Tabcorp Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/tag/tabcorp/ The pulse of the global gaming industry Thu, 29 May 2025 13:27:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://casinobeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Tabcorp Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/tag/tabcorp/ 32 32 Part 42 | On the move: Recruitment round-up http://casinobeats.com/2020/09/24/on-the-move-recruitment-round-up-42/ Thu, 24 Sep 2020 15:00:48 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=37215 With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres. YGAM The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust has announced the appointment of four student employees to continue its ongoing university engagement programme. The charity employs students in living wage part-time jobs to deliver awareness […]

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With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres.

YGAM

The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust has announced the appointment of four student employees to continue its ongoing university engagement programme.

The charity employs students in living wage part-time jobs to deliver awareness campaigns to their contemporaries at university about the risks associated with gaming and gambling.

The new salaried positions are student design manager, student user experience manager, student research manager, and student journalism manager.

These roles will focus their activities on campaigns targeting universities during the coming year, this includes the launch of the new Student Hub website.

Pete Woodward, YGAM’s head of delivery for university and student engagement, stated: “It’s incredibly important for the team at YGAM to have students working with us. They understand the current context of life in higher-education and our organisation reaps the benefits every day of producing resources for students, by students.”

DraftKings

DraftKings has confirmed the appointment of Jocelyn Moore and Valerie Mosley to the company’s board of directors effective immediately.

The pair will fill two newly created on the board, which will now consists of 15 members, and follows the group’s recent announcement that Michael Jordan will serve as a special advisor.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with both Valerie and Jocelyn as we continue to grow DraftKings,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board. “They each bring a unique skill set that will complement those of our existing members while simultaneously bringing new perspectives and ideas to the table.”

Tropicana Atlantic City

Caesars Entertainment has unveiled Jacqueline Grace as senior vice president and general manager for Tropicana Atlantic City, one of four resorts the company owns and operates in the local gaming market.

The appointment is pending regulatory approval, and will see Grace bring more than 20 years of experience within the financial and gaming industries to the Atlantic City market, most recently having served as vice president and assistant general manager at Caesars’ Horseshoe Baltimore property.

“I started my gaming career in Atlantic City and I’m thrilled to return and join one of the top destinations in the market,” commented Grace. “This is an exciting time for our company, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to further position Tropicana for continued growth and success.

“As I watched our company evolve into the new Caesars Entertainment, I was impressed by the Carano family’s mantra of ‘family-style service’ and their commitment to establishing a workplace culture that emphasises engagement, while empowering team members to deliver exceptional service to our customers. I look forward to continuing this leadership style at Tropicana and I’m excited to work with the exceptional team there.

Soft2Bet

Casino and sportsbook platform provider Soft2Bet has hired Max Portelli as its new chief financial officer, bringing years of experience in accounting and auditing roles.

Portelli began his career with KPMG Malta before becoming the financial reporting accountant for the airline of the Maltese islands. Prior to joining Soft2bet, he spent more than five years working as CFO for payment services provider Entercash.

Boris Chaikin, Soft2Bet CEO, commented:“We are thrilled to name Max Portelli as our new Chief Financial Officer, and have no doubt that he will be a fantastic asset for our company going forward.

“Max’s extensive experience and skills speak for themselves, and on behalf of the entire team I’d like to welcome him warmly into the Soft2Bet family.”

Champion Sports

Champions Sports has named Simon Noble as head of sportsbook product, bringing a wealth of knowledge built up during a 20-year career in roles at Pinnacle Sports, Intertops, Full Tilt Poker and The Workshop

In the role, Noble will be responsible for defining, articulating and executing the product vision to deliver “best in class solutions” with the aim of increasing market share and driving growth.

Mark RobsonCEO of Champions Sports, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Simon to the team and for Champions Sports to leverage his incredible skills and unique understanding of the industry.

“These are challenging and uncertain times for sports betting operators and Simon’s experience will prove vital in helping our partners adapt and capitalise.”

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Part 19 | On the move: Recruitment round-up http://casinobeats.com/2020/02/28/on-the-move-recruitment-round-up-19/ Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:00:48 +0000 http://casinobeats.com/?p=27704 With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres. Betting and Gaming Council The Betting and Gaming Council has confirmed Kevin Schofield as the new director of communications and digital. Schofield will join later this year after a 25 year career in […]

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With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres.

