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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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 Robson, CEO 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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While NJ couldn’t match the record-setting March results, online platforms delivered their second-highest month ever with $235.2 million in adjusted gross gaming revenue. That represented a 25.2% increase from the $187.9 million reported in April 2024.

In contrast, the Atlantic City casinos brought in $211.0 million last month, a decrease of 2.7% compared to the $216.8 million reported for April 2024. That marked the third straight month of declining revenue for the retail casinos. 

The difference of $24.2 million is the largest recorded between the two sectors. In comparison, it was just under $13 million in March, while it was about $4.3 million in February.

Online casinos overtook the retail properties in October 2024 for the first time (in a non-pandemic month). Atlantic City properties bounced back and reclaimed the top spot in November and December, but iGaming has led the way since the beginning of the year.

April Brings Strong Growth For New Jersey Online Casinos

After enjoying a record $2.39 billion in revenue in 2024, online casinos have continued to deliver double-digit growth since the start of the year. Year-to-date revenue through April reached $908.4 million, an increase of 21% compared to last year:

• January: $221.6 million (an increase of 20.9% year-over-year)
• February $207.8 million (up by 14%)
• March $243.9 million (up by 23.7%)
• April $235.2 million (up by 25.2%)

FanDuel Casino took the number one spot in April with $52.9 million in revenue, an increase of 35.3% year over year. DraftKings was close second with $46.9 million generated, an increase of 19.5%. BetMGM took the third spot with $29.6, an increase of 27.9%.

Notably, Fanatics Casino continued to gain ground in the market. Although it was not live in April 2024, the $7.4 million generated in April 2025 was a 38.7% increase from March.

Retail Casinos Struggle, But Hopes Lie in the Summer

Atlantic City casinos started the year on a positive note with a 2.6% increase in revenue in January compared to January 2024. However, the nine properties declined in the following months, with the most significant decrease in February.

In the first four months of 2025, the retail casino sector took in $855.4 million, a decrease of 2%. Notably, the gap to online casinos stands at $53 million through four months.

• January: $210.1 million (2.6% increase year-over-year)
• February: $203.5 million (3.8% decrease)
• March: $230.9 (3.7% decrease)
• April: $211.0 (2.7% decrease)

It’s important to note that Q1 is traditionally slower for Atlantic City casinos due to the unfavorable weather. May has brought warmer-than-usual temperatures, so the sector hopes to post stronger results. Historically, the summer is a high point for Atlantic City casinos, with revenue reaching almost $300 million in August 2024.

Advertising Under Scrutiny as Problem Gambling Rates Rise

The continuous growth of iGaming in the Garden State, however, has led to concerns around problem gambling rates. 

Recently, lawmakers introduced two new bills that would regulate where gambling ads can be displayed and mandate a study into how specific language in marketing campaigns can influence bettor behavior. 

A5562, introduced by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese and Assemblywoman Garnet Hall, seeks to “deter illegal or irresponsible gambling, challenge perceptions of gambling, and encourage the use of responsible gambling tools.” 

A second bill would mandate a study to determine the “effectiveness of various words and phrases” in adverts for online casinos and sportsbooks. 

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Dignitaries including Governor Chris Christie, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen and Senate President Stephen Sweeney, as well as local representatives, gathered to learn more about the momentous opportunity the project will bring to Atlantic City.

The former Taj Mahal building will undergo an all-encompassing $375 million renovation and reopen in summer 2018. The upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is situated on 17-acres of prime Boardwalk real estate, offering vast views of the city and Atlantic Ocean.

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Previous arguments from casinos in the region have stated that their premises should be excluded from any smoking ban given how much it would hinder business operations for operators. 

Currently, there is a sectioned space within casinos that allows smoking, however, this has caused backlash from many workers who have stated that the impact on them is significant due to the effects of secondhand smoke. 

At the end of last year, as the case gathered momentum, the union representing dealers at casinos staged a protest when they lit up cigarettes at the State House Annex.

Amidst taking part in the protest, Daniel Vicente, a Regional Director of the union, stated: “We’re not allowed to smoke in your workplace, but you’re allowed to smoke in ours

“They say it’s OK for secondhand smoke to be blown in our faces all day, every day. We wanted to know if it’s OK if we did that in their workplace. They said it was inappropriate and not allowed here.”

The move underlined how vehement workers and unions are in their attempts to eradicate smoking from Atlantic City casinos. 

Nonetheless, casinos in the region remain against the ban, citing that business would be lost to states nearby where a smoking ban isn’t in place. 

