PureSoftware

Tech firm PureSoftware has recruited gaming industry veteran Gavin Isaacs, as the company strives to expand its footprint in the sector.

The organisation lauds “extensive knowledge of gaming technology, leadership skills and deep industry expertise,” as it eyes an expanded footprint in the gaming world.

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Gavin brings more than 20 years of experience in the gaming industry. He currently chairs sports betting and gaming technology solutions provider SBTech, and is the director of Galaxy Gaming 

Under Isaacs’ guidance, PureSoftware plans to acquire new customers, establish a leadership position in the gaming industry and enhance its services portfolio for game manufacturers and casinos.  

“It gives me great pleasure in welcoming Gavin as an advisor to PureSoftware. Gavin is a highly accomplished, and respected professional who has built incredible expertise by leading a wide gamut of lottery and casino gaming companies across the globe.” – Anil Baid, founder and chief strategy officer of PureSoftware. 

Digital Fuel Marketing

Dan Stanton and Callie Dove have been added to the Digital Fuel Marketing ranks, as the agency moves to strengthen its affiliate management service.

Lauding the appointment of “two igaming industry veterans,” the hires come as Digital Fuel aims to bolster its affiliate management offering to new and existing clients.

Stanton brings 19 years experience across the betting and gaming industry, with a deep knowledge of poker and casino gained with roles at William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral. 

Dove has been working in the igaming industry since 2007 and boasts experience in affiliate management and VIP management in various hubs including Tel Aviv, Malta and the UK. 

Digital Fuel Marketing currently manages affiliate programmes for multiple brands across the UK, US and Australia including Unikrn Esports, Volt Casino, Fairplay Casino, Blue Bet, Sportchamps, Hollywood Affiliates, Campeon Gaming, Lottomart and more.

“Both Dan and Callie have a proven track record for increasing revenue and maximising what is possible for brands in the affiliate space. Combining their experience with Digital Fuel’s existing knowledge puts us in pole position to offer our affiliate marketing solutions to new and existing customers in a diverse and evolving marketplace” – Toby Oddy, CEO and founder of Digital Fuel Marketing.

UNLV International Gaming Institute

Jan Jones Blackhurst has deepened an affiliation with the UNLV International Gaming Institute after being named as chief executive in residence.

Turning her attention to the academic sector, Jones Blackhurst bring more than 20 years in executive leadership roles on the Las Vegas Strip, most notably as Caesars Entertainment’s executive vice president of government relations and corporate social responsibility. Prior to this, she served for two terms as Las Vegas’ first female mayor.

Switching focus, Jones Blackhurst believes that the university’s powerful voice and research-backed efforts can change cultures across the global gaming and hospitality industry. 

Since 2015, she has worked with UNLV IGI on the ‘Expanding the Leaderverse’ initiative, an academic center of excellence which promotes diversity and inclusiveness at the highest levels of leadership in the gaming and hospitality industry. 

“A few years ago, I approached then-UNLV President Don Snyder with an idea to launch the world’s first academic initiative dedicated to women and gaming issues,” Jones Blackhurst said. “Today, we have already achieved so much, but we are not yet satisfied.

“A growing body of research now shows that more inclusive leadership teams are more successful. Moving forward, we will change the culture of women in leadership, and we will not stop until this industry becomes a beacon for others to study.”

Sahara Las Vegas

Christopher Bond has joined Sahara Las Vegas as the new vice president of hotel sales, overseeing the team responsible for generating room bookings, as well as catering revenue through convention and meeting group sales. 

Bond joins Sahara Las Vegas with more than 20 years experience in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries including senior level roles across the Las Vegas Strip.

“We are thrilled to add Chris’ experience to our talented executive team. His talent and significant achievements in the meetings and hospitality industry will guide the resort’s ongoing enhancements to the more than 95,000 square feet of meeting space as our $150m resort transformation continues.” – Paul Hobson, senior vice president and general manager for Sahara Las Vegas.

The post Part 13 | On the move: Recruitment round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The global group that boasts household brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, BetMGM, and SuperSport revealed the decision was “by mutual agreement.” 

As a result, Stella David, currently Entain’s non-executive Chair, will assume the CEO role on an interim basis until a permanent replacement has been found.

