Sam Westgate of J&J Amusements Inducted into AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame

Sam Westgate of J&J Amusements Inducted into AAMA Amusement Hall of Fame

Sam Westgate Receives Coin-Op Industry’s Highest Honor: AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame

Dedicated Industry Advocate, Sam Westgate, continues to shape J&J and the future of the Coin-Op industry.

EFFINGHAM, IL, March 23, 2026 – J&J Amusements proudly announces that Sam Westgate, Director of Business Development at J&J, has been inducted into the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) Amusement Industry Hall of Fame, one of the industry’s highest honors recognizing a lifetime of leadership, innovation, and service to the coin-op community. The AAMA announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class during the Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas on March 18th, 2026.

Westgate has dedicated more than 5 decades to advancing the coin-op industry. He began his career at Williams Amusement just prior to his 17th birthday and steadily rose through the organization, helping transform Williams Enterprises from a regional operation into a successful multi-state company.

Leading up to the passage of video gaming in Illinois, Westgate served as Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association (ICMOA) liaison to the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA), where he educated members statewide on the benefits and significance of the Illinois Video Gaming Act. Following the Act’s successful passage, he joined J&J Ventures, now operating as J&J Gaming and J&J Amusements, after the company’s acquisition of Williams Enterprises in 2010.

During his time at J&J Amusements, Westgate launched the industry’s first dart player rewards program and played a key role in advancing player engagement initiatives. He also led development efforts for SMART Software, an operational platform that became an important technological advancement for route operators. His entrepreneurial leadership further extended to founding Magnolia Gaming in Georgia and establishing the North American Dart Organization (NADO), which today serves thousands of players across North America.

Beyond operations, Westgate has been a dedicated industry advocate, serving in leadership roles with Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association (ICMOA), the Georgia Amusement & Music Operators Association (GAMOA), and the Amusement & Machine Operators Association (AMOA), where he served as President. His contributions have earned numerous honors, including Play Meter Magazine’s Operator of the Year and induction into the National ATM Council Hall of Fame.

“Sam’s influence on this industry is difficult to overstate,” said Jack Jansen, owner of J&J Gaming. “His leadership and forward-thinking approach have played a meaningful role in shaping J&J’s growth and broader industry impact. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

Bob Willenborg, CEO of J&J Gaming, added “Sam’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to progress, integrity, and player engagement. His leadership continues to make a lasting impact on J&J, and we are incredibly proud to see Sam receive this well-earned honor.”

“I’m truly honored to be inducted into the AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame,” said Sam Westgate. “It has been a privilege to spend my career helping move this industry forward, and I’m grateful for all the dedicated people across the industry who made this journey possible.”

Westgate’s induction into the AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame recognizes not only his professional achievements but also the personal dedication and support that sustained his five-decade career, including the encouragement of his wife, Rhonda, and his enduring influence on the future of the coin op industry.

About J&J Gaming

Since its inception in 1929, J&J has been committed to acting with integrity, providing service excellence, fostering partnerships, and supporting its communities by creating jobs and producing revenue for our partners. J&J Gaming, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is the largest distributed gaming operator in the United States providing gaming-as-a-service to locations such as restaurants, bars, taverns, convenience stores, truck stops, and other authorized venues in various regulated jurisdictions.

J&J Amusements is a leading operator of non-gaming devices like dart machines, pool tables, jukeboxes, ATMs, and other amusement devices across the United States.
To learn more about J&J, visit our website at www.jjgaming.com.