Betting and Gaming Council

The Betting and Gaming Council has confirmed Kevin Schofield as the new director of communications and digital.

Schofield will join later this year after a 25 year career in journalism where he worked for a range of newspapers across the UK, including The Scotsman, The Herald, Daily Record and The Sun. His current role is the editor of PoliticsHome, where he has been since 2015.

On his appointment, Schofield said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Betting and Gaming Council and can’t wait to get started. 

“I know that they have big ambitions for the years ahead and I’m looking forward to working with the team to help drive up standards in the industry.”

Next phase for Kathy McCracken

Kathy McCracken has been confirmed as the new executive vice president and general manager of Wind Creek Bethlehem.

A long tenured veteran of the gaming industry with deep a background in operations, marketing and systems, McCracken steps into the role as Wind Creek launches a number of initiatives to help enhance the property’s position in the region.

James Dorris, president & chief executive officer of Wind Creek, said: “Kathy brings upbeat and collaborative leadership to the property. Her ability to help the employees continue through the ongoing expansion efforts will be invaluable.

“We are very pleased that she is willing to lead the team to establish Wind Creek Bethlehem as the premier gaming and entertainment destination in the Northeast.”

Churchill Downs 

Churchill Downs Incorporated has announced the appointment of Paul Varga to the company’s board of directors.

Varga recently served as chairman and chief executive officer at Brown-Forman Corporation until retirement in December 2018.

Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, commented on the appointment. He said: “I am thrilled to have Paul Varga join the board of directors of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

“His record of achievement as a public company CEO and board member as well as his deep understanding of the prominence and potential of The Kentucky Derby makes him an exceptional addition to our board. We feel very fortunate that Paul will join us.

On his appointment, Varas said: “It is an exciting time to be a part of a company with such a distinguished legacy and dynamic future.

“I truly look forward to this opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the ongoing success of CDI.”

Ziggy says goodbye

Tabcorp Holdings has announced the retirement of Ziggy Switkowski from the board effective immediately.

A non-executive director since 2006, Dr Switkowski served on several board committees, including the chairman of the people and remuneration committee.

As part of a planned renewal process for its board, Tabcorp recently announced the appointment of Anne Brennan and David Callop to the board of non-executive directors.

On the departure, Paula Dwyer, Tabcorp chairman, said: “Dr Switkowski has been a significant contributor to Tabcorp as part of a distinguished career in Australian business, more broadly.

“While we will miss his input and insights in Tabcorp Board deliberations, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.” 

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Part 6 | On the move: Recruitment round-up http://casinobeats.com/2019/10/11/on-the-move-recruitment-round-up-6/ Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:30:38 +0000 http://casinobeats.com/?p=22407 With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent appointments. AGA The American Gaming Association has added four new senior-level staff members, “furthering the association’s success in serving its members and the rapidly evolving gaming industry”. As part of the recruitment drive Cait […]

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With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent appointments.

AGA

The American Gaming Association has added four new senior-level staff members, “furthering the association’s success in serving its members and the rapidly evolving gaming industry”.

As part of the recruitment drive Cait DeBaun becomes senior director of strategic communications, Jessica Feil joins as senior director of government relations, Meredith Pallante occupies the senior director of events role and Gabrielle Voorhees takes up the position of senior director of finance.

These additions are said to complement organisational changes announced earlier this summer, reflecting AGA’s enhanced focus on industry modernisation, communications and advocacy

“There’s never been a been a more exciting time to be a part of the gaming industry, and our ability to attract this level of talent reflects that,” noted Bill Miller, president and CEO.

“These four, high-calibre professionals represent a broad array of experience and talent that will be an asset to our industry and our members day in and day out.”

Tabcorp

David Gallop has joined the Tabcorp board as a non executive director, subject to the receipt of regulatory and ministerial approvals. 

Set to be formally presented following the necessary green-lights being issued, Gallop, who is to act as an observer of the board in the meantime, has been appointed as part of an ongoing process of renewal.

As part of this process, Tabcorp expects to make further announcements in FY20 regarding appointments of additional directors with skills and experience to complement the current board, and in anticipation of pending retirements.

Paula Dwyer, Tabcorp chairman, commented: “David has successfully led two of Australia’s highest profile sporting organisations in the NRL and FFA. He brings to our board a deep understanding of sports administration and the commercial drivers which underpin it. 