This marks David’s second stint in the role, having previously been Interim CEO from December 2023 until September 2024 while the company sought a replacement for Jette Nygaard-Andersen. 

Pierre Bouchut, Senior Independent Director, will serve as Interim Chair of Entain plc during the company’s transition period. 

Market Reaction and Investor Concerns

The market has reacted poorly to the news that Isaacs, who started as Chief Executive in September 2024, has departed after less than six months. 

As the markets opened in London, shares in Entain plc dropped by 10%. Stella David sought to reassure investors, claiming all was moving as expected. She said: “Entain is making strong progress in delivering our strategic priorities. We would like to thank Gavin for his contribution.” 

When addressing performance, Entain reiterated that it is comfortable with market expectations for FY2025. Further details on Entain’s 2024 financial year and current trading will be provided on 6 March 2025. 

“The Board is pleased with the Group’s performance in 2024 and trading so far this year. As announced on 13 January 2025, FY2024 Group EBITDA is expected to be at the top of the £1,040m-£1,090m guidance range,” David continued.

She concluded: “The Board and management remain aligned on the Group’s focus on operational excellence and maximising shareholder value. I look forward to leading the business as we continue to accelerate our performance.” 

Isaacs joined the firm with 25 years of experience in the global sports betting, iGaming, and lottery industries. He served as Non-Executive Director at Games Global, having previously served as Chair. 

Isaacs has held board or C-level roles at Scientific Games, DraftKings, SHFL Entertainment, Bally Technologies, and Aristocrat. 

On his appointment, he commented, “I am very excited to be joining Entain. The company’s iconic brands, exceptional talent, and ongoing execution of its refocused strategy will enable the business to return to a leadership position across all aspects.” 

Entain’s search for a new CEO will begin immediately.

The post Entain CEO Gavin Isaacs Resigns After Less Than Six Months appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In an interview with SBC News, Isaacs said: “The industry landscape today is changing faster than ever, and the future is very much online.

“You shouldn’t underestimate the big suppliers on the land-based side as they’re going to play a significant role in shaping how things evolve, but there are some great companies out there such as SBTech that have already made huge progress in all the key regulated markets, and that are going to continue to make huge inroads across new and emerging jurisdictions such as the US”

Isaacs told SBC that his first three weeks at SBTech had been a flurry of activity. “The first thing I’ve done is to travel to all the SBTech offices in Bulgaria, Tel Aviv, Kiev and finishing in London to meet with various executives and teams to understand the products more so I can then sit down with the rest of the management team to help shape the business’s strategy.

“I’ll be using my previous experience to help the company navigate regulated markets, in particular the US, regulated US states and those states that are considering opening in the coming months and years.”

Isaacs said his new role represented a conscious move away from the land-based gaming sector, where he has been such an influential figure, and into igaming.

“I had run several large land-based gaming companies and asked myself whether I wanted to do it again,” he said.

“After a great deal of thought, I felt that I needed to look to the future and assess where I could make an impact within an area where I believe the industry is heading, and that is online with sports initially being the main driver.

“The industry landscape today is changing faster than ever, and the future is very much online,” said Isaacs.

“The potential is huge, and SBTech is investing significantly in its technology and infrastructure on the ground to enable it to maximise this long-term opportunity. Being based in Las Vegas and having worked here for several years across many of the industry’s largest suppliers I will be able to use my knowledge of the US market to support and grow the company’s US expansion.”

Read the full interview with Gavin Isaacs on SBC News here

The post Gavin Isaacs: US land-based sector’s igaming potential ‘shouldn’t be underestimated’ appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This will see Gavin Isaacs, former President and CEO of Scientific Games Corporation and current Chair of Games Global, Virginia McDowell, former President and CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos and current Non-Executive Director of Entain and Cofounder of Global Gaming Women, and Michael Rumbolz, former CEO and current Executive Chair of the Board at Everi, be honoured at October’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.

“Gavin, Virginia and Mike have each helped transform the gaming industry in their own significant ways,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. 

“From leading casino and manufacturing operations across the country to serving in a multitude of board and advisory roles, their influence has spanned the US and global gaming industry—and we are all better off for it.” 

