Bragg Gaming Group

Holly Gagnon and Alex Spiro have been appointed to the Bragg Gaming Group board of directors, with the group lauding the addition of ‘specialist expertise’.

Gagnon is an experienced gaming industry CEO with over 29 years’ in the industry, and has held senior positions at the likes of Seneca Gaming Corporation, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, MGM Resorts International, and Harrah’s Entertainment.

Spiro, a former prosecutor and the former coordinator of a program for children with autism at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s psychiatric facility, is a litigator and investor and serves as chair of Glassbridge Enterprises.

“We’re extremely pleased that Holly and Alex have agreed to contribute their expertise to the Bragg board,” said Paul Godfrey, chair of the board at Bragg Gaming Group.

“Holly’s extensive experience in the North American gaming sector will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in the US, and Alex brings exceptional analytical and business leadership skills to the team. Their areas of expertise are strong complements to our current board.”

Full House Resorts

A series of management promotions have been outlined by Full House Resorts, with Angelika Truebner-Webb, the current executive director of finance of administration at Indiana’s Rising Star Casino Resort, to be elevated to the role of general manager, pending customary gaming approvals.

Furthermore, the same property is to also see James McCracken promoted to assistant general manager, as well as Ashlee Wilkerson to director of human resources.

Elsewhere, in the group’s Nevada segment, which consists of Grand Lodge Casino in Incline Village and Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Cyndy Carter formerly director of finance, is to become assistant general manager.

“I am pleased to announce these recent promotions from within our internal ranks,” stated Daniel Lee, president and CEO of Full House Resorts. “Angi, Cyndy, Jim, and Ashlee have done great jobs in helping our company grow to new heights. We look forward to their continued contributions in their new leadership roles.”

Crown Resorts

Steve McCann is to become chief executive officer and managing director of Crown Resorts, subject to the receipt of probity and regulatory approvals.

McCann, currently CEO of real estate and investment group Lendlease Corporation, a role he has held for more than a decade, last year delayed his planned retirement to lead the group’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will retire from the board on May 31 2021.

He will join from June 1, 2021, with Helen Coonan to continue to perform her executive responsibilities as interim executive chairman until approvals have been received, in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Coonan said: “Steve is a first-class appointment for Crown and the right person to embed the ongoing reforms necessary to restore regulatory and public confidence in our operations.

“Recognised as one of Australia’s most respected business leaders, Steve has a unique blend of strategic, financial and corporate governance expertise and a track record of building strong employee engagement and driving cultural change.

“During a comprehensive recruitment process, Steve was the clear choice from a quality
field of prospective candidates. The board was looking for a CEO firmly committed to building on the momentum for change within our business and Steve is ideally placed to hit the ground running as our sweeping reform program takes hold.”

Alliance for Gambling Reform

The board of the Alliance for Gambling Reform has announced the appointment of Gordon Ramsay as the organisation’s new CEO.

Gordon brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently as the ACT attorney-general from 2016-2020. While in government, Ramsay is lauded as championing a gambling reform agenda in the ACT, resulting in a more than 20 per cent reduction in poker machines, and substantial regulatory improvements that have laid the pathway for ongoing reform.

Sharon Dickson, board chair, explained: “Gordon brings a wealth of experience that will further the Alliance’s work with our partners and community to reduce gambling harm, which is one of the most pressing public health issues we face as Australians.

“Gordon has a unique combination of experience in social justice and advocacy, as CEO in a services-based organisation, working with people with lived experience, and in gambling reform in the political arena. I’m excited about the change we will achieve with Gordon leading the organisation.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Mohr for his contributions as the inaugural leader of the Alliance. His work and that of the Alliance’s staff has created a solid foundation for Gordon to build on. It’s exciting times ahead.”

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DraftKings 

DraftKings has expanded its executive team with the appointment of Brian Angiolet in the newly created position of chief media officer, a role that will see him direct and optimise content creation and media strategy, effective April 26.

Most recently, Angiolet served as SVP and chief business officer at Verizon Communications, where he spearheaded a number of high-profile, multi-billion-dollar content and advertising initiatives.

Jason Robins, DraftKings’ co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board, said: “Brian brings invaluable experience to this new chief media officer position and deeply understands how the virtuous circle among sports, gaming, and content has the potential to boost engagement.

“As our media presence grows with the acquisition of VSiN, among other strategic moves, Brian’s creative ideas and insightful perspectives will further propel the possibilities of DraftKings content. Our warmest welcome to Brian, and we’re thrilled to have him aboard.”