“David has extensive experience in media rights negotiations, delivering modern sporting content through digital channels, customer experience and in navigating complex stakeholder relationships at a domestic and international level. We look forward to the perspectives he will bring to the Tabcorp Board.” 

Svenska Spel

Petra Blixt has been appointed as the new head of sales and marketing at the Swedish state-owned gambling operator, after departing as CMO at LeoVegas.

In the new position Blixt is to be responsible for developing digital marketing and sales processes in line with the firm’s overall market strategies.

Fredrik Wastesson, CEO of Svenska Spel, said of the appointment: “ I am very happy to announce Petra Blixt as new sales and marketing manager for the Svenska Spel Sports and Casino. 

“Her knowledge and experience in data-driven marketing and sales will be extremely valuable to us in the work we are now pursuing. I would also like to point out her clear and goal-oriented leadership along with high energy and high implementation force will be important qualities in managing and developing our business.”

Novomatic

Robert van Roosendaal has been promoted into role of key account director for Germany, Iceland, Portugal, France and the Benelux countries at Novomatic.

Initially joining the firm three years ago, the new role comes in line with the internal restructuring process and the continued expansion of market leadership in key European casino markets. 

“With Robert van Roosendaal we have been able to assign this key position – especially in the German and French casino markets – to an expert with extensive sales experience as well as excellent market and product knowledge,” said Jens Einhaus, VP of international sales for Europe and the Americas.

Camelot

The operator of the UK National Lottery, Camelot UK Lotteries, has announced that chief financial officer Clare Swindell has been appointed to its board of directors.

Joining chief executive Nigel Railton as the second executive director to sit on the board, the appointment is lauded as an acknowledgement of the “vital role that she plays in governance arrangements”.

Sir Hugh Robertson, Camelot chairman, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Clare to the Camelot board. Since joining Camelot just over two years ago, Clare’s wide-ranging operational experience – as well as her extensive knowledge of strategic finance and internal control processes – has added great value to the business.

“This appointment recognises Clare’s seniority and contribution, and while her role and responsibilities as CFO will remain unchanged, she will be taking on additional and important statutory duties and obligations. The rest of the board and I very much look forward to working with Clare in this enhanced capacity.”

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McLachlan Takes Over as Tabcorp CEO: A New Era Begins for Australia’s Wagering Giant http://casinobeats.com/2025/02/04/mclachlan-takes-over-as-tabcorp-ceo-a-new-era-begins-for-australias-wagering-giant/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:12:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=100466 Tabcorp Holdings has announced that Gillon McLachlan has begun his tenure as company Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. The appointment follows the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals after the initial announcement in June 2024. McLachlan Inherits a Company in Transition McLachlan has watched Tabcorp experience a challenging six months. For 2024, the company […]

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Tabcorp Holdings has announced that Gillon McLachlan has begun his tenure as company Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

The appointment follows the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals after the initial announcement in June 2024.

McLachlan Inherits a Company in Transition

McLachlan has watched Tabcorp experience a challenging six months. For 2024, the company reported a loss exceeding AU$1 billion, which it attributed to commercial contracts, defunct projects, and large impairment charges. The company has since outlined its plans to undergo significant restructuring, now with McLachlan at the helm.

Tabcorp’s board has already announced that it has terminated the TAB25 strategy and recovery targets, aiming to regain 30% of Australia’s online market share. 

The ASX-listed company has instead said it will prioritize its TAB unit and wagering contract, put in place a senior leadership team to drive growth and invest in online platform innovation and offerings. 

McLachlan is best known for his nine-year tenure as CEO of the Australian Football League. His notable achievements included expanding the league to 18 teams, launching the AFL Women’s competition, and achieving over 100% revenue growth to over AU$1 billion, driven in part by record-high broadcasting deals. 

A Fresh Leadership Team to Drive Growth

The new CEO’s C-level suite is beginning to take shape with the appointment of Jarrod Villani as Chief Commercial and Media Officer and Michael Fitzsimons to a newly created Chief Wagering Officer role. Fitzsimons, known for his work at the Stars Group and Hong Kong Jockey Club, will oversee the redevelopment of Tabcorp’s consumer-facing product offering. 

McLachlan commented, “Tabcorp is a wagering broadcast and integrity services business, and the challenges of growing it are appealing. There are enormous opportunities ahead, and I’m looking forward to driving the sport category among other things.” 

He replaces interim CEO Bruce Akhurst, who has stepped down from the Board and his role as Executive Director, formally retiring. 