The honourees were selected by an independent panel that comprised Jim Allen, Chair of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Kirsten Clark, Executive Director of International Association of Gaming Advisors, Steve Sutherland, President and CEO of Konami Gaming, and Jeffrey Compton, Business Manager of CDC Gaming Reports.

Further committee members included Alan Feldman, Chair of International Center for Responsible Gaming and Distinguished Fellow at UNLV International Gaming Institute, Dan Little, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Cassie Stratford, SVP, Legal Operations & Regulatory Compliance at Boyd Gaming and President and Chair of Global Gaming Women.  

“The Gaming Hall of Fame is comprised of individuals that have pushed the industry forward through innovation, leadership and excellence,” said AGA Chair of the Board Allen. 

“This year’s inductees are well-deserving additions to its ranks. I look forward to celebrating their contributions alongside the entire gaming industry at G2E 2022.”

The post AGA adds to hall of fame with Isaacs, McDowell & Rumbolz recognitions appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The partnership with the independent provider is over a multi-year period, with the new deal involving in-house developed table games and a variety of technology, platform and system support.

Marike Downes, head of product development at Genting UK, said: “We are delighted to continue to work with Galaxy Gaming to bring innovative gaming experiences to our casino customers.  Our player’s appetite for bonuses and variations of classic games is growing rapidly and we pride ourselves on offering the best casino games in the UK.”

Delving into the deal a little further, the integrated partnership will involve product and marketing support for all Galaxy Gaming proprietary table game titles and progressive systems at certain Genting properties across the UK.

Todd Cravens, CEO at Galaxy Gaming, added: “We’re thrilled to continue to grow our relationship with Genting UK, ensuring more Genting customers have the opportunity to play our table game offerings. Showcasing our table game products with an established casino like Genting UK is a huge honour.

Last month Las Vegas, Nevada, headquartered Galaxy Gaming underwent a series of strategic reshuffling and recruitment as it strived to expand its international reach.

Firstly, gaming industry veteran Gavin Isaacs, whose previous experience has been built-up over a number of positions, including president of Aristocrat Technologies, chief operating officer of Bally Technologies, CEO of SHFL Entertainment and president and CEO of Scientific Games, joined as a member of the firm’s board of directors.

This proceeded Gabrielle Houston and John Strickland joining Galaxy as vice president of finance and director of marketing respectively, at a time which also saw Ann Huysmans, who joined the team two years ago, move up the ladder from her previous role of compliance manager to gaming compliance officer.

The post Genting ‘delighted’ at extended Galaxy Gaming deal appeared first on CasinoBeats.

First to join is Gabrielle Houston as vice president of finance, building upon a “robust background” that has provided “a wealth of knowledge in a wide range of corporate functions”.

Across a career in excess of 18 years, Houston international business experience spread across a number of diverse industries such as Aristocrat Technologies Australia, Switch, MGM Resorts International, SHFL Entertainment and Arthur Anderson.

Furthermore, John Strickland has also joined the developer and distributor of casino table games and systems as the company’s new director of marketing.

In his new role Strickland is to become responsible for preparing and implementing Galaxy’s annual marketing plan, including new product launches, trade shows and company communications.  

Bringing more than 22 years of advertising, branding and product marketing experience to the new position, Stickland has held roles at Scientific Games Corporation, SHFL Entertainment, Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, MTR Gaming Group and The Palms River Resort.

Ann Huysmans, who joined the Galaxy Gaming team two years ago, has also been promoted from her previous role of compliance manager to gaming compliance officer.

Gaining over 14 years experience within the gaming industry, prior to joining the Las Vegas headquartered organisation Huysmans held senior compliance roles at Station Casinos and Konami Gaming.

Todd Cravens, Galaxy’s president and CEO, said of the recruitment’s and promotion: “We are delighted to have recruited Gabi and John, both industry professionals in the areas of marketing and finance and are honoured to have promoted one of our very own, Ann Huysmans.  

“These talented team members will enhance our ability to support new markets and develop new products. I am really proud of the team that we continue to build here at Galaxy.”

The post Galaxy promotes and recruits to add further strength appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Joining as a member of the Las Vegas headquartered organisation’s board of directors, the appointment is subject to customary gaming regulatory approvals.