Crown Resorts

Bruce Carter, the former deputy chair of SkyCity Entertainment Group, has been appointed as a non-executive director of Crown Resorts, subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

In his former SkyCity role, Carter, who is currently chair of the Australian Submarine Corporation and Aventus Capital, oversaw the expansion development at SkyCity Adelaide.

Carter says that his is “excited” to be joining the company during its current transformative period, as well as hoping to drive “important changes” amid an “ambitious timetable to complete tough and wide-ranging reforms”.

“Bruce brings to the Crown board the ideal blend of commercial, governance and gaming sector expertise and is respected across Australia for his contribution to corporate and government roles,” noted Helen Coonan, Crown’s executive chairman.

“Attracting someone of Bruce’s calibre to the board is an endorsement of our strategy, ambition and commitment to reform. With a track record of building stronger businesses and extensive experience in advisory and board roles, Bruce’s appointment will enhance our governance as we work to implement our ambitious reform program.

“I am determined to maintain the pace of change right across the business and remain committed to further board renewal.”

Greenwood Racing

Greenwood Racing, the owner and operator of Parx Casino in Pennsylvania, has announced the appointment of David Grissen to its board of directors.

Grissen joined Marriott International in 1986, and most recently served as group president until his retirement in April 2021. For the past 11 years, he led the company’s Americas business, overseeing all of the territory’s lodging business, comprising more than 5,500 properties and a vast workforce of 160,000 people.

We are pleased to welcome David to our Greenwood Racing board of directors,” said Eric Hausler, CEO of Greenwood Racing. “David’s impressive 36 year career with Marriott and his wealth of knowledge about all aspects of the hospitality industry and guest service will be invaluable as our company continues to evolve and grow.”

Casino Association of New Jersey

The Casino Association of New Jersey has named its first female president, with Terry Glebocki to be succeed Steve Callender who retired in March.

Glebocki has served as CEO of Ocean Casino Resort since 2019. She has three decades of financial management experience, including serving as chief financial officer of Ocean Casino Resort and Tropicana Entertainment.

“I am privileged and honoured to succeed Steve Callender as the next president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. Steve successfully led our organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are grateful for the strength and leadership he has shown in these unprecedented times,” said Glebocki.

“I am thrilled to lead the CANJ forward as we work to help Atlantic City and the region recover from this devastating pandemic and continue the ongoing revitalization of this world-class destination resort.”

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Joining Crown Resorts back in December 2022 as CEO of Crown Perth, Tsai has been acting CEO of the Australian gambling operator since September earlier this year after former CEO Ciarán Carruthers stepped down from the role.

The operator noted that Tsai has played a role in “steering the business through a period of significant transformation during the past two years, while also progressing the Perth reform and remediation program”.

Tsai commented: “I look forward to leading Crown Resorts as CEO through its next phase of transformation and development.

“With the support of our talented and committed team, our goal is for Crown Resorts to be the ultimate entertainment destination in each of our cities, positioning Crown to thrive long into the future.”

Tsai has two decades of integrated resorts experience, including 15 years with MGM Resorts International, where he was President of Midwest Group and oversaw the operations of MGM Grand Detroit and MGM Northfield Park.

John Borghetti, Chair of Crown Resorts, added: “David is a highly capable, proven and experienced integrated resorts executive who has clearly demonstrated his commercial and strategic ability. Together with his strong cultural and team values, David is well-positioned to lead the continued transformation, growth and future success of Crown’s business.

“As CEO, David will focus on the highest standards of guest experience across each of our resorts, including the refurbishment and launch of exciting new venues and experiences at each of our properties throughout 2025 and beyond, while continuing our commitment to safe and responsible gaming. 

“The board is very pleased to be able to appoint such a talented executive to the role of CEO.”

Earlier this month, Crown Resorts was fined A$2m by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for more than 200 self-exclusion breaches that took place during an eight-month period at its Melbourne location.

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In a statement, the VGCCC said that between October 2023 and May 2024, Crown Melbourne allowed 242 people who had self-excluded from gambling to place bets at the casino. These self-exclusion breaches were detected through the commission’s ongoing monitoring of the casino’s operations.

Through its investigations, the VGCCC determined that the breaches were “due to system and control failures rather than deliberate or egregious disregard by Crown of its regulatory obligations”.

Fran Thorn, Chair of the VGCCC, commented: “It is an offence under the Casino Control Act 1991 (Vic) to allow an excluded person, including anyone who has self-excluded, to enter, remain or gamble in the casino. It also contravenes Crown Melbourne’s obligation to protect people at risk of gambling harm.