At the time of appointment, Akhurst commented, “Gill needs no introduction – he is recognized as one of Australia’s leading CEOs, and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future. We’ve laid strong foundations, and Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of us.

He continued, “Gill has a deep understanding of sport, racing, and wagering, combined with significant commercial acumen, which was highlighted in the substantial growth of AFL revenues under his leadership. Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history and we’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”

The incumbent replaces former Chief Executive Adam Rytenskild, who left suddenly in March after the company found him to have used “inappropriate and offensive language” in the workplace. Rytenskild vehemently denies those claims and is in the process of claiming unfair dismissal against Tabcorp. 

Written By

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New Tabcorp chairman eyes market leader position  https://casinobeats.com/2024/09/20/new-tabcorp-chairman-eyes-market-leader-position/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=97137 Tabcorp Holdings has anounced that Brett Chenoweth will take over from Bruce Akhurst as Chairman of the ASX gambling group. As a result of the change, Chenoweth will lead Tabcorp’s board as the ASX firm overhauls the operating model of its business, which last month recorded a full-year corporate loss of AU$ 1.4bn (circa €850m). […]

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Tabcorp Holdings has anounced that Brett Chenoweth will take over from Bruce Akhurst as Chairman of the ASX gambling group.

As a result of the change, Chenoweth will lead Tabcorp’s board as the ASX firm overhauls the operating model of its business, which last month recorded a full-year corporate loss of AU$ 1.4bn (circa €850m).

It forms part of a wider change at the operator, with Gillon McLachlan also recently being announced as CEO, Tabcorp will reset the operating model of its underperforming online, retail, and racing divisions. The decision saw Tabcorp retire its ‘TAB25 strategy’ to achieve 30% Digital Revenue Market Share, a 10% Return on Invested Capital, and an operating expenditure of $600m–$620m by 2025-to-2028.

Akhurst reflected on his tenure as Chairman, stating: “I’m proud of our achievements since Demerger. We’ve moved quickly to transform the company. We’re a faster, more innovative, and more responsive organization today than we have ever been. Over the last two years we’ve laid some important foundations for growth by winning the Victorian Licence, achieving structural reforms, and launching a new TAB App.”

In his address regarding the leadership transition, Akhurst expressed confidence in Chenoweth’s appointment: “I’m so pleased to have secured the services of Gill as our CEO, who with a strong team, will take the Company to the next level. With those major changes now complete, my job is done and the time is right to transition to a new leadership team.”

Chenoweth also shared his vision for the future of Tabcorp: “I’m pleased to continue the Company’s transformation. A significant amount of heavy lifting has been completed with the new TAB App, level playing field reforms, and a refreshed leadership team. The work done over the last two years has been critical in building solid foundations and positioning us to capitalise when the market returns to growth.”

He continued: “Our goal is not just to recover from current challenges but to position Tabcorp as a market leader in the years ahead. We have the right team, the right strategy, and a clear vision of where we need to go.”

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Tabcorp ordered to undergo ‘deep transformation’ following $4.6 fine  https://casinobeats.com/2024/08/23/tabcorp-ordered-to-undergo-deep-transformation-following-4-6-fine/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:30:29 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=96424 Tabcorp has been warned that a significant ‘transformation’ is required after the company was fined $4.6m over repeatedly breaching the Wagering and Betting Licence and Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct between August 2020 and February 2023.  The sanction comes from Australia’s Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, which emphasised that the breaches reflected ‘systemic operational […]

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Tabcorp has been warned that a significant ‘transformation’ is required after the company was fined $4.6m over repeatedly breaching the Wagering and Betting Licence and Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct between August 2020 and February 2023. 

The sanction comes from Australia’s Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, which emphasised that the breaches reflected ‘systemic operational deficiencies and non-compliance with the conditions of its licence, the consequences caused significant harm to consumers.

VGCCC chair Fran Thorn stated: “The hefty fine, the largest the Commission has ever issued to Tabcorp, is proportionate to the seriousness of the licensee’s misconduct. It sends a clear message to the gambling industry that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.” 

The Commission’s findings included that Tabcorp: 

  • sent direct marketing material to a customer six times between October 2022 and February 2023, despite the customer having opted out of receiving promotional materials 
  • failed to minimise the potential for gambling harm through inadequate training of employees to responsibly deliver its products and services 
  • failed to provide appropriate support to a customer exhibiting observable signs of distress or indicators of potential gambling harm. 

