The gaming world was mourning the passing of former IGT executive Bob McMonigle last week. McMonigle, 75, succumbed to complications of injuries sustained in an accident.
After graduating from Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, McMonigle went to work in the magazine business in New York City, doing stints with Readers Digest, Rolling Stone and Outside Magazines, and subsequently worked as an executive in the magazine distribution business from 1979-1986. He then joined a small but growing slot company, International Game Technology, which was just beginning to break out in the business. Under the leadership of Chuck Mathewson, McMonigle was part of a powerful team that built the company into the dominant company in the business for almost two decades.
After leaving IGT, McMonigle worked for several other companies in gaming, including Gardner Wells/AGT, Suzo Happ, and finally Aristocrat Technologies, where he was employed as a consultant at the time of his death.
McMonigle helped to found the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, which today represents more than 175 companies that serve the gaming business.
Following his departure from IGT, he founded Bogar Enterprises, which produced a souvenir version of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and sold more than 100,000 copies.
He was an active contributor and participant in many charitable causes, including Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Nevada Cancer Institute, and The Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Animal Foundation of Las Vegas or the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. A memorial for McMonigle will be held at a later, more appropriate time, according to the family.