“Those who self-exclude must be able to trust that gambling providers will take all reasonable steps to enforce their decision to avail themselves of this harm prevention initiative.

“By allowing people who have self-excluded to enter the casino and gamble, Crown has put them at risk of experiencing further gambling harm. However, it is also clear that a number of these self-excluded patrons are going to considerable lengths to avoid detection and break their exclusion requirements.”

Thorn continued: “Accordingly, the Commission has issued a direction to Crown to engage an independent expert to assess the effectiveness of, and make recommendations for improving, the management of its self-exclusion program. 

“In due course, Crown will be required to implement the independent expert’s recommendations.”

The VGCCC noted that earlier this year in April, Crown Melbourne was told to “implement a transformation plan to continue its reform and remediation following the findings of the Finkelstein Royal Commission”.

The commission also acknowledged that Crown Resorts “has taken some steps to strengthen its controls for policing exclusion orders, and introduced measures to improve its monitoring activities, physical security, use of technology and training of staff”.

Thorn added: “The VGCCC is committed to ensuring Crown continues its reform efforts.”

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Carruthers emphasised that he is leaving a ‘transformed company’ as David Tsai, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Crown Resorts takes interim charge of the company. 

It comes after the significant development that Crown Resorts was given control of its licences again by the regulators after a period of regulatory challenges. 

Crown Resorts Chairman John Borghetti also backed the evolution of Crown under the leadership of Carruthers. 

Borghetti stated: “Under Ciaran’s leadership, Crown has achieved critical milestones including a whole-of-business transformation and remediation programme.” 

Carruthers added on his tenure: “I am very pleased to hand over a stronger, compliant and transformed business to its next leader. There is more work to do, but I am very proud of what we have achieved as a team.”

Earlier in the year, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission announced that Crown Resorts’ Crown Sydney property was suitable to retain its licence after regulatory scrutiny in the region. 

At the time, Crown noted that it had invested AUS$200m across its business to transform operations, including implementing “extensive reforms across harm minimisation, financial crime, governance, compliance and risk”.Following this up, the group also decreased its workforce by 1,000 people, as it continues to navigate challenging regulatory frameworks in the region.

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Although leaving his Chair role, having been in the position since the operator was acquired by Blackstone in July 2022, McBeath will stay with the company as an independent non-executive director of Crown Resorts Limited.

McBeath oversaw a fairly tumultuous period in Crowns’ operations, as in recent years the company has been on the receiving end of several fines from AUSTRAC and the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission. 

As McBeath leaves the role however, the former Chair expressed his pride in leading the company to brighter days. Notably, Crown Sydney was recently found suitable to retain its New South Wales licence and remediation is progressing at Crown Perth. 

McBeath said: “As Chair, my priority was to lead the Board and support the executive leadership team to successfully deliver the extensive regulatory and cultural reform and remediation program for Crown Resorts and to achieve suitability. 

“I am proud that both Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney have retained their licences to operate during this time, and that the remediation work in Crown Perth is well progressed. 

“Now is the appropriate time to appoint an Australian-based Chair who will continue Crown’s focus on transformation, regulatory compliance, and safe and sustainable future growth. 

“I am delighted that John Borghetti will continue this critical work as Chair and lead the Crown Resorts Board in its strategic development of Crown’s businesses in Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia, working constructively with Government and regulators.”

Improvements implemented at Crown Sydney were instigated by new leadership that took over the company following Blackstone’s acquisition, and it was Borghetti that led the overhaul as Crown Sydney’s Chair. 

“Mr Borghetti is a very highly regarded director and executive whose extensive operational, leadership and governance experience will ensure Crown continues to focus on safe and responsible operations whilst growing and enhancing its entertainment experiences for guests of Crown,” McBeath added.

As well as his experience within the company, Borghetti brings a wealth of experience from roles as a Director at Brisbane Airport Corporation, Alinta Energy, Coca-Cola Amatil, Energy Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The new chair was also awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2017 for distinguished service to the Australian aviation industry, in which he holds over 47 years of experience. 

Borghetti stated: “I’d like to thank William for his stewardship of the Crown Resorts Board over the past two years during a period of unprecedented transformation and change. 

“I look forward to continuing the transformation of Crown Resorts, ensuring the company exceeds the expectations of all its stakeholders, including government, regulators, guests and team members. 

“The Board’s priority remains on compliant, safe and profitable operations while ensuring we position the business for future growth.”