Thorn also outlined that a recorded safer gambling call was cited as evidence of a lack of commitment to responsible gambling policies and demonstrated a lack of concern for the customer’s wellbeing. 

She said: “Instead of offering support or making suggestions to help the customer manage their gambling, the call was used as an opportunity to encourage them to continue gambling.” 

As a result of the breaches and their significance, Tabcorp has been directed to implement a transformation programme to overhaul its operations. 

Tabcorp must focus on: 

  • harm minimisation and player safety protections, including complying with its Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct 
  • internal systems and controls to effectively manage its compliance requirements 
  • controls for effectively managing compliance with its obligations through its network of retail agents. 

Thorn added: “The Commission has given Tabcorp clear instructions on what it must do to improve its operations and prioritise gambling harm minimisation. The directed transformation programme is intended to future proof Tabcorp’s gambling operations to ensure it complies with the law. 

“We will be actively monitoring to ensure that the transformation programme requirements are not only implemented quickly but are effective in ensuring ongoing compliance with the law.”

The Commission acknowledged Tabcorp had cooperated in these investigations and had taken some steps to improve its compliance with its regulatory obligations. It has accepted a deeper transformation is required and has committed to pursuing this in line with the Commission’s directions. 

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Tabcorp names Gillon McLachlan as new CEO and Managing Director  https://casinobeats.com/2024/06/18/tabcorp-names-gillon-mclachlan-as-new-ceo-and-managing-director/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:59:55 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=94625 Tabcorp Holdings has confirmed Gillon McLachlan as the firm’s CEO and Managing Director from  August 5. The decision also marks the completion of Tabcorp’s executive search, following the departure of Adam Rytenskild, who resigned in March due to allegations of inappropriate comments made about a female executive. McLachlan has become a key player in Australian […]

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Tabcorp Holdings has confirmed Gillon McLachlan as the firm’s CEO and Managing Director from  August 5.

The decision also marks the completion of Tabcorp’s executive search, following the departure of Adam Rytenskild, who resigned in March due to allegations of inappropriate comments made about a female executive.

McLachlan has become a key player in Australian sport, the long-serving Chief Executive of the Australian Football League (AFL), recognised as the country’s biggest sports competition.

During his decade-long tenure at the AFL, McLachlan doubled the league’s revenues to over AU$1bn in 2023, securing the largest broadcast deal in Australian sports for the AFL.

Of distinction, McLachlan oversaw the expansion of the AFL competition to 18 teams and the launch of the AFLW competition. McLachlan resigned from the AFL in the summer of 2023.

Company Chairman, Bruce Akhurst, commented: “Gill needs no introduction – he is recognised as one of Australia’s leading CEOs and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future. We’ve laid strong foundations and Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us.”

McLachlan will take leadership of Tabcorp as the ASX group continues its strategic overhaul, relaunching its new online sportsbook and AUS racing media platform.

Furthermore, beginning in 2025, Tabcorp’s TAB business will become the standalone operator of the Wagering and Betting Licence of the State of Victoria.

Akhurst concluded: “Gill has a deep understanding of sport, racing, and wagering, combined with significant commercial acumen which was highlighted in the substantial growth of AFL revenues under his leadership.

“Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history and we’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”

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Tabcorp CEO resigns following ‘offensive and inappropriate language’ https://casinobeats.com/2024/03/14/tabcorp-ceo-resigns-following-offensive-and-inappropriate-language/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:48:44 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=92324 The longstanding Tabcorp CEO, Adam Rytenskild has dramatically resigned following allegations that he used ‘offensive and inappropriate language’. Rytenskild reluctantly resigned as he revealed he doesn’t recall using the language, however, agreed to stand down from the role he has held since May 2022.  Amidst the search for a replacement, Bruce Akhurst, Tabcorp’s chairman, will […]

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The longstanding Tabcorp CEO, Adam Rytenskild has dramatically resigned following allegations that he used ‘offensive and inappropriate language’.

Rytenskild reluctantly resigned as he revealed he doesn’t recall using the language, however, agreed to stand down from the role he has held since May 2022. 

Amidst the search for a replacement, Bruce Akhurst, Tabcorp’s chairman, will serve as executive chairman and spearhead the daily operations of the firm. 