Mark Lipparelli, Galaxy’s chairman of the board, said of the new addition: “Gavin brings a rare broad set of skills to the Galaxy Gaming Board including his leadership roles, public company background, international reach and deep industry experience.  

“Our shareholders will benefit a great deal from his contributions to the board’s efforts in setting the strategic direction of the company. We are excited to get started.”

On the appointment of Isaacs, Todd Cravens, Galaxy’s CEO, stated, “I have known Gavin for a number of years, and we have always wanted to find a way to work together. As we grow into new markets and new product lines, Gavin’s counsel will be invaluable.”

Beginning his career as an attorney in Australia, Isaacs has held leadership positions across the gaming industry, including president of Aristocrat Technologies, chief operating officer of Bally Technologies, CEO of SHFL Entertainment and president and CEO of Scientific Games.

Regarding the new role Isaacs, who is also the non-executive chairman of SBTech, added: “I believe Galaxy Gaming is in a very unique place, with tremendous opportunities in front of it. I am very pleased to be joining the board of directors. I am hopeful that my experience in gaming, especially my time in the table games business, and my experience in M&A, will be helpful in driving Galaxy to the next level.”

Last month Galaxy received a number of licensing approvals across the United States and Canada, including a gaming related contractor certificate from the State of Wisconsin’s Division of Gaming, a manufacturer’s licensing approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The post Gavin Isaacs joins Galaxy Gaming board of directors appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Isaacs, who joins SBTech today, is one of gaming’s most influential executives. He’ll be adding his weight and 20 years’ gaming experience to developing the company’s rapidly expanding US presence.

Since the post-PASPA US market opened last year, SBTech has gone live with a number of partnership agreements with leading casinos in regulated states, including New Jersey and Mississippi.

Isaacs has a track record like few others in the sector, having masterminded the 2013 acquisition of SHFL, where he was CEO, by Bally Technologies. He then led Bally, as the company’s chief operating officer, into its $5bn merger with Scientific Games – a company Isaacs also went on to lead, again as chief executive. He stepped down as CEO of SG in 2016 and, in December, confirmed his departure from the company, resigning as vice-chair of the board.

“I was approached by a number of companies since leaving Scientific Games,” said Isaacs. “However I chose to join SBTech due to its superior technology, high standards across every discipline, entrepreneurial approach and incredible ambition and potential to grow further across a wide variety of regulated markets including the US, where I am based and have an extensive network, knowledge and experience.

“The business has already made significant in-roads into the newly regulated US sports betting market and I am extremely excited to be able to help and advise the senior management team to expand that even further across 2019 and beyond,” he said.

Richard Carter, CEO SBTech, added: “We’re thrilled that someone of Gavin’s calibre, credibility and experience has chosen to join SBTech. This is a huge coup for the business.

“Gavin’s two decades of successfully leading, transforming and acquiring some of the biggest businesses in the gaming sector will be a massive advantage for us, particularly in the US where we have already partnered and gone live with several large brands across multiple states and where there are many more opportunities to grow.”

The post Gavin Isaacs to lead SBTech’s US push appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Isaacs has a track record like few others, having masterminded the 2013 acquisition of SHFL, where he was CEO, by Bally Technologies. He then led Bally, as the company’s chief operating officer, into its $5bn merger with Scientific Games – a company Isaacs also went on to lead, again as chief executive.

He stepped down as CEO of SG in 2016 and, this week, confirmed his departure from the company, resigning as vice-chair of the board.

Now Isaacs is being linked with another gaming giant, Playtech, with the iGaming Post citing “two separate sources”. The rumours suggest the exec will be the man to lead Playtech’s assault on the US igaming market – with the condition that Isaacs continues to be based in Las Vegas.

The appointment would certainly fit the narrative being peddled by activist investor Jason Ader, who owns Playtech shareholder SpringOwl.

With founder Teddy Sagi now divested of his interests in Playtech, Ader sees the company’s future growth coming from the US, and within its traditional gaming vertical.

Isaacs still has a few weeks to run as a consultant for SG but, by the time ICE rolls round – if the rumours are to be believed – he will be in position to build Playtech’s interests in a market he helped to shape.

The post Is Gavin Isaacs set to lead Playtech’s US raid? appeared first on CasinoBeats.