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The cuts are likely to come at sites in both Sydney and Melbourne and have largely been put down to tighter regulatory frameworks impacting how the casinos’ ability to engage with players and grow their offerings. 

Providing comment to the Australian Financial Review on Monday, Carruthers emphasised that “the challenges at Crown reflect greatly reduced foreign tourism, a sharp decline in local workers in the city centres and restrictions on gaming play in Sydney and Melbourne”.

Looking ahead, he added: “We are committed to our regulatory obligations and ongoing transformation, including Crown PlaySafe, Melbourne and Sydney transformation plans and ongoing remediation in Perth.”

Earlier in the year, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission announced that Crown Resorts’ Crown Sydney property was suitable to retain its licence after regulatory scrutiny in the region. 

At the time, Crown noted that it had invested AUS$200m across its business to transform operations, including implementing “extensive reforms across harm minimisation, financial crime, governance, compliance and risk”.

Mark McWhinnie, CEO of Crown Sydney, commented at the time: “Since opening the Crown Sydney casino in August 2022, we have worked tirelessly to implement wholesale reform across our business, delivering 432 remediation activities to the NICC across key areas, including harm minimisation, financial crime, compliance, risk and culture. 

“The NICC’s decision today recognises the genuine and sustainable changes we’ve made and our ongoing commitment to operating at the highest industry standards. I would like to thank the NICC, led by Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, for his continued leadership, professional engagement and commitment to regulatory reform. Crown Sydney is the safest place to gamble in the state.”

Crown Resorts CEO, Ciarán Carruthers, also painted a positive outlook for the operator at the time, praising the governance of Blackstone and the fresh executive leadership, management and boards.

“We’ve spent the past two years pioneering a monumental transformation unlike anything seen before in corporate Australia”, he stated. 

“We remain committed to Crown’s ongoing cultural transformation, compliance and ensuring that we are the safest gambling venue in Australia while providing a fun and entertaining environment for our guests. We must continue to build and maintain trust and respect while showing that success and commercial viability go hand in hand with trust, care and integrity.”

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Crown noted that it has invested AUS$200m across its business to transform operations, including implementing “extensive reforms across harm minimisation, financial crime, governance, compliance and risk”.

The transformation has been led by new ownership and executive leadership following Crown’s acquisition by Blackstone in June 2022, as well as new boards including Crown Sydney’s board under Chair John Borghetti.

Improvements implemented at Crown Sydney include “rigorous standards to deter and detect money laundering as part of its ongoing focus on financial crime prevention”, as well as cashless gaming on all electronic table games and its harm minimisation program, Crown PlaySafe. 

Crown Sydney stated that it will “continue to work constructively and collaboratively with the NICC to implement the requirements” as it relates to the casino licence to ensure ongoing industry regulations and standards compliance.

Mark McWhinnie, CEO of Crown Sydney, commented: “Since opening the Crown Sydney casino in August 2022, we have worked tirelessly to implement wholesale reform across our business, delivering 432 remediation activities to the NICC across key areas, including harm minimisation, financial crime, compliance, risk and culture. 

“The NICC’s decision today recognises the genuine and sustainable changes we’ve made and our ongoing commitment to operating at the highest industry standards. I would like to thank the NICC, led by Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, for his continued leadership, professional engagement and commitment to regulatory reform. Crown Sydney is the safest place to gamble in the state.”

“Today’s outcome would not be possible without the unwavering hard work and dedication of our team and while we take a moment to recognise this milestone today, we know that the work doesn’t stop here. Our transformation has laid the pathway for the future so we can exceed the expectations of our guests, team members, stakeholders and the community.”  

Crown Sydney retaining its casino licence follows the recent announcement by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission that Crown Melbourne was also found suitable to retain its casino licence.

Meanwhile, Crown Perth “continues its transformation activities and implementation of its remediation plan”, which is expected to be submitted by the end of January 2025 to the Perth Independent Monitor. 

Crown Resorts CEO, Ciarán Carruthers, added: “Under the ownership of Blackstone, who brought in new executive leadership, management and boards, the Crown of today has been rebuilt from the inside out. We’ve spent the past two years pioneering a monumental transformation unlike anything seen before in corporate Australia. 

“We remain committed to Crown’s ongoing cultural transformation, compliance and ensuring that we are the safest gambling venue in Australia while providing a fun and entertaining environment for our guests. We must continue to build and maintain trust and respect while showing that success and commercial viability go hand in hand with trust, care and integrity.”

Carruthers continued: “I would like to thank Philip Crawford for his leadership of the NICC and echo his sentiment that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to suitability, accountability and compliance. 