Akhurst provided the following: “The board regrets that Mr Rytenskild’s employment has ended in this way and acknowledges his commitment to Tabcorp’s growth over more than two decades, including the last two years as MD & CEO and his contribution to the transformation of the company.”

The company also issued a statement on developments: “Tabcorp expects its leaders to uphold company values at all times and will not hesitate to take action to uphold expected standards of conduct.”

Rytenskild took the role of  CEO following the company’s ASX demerger with lottery partner Tatts Group. Prior to his appointment, Rytenskild had been a long-term executive of the company overseeing its TAB wagering unit and retail business.

Following his departure, Rytenskild stated: “I don’t recall making the alleged comment and it’s not language I would usually use, but I have regrettably agreed to resign,” Rytenskild said. “Tabcorp has been an enormous part of my life for many years, and I believe in the journey the company is on.”

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Tabcorp told to elevate cashless adoption  https://casinobeats.com/2024/01/15/tabcorp-told-to-elevate-cashless-adoption/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:34:12 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=90870 Tabcorp has been ordered to elevate the adoption of cashless transactions at the vast majority of its terminals.  The demands stem from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), as it looks to strengthen safeguards from minors using the machines.  The VGCCC emphasised that all machines that are not within five metres of or […]

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Tabcorp has been ordered to elevate the adoption of cashless transactions at the vast majority of its terminals. 

The demands stem from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), as it looks to strengthen safeguards from minors using the machines. 

The VGCCC emphasised that all machines that are not within five metres of or in line of sight of a betting shop counter must be made cashless.

As a result of the demands, around 70% of 1,800 retail EBTs across the state of Victoria will transition to only accept vouchers. Bettors will have to purchase these vouchers at the counter, where they may be subject to age verification if they appear under 25 years old.

VGCCC CEO, Annette Kimmitt AM, said: “Venue staff are the first line of defence in protecting minors from gambling. We have taken decisive measures where they have failed to take their responsibilities seriously.”

In addition to adopting cashless payments across the majority of its terminals, Tabcorp has also been told to implement a ‘mystery shopper’ programme to ensure venues are checking ID.

There has been a significant effort in the region to tackle the accessibility of minors when it comes to gambling. 

Kimmitt added: “These stronger identity checks not only represent an additional barrier to allowing children to gamble, but will also help to prevent money laundering.” 

“The VGCCC will actively monitor these safeguards to reduce harm, and venues should take note and act to uphold their duty to care for the community.”

Cashless payments in gaming have been accelerating in Australia of late, largely due to federal and state measures aimed at curbing problem gambling and ensuring greater player protection in the industry.

New South Wales (NSW), a neighbouring state to Victoria, has been particularly active in pushing ahead with cashless payments. In December 2023, the regional government announced a statewide trial in conjunction with four B2B gaming suppliers.

Meanwhile, changes in payments for Australian gambling are also incoming at the federal level, as the government of PM Anthony Albanese set on implementing nationwide gambling reform. This has notably seen a ban on credit card payments for betting, with the exception of lotteries.

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Evoplay, LVS, Grand Casino Brussels: on the move https://casinobeats.com/2023/12/01/evoplay-lvs-grand-brussels-on-the-move/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=90013 With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, Evoplay, Las Vegas Sands and Grand Casino Brussels are among those to have seen changes to their teams. Grand Casino Brussels Per Jaldung has announced that he will become the new CEO of Grand Casino Brussels at Viage in Brussels, Belgium. Jaldung brings to Grand Casino Brussels […]

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With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, Evoplay, Las Vegas Sands and Grand Casino Brussels are among those to have seen changes to their teams.

Grand Casino Brussels

Per Jaldung has announced that he will become the new CEO of Grand Casino Brussels at Viage in Brussels, Belgium.

Jaldung brings to Grand Casino Brussels more than 20 years of experience in the casino and gaming industry, including working for the European Casino Association for almost nine years as Chair of the Board and Honorary President.

In a LinkedIn post, Jaldung said: “I am proud to announce that I have received a contract as an independent business partner via my firm Maxor AB as CEO of the Grand Casino Brussels @ Viage in Brussels, Belgium (part of Casinos Austria International) starting on Dec 11. 

“I am really looking forward to getting back into the casino world. I have missed it and I can’t wait to get on board with the experienced team Viage.”

Evoplay

Vladimir Malakchi has announced that he will be leaving his position as Chief Commercial Officer of Evoplay.

