Len Ainsworth Set to Turn 100 Next Month

How did you come to be involved in the gaming industry and founding Aristocrat Leisure?

Purely by chance, when Joe Haywood — an engineer working for me — asked if I had ever thought about making a poker machine. I said: “What’s that?”  and he said: “They’re in all the clubs.” When I asked what clubs, Joe laughed and asked me where I’ve been, to which I replied: “Making dental supplies!”

Joe then told me he had worked for a fellow at Apex Amusements and had left because he was not prepared to make improvements to what he believed to be a very poor piece of equipment. I asked him if he could possibly make a better one — he said “yes” and I said “let’s do it!” — the rest, as they say, is history.

You would have seen many changes in the industry over the years?

The best changes to the industry have been the licensing of machines as it brought regulations, which ensured the quality of the machines being built. The worst changes to the industry have been the inadequacies of the licensing introduced. 

What are you most proud of in your life, both professionally and personally?

Professionally, I’m proud of the integrity I brought to a then dodgy industry and the magnitude of the industry I developed. I established a world-wide successful corporation that continues today. 
Personally, I’m most proud of my good fortune and being able to support many worthwhile causes as a result. 

What is your advice to those working in the club industry?

Continue to uphold the high standards exhibited by ClubsNSW as an organisation through the years.

Can you tell us a little bit about your philanthropic work?

I’m very interested in medicine, medical research and advancements, as these serve to benefit humanity as a whole.

How do you feel about the current gaming reform discussion?

It’s essential that regulators learn a little more about the industry before pushing through changes that might bring unexpected consequences.

What lessons did you learn growing up that have served you well in your life?

Don’t say never — ever!

Who helped you along the way in your career and who inspired you?

My father helped me in my career just by being there. He was a very honest man with a very good work ethic. I would pull up a bench alongside him at night and help him work.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve been fortunate in establishing a world-wide reputation for quality equipment that continues today to lead the field, and that pleases me to no end. 

I have worked with many great people along the way — without many of them none of these things would be possible. I’d like to give a special mention to Vince Bruzzese, Mark Ludski and of course Danny Gladstone who I worked alongside for many years at Ainsworth Game Technology.