affirming my potential!) were the catalyst to my supporting the industry and things took off from there. GGW is an incredible organization full of the most supportive people dedicated to advancing women in this business.
What I find most fulfilling about working in gaming is bringing entertainment/happiness/fun to our consumers – the world has been a rocky place lately, and it’s fulfilling to know I’m working in an industry that brings so much joy to people. I also love all the momentum with the emergence of legalized iGaming and Sports Betting – being a part of something big at the beginning is such an exciting feeling, there is nothing like it!
Is there a big accomplishment you’d like to share with our readers?
Bronwen. Earlier this year for International Women’s Day, I spearheaded the planning of our inaugural Las Vegas Women of Inspiration event at Allegiant Stadium by bringing together the two nonprofit boards I serve on, WISE (Women in Sports & Events) Las Vegas and Global Gaming Women. We celebrated the complementary overlap of the gaming and sports industries in Las Vegas due to the overturning of PASPA + all the incredible professional sports teams coming to our city and recognized five incredible women who have been extraordinary leaders in creating that success.
Bringing that vision to life with such an amazing team in the highest grossing entertainment venue in the world will likely always be one of my proudest accomplishments, and I look forward to witnessing the impactful event continue to grow in the coming years.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in a leadership role in the gaming and casino industry?
Bronwen. Unfortunately, sexual harassment and the belittling of value is still rampant – and so is the dismissiveness that it actually happens. I’ve been propositioned as if I were an escort at trade shows, witnessed colleagues literally scooped up off the floor at networking events, heard defeating and degrading comments/jokes made consistently, etc. – the list goes on. Lack of executive/board representation, pay disparity, maternity/motherhood discrimination, undervaluation of transferrable skillsets/potential, etc. are other examples I’ve unfortunately experienced and/or witnessed.
As someone passionate about advocating for gender equality, what steps do you think should be taken to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women in the gaming and casino industry?
Bronwen. The objectification and dismissal of women needs to stop, period.
I also frequently see a common misconception of gender equity being labeled only an “HR” or “women’s” issue – we need allies and executives/hiring managers to all work together to create more inclusivity in the workplace.
Examples of specific steps to take include, but are definitely not limited to:
- Companies being more intentional about supporting advancement of women to executive level positions.
- And trade associations being more intentional about female representation and thought leadership at industry events – shout out to SBC, Nikki Fields and Sue Schneider are making phenomenal strides in this area.
- Equal parental leave (proven to significantly close the gender wage gap) and work/life balance + flexible working arrangements for ALL working parents.
- Salary transparency – also proven to significantly close the gender wage gap.
- Implementation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which allow workers of specific demographics to come together to share experiences, discuss issues, and determine ways workplaces can improve.
- Company sponsored memberships to networking organizations with missions to advance, empower, connect, and develop women in the industry – such as WISE (Women in Sports & Events) and Global Gaming Women – and the empowerment/flexibility to attend their events/education opportunities.
I could go on and on – if you are interested in learning more, feel free to reach out to me directly on LinkedIn!
Do you think there is a space in the industry for female sports bettors?
Bronwen. Absolutely, no doubt – and data has proven than females are generally better bettors!
How do you see the industry evolving in the coming years, and what role do you think women will play in shaping that future?
Bronwen. Women make up half the population – for any company looking to grow, which is all of us, it’s simply bad business sense to not be intentional about strategic inclusion of female employees and consumers.
Additionally, there is such high growth potential with women’s sports as the global fan demand we’re currently seeing is off the charts – record viewership, sponsorship sales, merchandise sales, etc.
The industry will inevitably evolve in order to sustainably grow, and women will no doubt be on the forefront of that positive evolution.
What qualities do you believe are most important for a leader in the gaming and casino industry, and how do you strive to embody these qualities?
Bronwen. We are in a golden age of our industry so creative innovation, intentionality around equity and diversity of thought, and humility/growth-mindset/ability to pivot are what I’ve seen to be most important and successful. Countless studies have shown that more diversity in your workforce leads to more innovation which leads to more financial success.
I strive to embody these qualities by intentionally co-authoring vision with my team to empower both creative ideation and accountability, consistently seeking out and affirming unique perspectives/native genius of diverse mindsets, and always learning – I’m constantly listening to a podcast, reading a book, or diving into a deep conversation to embrace new points of view!
What do women want?
Bronwen. It’s simple: equity, parity, and safety.