Malakchi has been with Evoplay for over four years, initially joining the company in December 2019 as Chief Business Development Officer before transitioning into the CCO role in March 2021.

In a long LinkedIn post, Malakchi reflected on his time with Evoplay, how the company has grown and faced challenges, and stated that he will be remaining within the igaming industry in his next role.

He said: “I’m grateful to many and would love to mention all the people who were part of my journey, but I suppose LinkedIn can block me for such a lengthy message. So I’ll mention only one person, without whom none of this would have happened: Ivan Kravchuk. My friend, thank you for once believing in me and insisting that I become part of this wonderful company. 

“This industry has given me an unrealistic number of close friends, and that cannot be bought for any amount of money. I’m sure Evoplay will continue to grow further, as its passion, resources, and ambitions will only grow and develop. And the industry still awaits many surprises.”

Las Vegas Sands

Paul Myatt has announced his resignation from the position of Vice President, Commercial for Las Vegas Sands.

Myatt leaves LVS after only joining the operator in June earlier this year. He has also previously worked for Aspire Global, Quickspin and NetEnt.

He said in a LinkedIn post: “I have resigned from my position and today is my last day. I’m very thankful for the experience and I wish all my colleagues, clients, and customers the very best of luck for the future.

“I’ll be taking a few months off to enjoy Christmas and New Year and look forward to working on exciting new igaming opportunities in 2024.”

Raketech

Raketech Group has appointed Marina Andersson and Patrick Jonker as members of its board of directors.

At the company’s annual shareholders meeting, both Andersson and Jonker were unanimously voted onto the board to replace the recent resignations of Pierre Cadena and Johan Svensson.

Andersson has over 20 years in senior corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, previously holding roles with Stillfront Group and Deloitte. She has experience in financial and strategic advisory, transaction structuring, and company valuation.

Experienced in the international casino and sports betting industry, Jonker has held senior positions at Betsson Group and William Hill.

Norsk Tipping

Norsk Tipping has confirmed the permanent appointment of Tonje Sagstuen as CEO.

Sagstuen has been the interim CEO of Norway’s state-owned lottery operator since September, replacing Thor Gjermund Eriksen who left the operator.

At Norsk Tipping, Sagstuen has also served in the roles of deputy CEO and as Chief Officer of Responsibility, Society, and Communication.

Sylvia Brustad, Chair of Norsk Tipping, noted: “Today I am pleased to be able to present Tonje Sagstuen as the new CEO of Norsk Tipping. With her, Norsk Tipping gets a skilled and experienced manager who knows the company and its employees very well.

“The board has appreciated the work Sagstuen has done as acting CEO, and is pleased that she has accepted the position on a permanent basis. We are convinced that Sagstuen is the right person to lead Norsk Tipping going forward.”

Tabcorp

Tabcorp has appointed Mark Howell as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, starting before June 2024.

Howell will be joining Tabcorp from Coles Group Limited Liquor business where he is the General Manager Liquor Finance & Network Optimisation.

He has experience in both consumer and retail industries, having held senior finance, strategy, business development and investor relations roles at Coles before its demerger from Wesfarmers Limited.

He has also held senior investment banking roles at Rothschild and Goldman Sachs in Australia and New York and began his career at Ernst and Young.

Tabcorp Managing Director and CEO Adam Rytenskild said: “Mark is the perfect fit for Tabcorp as we deliver our transformation. He’s passionate about our growth story and dynamic in his thinking. 

“Wagering is one of the most competitive industries in Australia and Mark comes from an equally competitive customer-focused industry. His experience leading finance teams at Coles and working closely with investors will be invaluable moving forward.”

Konami Gaming

Konami Gaming has appointed Eric Schultz as Vice President of Studio Operations.

Schultz will lead Konami’s overall game development across software development, art design, sound design, math design, and project management. 

He has over 20 years of experience in gaming and has previously worked for the company, beginning with the software engineering team in 2004 before moving into the position of Senior Director of Game Software Engineering in 2014.

Steve Sutherland, President and CEO at Konami Gaming, commented: “Eric Schultz brings a demonstrated ability to effectively manage multidisciplinary teams to achieve strong product outcomes in the field for our casino customers and their players. 

“Our team is committed to growth in expanding sectors and global markets, and we look forward to continued momentum with Eric’s leadership and cooperative efforts across Konami’s world-class game studios.”

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