Charles Mathewson
Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 | 6:05 p.m.
Former longtime International Game Technology executive and philanthropist Charles Mathewson died at his home in Reno this week. He was 93.
Mathewson lived “an exciting and successful life as a veteran, businessman, philanthropist, and friend to everyone he met,” his family said in a statement. He died Sunday with family by his side.
Mathewson began investing in the company in the 1980s, back when IGT was known as a small slot machine manufacturer, and continued his involvement before becoming board director in 1985. The next year, he was approached by founder Si Redd about becoming the company’s chairman and remained as the gaming giant’s chief executive until stepping down in 2000. He retired as the board’s chairman in 2003.
“IGT extends its condolences to the family of Chuck Mathewson and would like to acknowledge his tremendous contributions to the gaming industry over many decades,” the company said in an emailed statement.
Under Mathewson’s leadership, the family said, IGT became “an industry pioneer in several fields, including wide area progressives, microprocessor-driven reel slots, and an innovator in video poker creating popular slot themes like Double Diamonds and licensing hugely successful brands such as Wheel of Fortune.”
He established the Charles N. Mathewson Foundation in 1993, which provided financial support for the arts, education, medical research and social services, the family said.
Former governor and UNR President Brian Sandoval in a statement credited Mathewson for his financial contributions in “making the dreams of our students, faculty, staff and alumni a reality (that) can be seen throughout our campus.”
Mathewson’s name is included in UNR’s library, the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center and the Mathewson University Gateway project, “which fittingly in the years to come will be the physical manifestation of the connectivity and shared vision for the future that exists between our campus and downtown Reno,” Sandoval said.
“Chick’s example was one that all Nevadans could relate to,” Sandoval said. “Respect the value of great ideas, encourage the value of great ideas in others, and use all of your energy and support in making those dreams a reality.
“His efforts boosted Northern Nevada at a time when it was truly needed; his encouragement inspired a new generation to become entrepreneurial leaders in a variety of fields.”
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, in a tweet, said Mathewson “consistently gave back to our community, and Reno truly is a better place because of him.”
Mathewson worked at his family’s grocery business before serving in the U.S. Army for two years, his family said. He later earned a finance degree from the University of Southern California on the GI bill and graduated in 1953.
He then began a career in securities as a board marker, the lowest position in the business, and made it a goal to succeed. Mathewson then led several companies and was involved in many business and arts endeavors in California, where he co-founded Jefferies & Company. He moved to Nevada in 1985.
Mathewson is survived by his wife, Stacie, his five children: Paulina, Robert, Curtis, Easter, Miles and their families. A private family service will be held at a later date.