“I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished with two of our three properties being found suitable to retain their casino licences and we continue to focus on our ongoing remediation work in Perth. 

“We know holding a casino licence is a privilege and an obligation we take extremely seriously. We will continue to build trust with our communities and stay focused on our vision to become a beacon of excellence for integrated resorts.”

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Coinciding with the venue’s 30-year anniversary, the decision follows two years of speculation after the VGCCC published 33 recommendations for the operator in 2021, with each to be addressed in order for Crown to retain its Melbourne licence.

These recommendations included the appointment of a special manager to oversee the company’s reform agenda, with the appointed individual operating in the post for a two-year period. 

As that period has now come to an end, Crown has been considered to have transformed its business in Melbourne, having invested around A$200m into harm minimisation, financial crime, governance, compliance and risk factors. 

Crown Melbourne CEO, Mike Volkert, stated: “This outcome is one of the most significant milestones in Crown Melbourne’s 30-year history. It would not have been possible without the efforts of our team members, who have worked diligently over the past two years to implement meaningful change that has truly transformed our business.

“What we have achieved must be a continual focus for everyone at Crown Melbourne. We know the work doesn’t stop here, and we are committed to delivering the highest industry standards and putting the welfare of our guests at the forefront of decision-making, day in and day out.

“Crown Melbourne is now the safest venue in Victoria for gaming and entertainment, and we look forward to continuing to welcome our guests.”

Crown Melbourne will remain under the watch of the VGCCC as, while the commission ‘expects Crown to actively prevent gambling harm, deter criminal activity and deliver on its social and legal obligations to the community’, it plans to ‘watch and act to ensure this occurs’. 

Ciaran Carruthers, Crown Resorts CEO, added: “Since the acquisition of Crown Resorts by Blackstone in June 2022, and the appointment of new boards and a new executive leadership team, Crown Resorts has pioneered one of the most complex transformations ever undertaken in Australia. 

“Over 10,000 pages of documentation have been submitted and 770 remediation activities have been delivered to our state regulators, fundamentally rebuilding our organisation from the inside out.

“Holding a casino licence is a privilege and an obligation we take extremely seriously. I am proud of what our team has accomplished, and the safe environment Crown Melbourne now operates in.

“Together we have built a stronger, better Crown and our unrelenting focus will remain on delivering the highest standards of integrity, harm minimisation and service excellence across our industry.”

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The measures have been implemented by the casino operator as part of an investment into gambling harm prevention and transparency.

Supported by the Victorian Government’s YourPlay scheme, the carded play technology was rolled out over the past month and is now fully operational at Crown Melbourne.

All guests who use an electronic gaming machine at the casino will be required to obtain a valid Crown Player Card, which helps to track and monitor play and assist players in managing their gambling activity.

Features of carded play include time and spending limits; the ability to track and monitor play and spending; player safety checks with actionable insights for those who may be engaged in prolonged or unsafe gambling; and access to safer gambling support information and resources.

“Crown Melbourne is committed to providing an environment where our guests can enjoy themselves and have confidence in the support and safeguards available to them,” commented Mike Volkert, CEO of Crown Melbourne.

“Through our collaboration with the Victorian Government and our Crown PlaySafe program, carded play provides a roadmap for our industry, and is a significant step forward in realising our shared vision.

“The changes are part of a number of world-leading reforms being implemented across Crown, and we look forward to the positive impact carded play will have on our guests and the broader community.”

Crown PlaySafe was introduced by Crown Resorts earlier this year, a responsible gambling initiative to help reduce gambling harm at its casinos.

PlaySafe introduced new advertising guardrails to reflect updated harm minimisation principles, online self-exclusion across its three Australian resorts, new community partnerships and cashless gaming on electronic table games at Crown Sydney.

The operator noted that mandatory carded play on EGMs at Crown Perth is also in the works.

Ciarán Carruthers, CEO of Crown Resorts, added: “Crown’s ambition is to operate the safest casinos in the world, and we are proud to pioneer this transformative and world-first shift with the introduction of carded play at Crown Melbourne.

“The implementation of carded play begins a new era of transparency and commitment, helping to reshape the gambling landscape and ensure our guests are better able to manage and play within their personal limits.

“Carded play will help to foster a safer, more enjoyable experience for all and revolutionise the way our guests engage with gambling and entertainment.”

Carruthers is reportedly being investigated internally by Crown for overruling security staff and allowing intoxicated players back onto the casino floor after they had been removed. 

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has stated that it will review the outcome of the internal probe as well.

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