When you sit down with David Lopez, you’re not just talking to a gaming industry executive — you’re hearing the story of someone who’s built his career from the warehouse floor to the CEO’s office, fueled by grit, gratitude, and a genuine love for people.
In the latest episode of Betting on Success, host Mark Morton sits down with Lopez for an honest, funny, and refreshingly humble conversation about his unconventional path to the top, what real leadership looks like, and why company culture will always matter more than the title on your business card.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from their discussion on the Betting on Success podcast. View the complete podcast on PodBean, Apple Podcast, Spotify or YouTube.
From Troy to the Top
Lopez’s story starts in Troy, New York — a self-proclaimed “public school guy” who worked his way through community college and served in the Army National Guard before heading west to Las Vegas. His first casino job wasn’t glamorous — working in the MGM Grand warehouse — but it set him on a path that would define his career.
“I started in inventory control and accounting,” he recalls, “and I realized I didn’t want to just keep score. I wanted to make plays.” That decision — and a willingness to take risks — led him to Stratosphere, Shuffle Master, GCA, and eventually AGS, where he now leads one of the industry’s most dynamic gaming suppliers.
Mentors Who Shaped the Journey
Throughout the conversation, Lopez credits his success to the people who challenged him most — from his no-nonsense mother, who taught him work ethic and deal-making at a young age, to gaming legend Mark Yoseloff, who became both mentor and drill sergeant.
“Mark was tough, but he treated me like a son,” Lopez says. “He piled the work on to see if my knees would buckle — and when they didn’t, he gave me more. That’s how I learned to grow.”
It’s a theme that runs through Lopez’s story: leadership isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about learning from the people around you.
Building Culture That Lasts
If you’ve ever worked at AGS, you know Lopez’s leadership philosophy centers on one thing — culture. But not the kind that gets printed on posters. His approach is about empowerment, communication, and giving people permission to be themselves.
“At AGS, anyone can say anything to me — in any room, in front of anyone,” he says. “If I can take it, then no one else should be afraid to speak up either. That’s how ideas — and opportunities — rise to the top.”
He credits much of AGS’s cultural DNA to leaders like the late Tim Parrott, who taught him the importance of focusing on both internal and external relationships. “You can’t just drive results,” Lopez says. “You have to build an environment where people actually want to come to work — and where customers can feel that energy too.”
Game On: Innovation with Purpose
One of the standout examples of AGS culture is the company’s GameOn customer event — a mix of education, inspiration, and fun that feels more like a TED Talk than a tradeshow. While Lopez insists he can’t take credit (“It’s all Julia and her team”), he says the event reflects everything AGS stands for: creativity, collaboration, and customer appreciation.
“We didn’t want another boondoggle,” he laughs. “We wanted to give our customers something meaningful — something that makes them think differently about the business.”
Lessons in Leadership and Life
When asked what advice he’d give to newcomers trying to make their mark, Lopez keeps it simple:
• Work hard. “When opportunity shows up, don’t hesitate — just run through the hole.”
• Stay loyal. “Quit the job-hopping. Build relationships and a legacy.”
• Find your people. “Surround yourself with those who turn up the volume — who make life and work more colorful.”
And perhaps most importantly: Don’t forget to laugh — and maybe enjoy a good Negroni along the way.
The Takeaway
Listening to David Lopez talk about his journey, you get the sense that leadership isn’t about power or prestige — it’s about people. It’s about hiring talent that lifts others up, creating a culture that’s real, and never being afraid to admit you don’t have all the answers.
As he puts it best:
“I’m not a genius or a visionary. I’ve just been lucky enough to work with amazing people — and smart enough to listen to them.”
Watch the complete episode on PodBean, Apple Podcast, Spotify or YouTube.
The Betting On Success Podcast, sponsored by Las Vegas-based companies Marker Trax and Koin Payments, features conversations with gaming industry leaders while exploring the future of cashless gaming technology.