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The casino revealed gross profits of $44.3m, a slight increase from last year, and was joined by Ocean Casino Resort as a key driver of the region’s success during a period that, on the whole, was challenging for Atlantic City. 

Against the trend of the region, Ocean Casino saw profit grow by 13 per cent to $43m, rising to similar profit levels of the Hard Rock, the resort was the key difference maker in the region’s figures. 

Furthermore, it comes after significant investment just last year from the group as it sought to elevate the user experience – with the majority of the investment being utilised to bring in new hotel rooms and suites, which opened last Summer. 

Nonetheless, overall figures in Atlantic City decreased by 7.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2022 and 0.9 per cent in the same period last year. The figures represent a levelling out of revenue after 2022 saw numbers bounce back from after the pandemic. 

Occupancy rate of rooms within the resorts also remained high during Q3 at 85 per cent, only a minimal decrease on the same period last year. 

Overall, revenue reached $971.8 for Q3, whilst gross operating profit stood at $281.2m.

The results were also slightly hindered by a cybersecurity issue that handicapped four key casinos in the region, yet in spite of this Atlantic City managed to record its third highest third quarter gross profit, as highlighted by James Plousis, Chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

That being said, whilst the region remains profitable, there will be an emphasis on returning to growth amidst a challenging trajectory in recent times. Initial signs however, do suggest an upward period is on the horizon, with the latest results from New Jersey’s land-based casinos providing a positive outlook for October.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement detailed that the overall gaming revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their online partners was $487.1m for October, a 9.3 per cent increase in comparison to the same month the previous year (October 2022: $445.7m).

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Data published by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement revealed that the Garden State’s nine retail gaming entities and igaming operations secured revenue of $818.96m, down 1.2 per cent year-on-year from $828.78m.

This growth was primarily driven by Ocean Resort, courtesy of a 23 per cent uptick to $116.61m (2022: $94.79m), and Bally’s Atlantic City, the revenue of which shot up by 18.1 per cent through the quarter to $50.21m (2022: $42.51m).

Alongside an overall revenue decline, gross operating profit took a hit of 20.5 per cent YoY, with bottom-line profits reaching $145.99m (2022: $183.62m) across the board. Only two of the nine licensed properties recorded growth in profit from Q2 of 2022 as the sector continues to struggle. 

Maintaining a trend from the first quarter, Bally’s recorded the greatest growth in terms of operating profit after recording 148.8 per cent variance to its bottom line to reach $1.83m, compared to a loss of $3.75m one year earlier.

The market leader in New Jersey through the three months was Borgata once again, which generated revenues of $190m throughout the period, up 18.1 per cent YoY from $186.75.

Despite top line growth, bottom line woes were felt as operating profit shrank by 70.8 per cent, the most drastic reduction, to slump to just $12.32m (2022 $42.21m).

Hard Rock Atlantic City retained second place in market share with revenue of $138m, though this was still down 14 per cent on the $160.51m yielded one year earlier

The operator’s profit was dented too, as it made $30.48m, down 20 per cent from the same period last year. 

Caesars’ experienced operating profit growth of 8.3 percent, reaching $15.34m (2022: $14.16m), while Harrah’s enjoyed $18m (2022: $21.36m) in profit, up 15.5 per cent YoY. Finally, Ocean Resort’s operating profit was $23.93m, an increase of 53.6 per cent from $15.58m.

Further threats to the Atlantic City industry are looming large, as the process to licence three land-based properties in downstate New York is underway. With an array of large operators all bidding for the potentially lucrative space in NYC, some have suggested that Atlantic City could bear the brunt. 

However, Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, recently elaborated on a number of economic factors and state policies that could potentially dampen the impact of new casinos in a report looking at the potential impact of gaming venues to upstate local tax revenue.

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This is due to the company “employing, for a number of years, approximately 49 individuals in numerous positions throughout various departments, including in the areas of purchasing, information technology, marketing, human resources, and credit, without such employees holding the requisite casino employee registrations”.

Furthermore, it was also discovered that the firm, whose Atlantic City properties include those branded under the Harrah’s, Tropicana, and Caesars monikers, failed to “maintain complete, accurate, and current records for each of its employees, including licence and registration numbers”.

This was outlined in a letter dated July 7, 2022, and signed by David Rebuck, NJDGE Director, within which it was disclosed that the company had self-reported that seven casino employees had inactive registrations a little over one month earlier.

“Caesars advised that it would continue to audit all employees with casino employee registrations to uncover any other inactive registrations,” Rebuck noted.

“Caesars further advised that it would work internally to ensure that corporate employees would appear in the electronic data transfer employee reports that are sent to the Division once per month.”

From the aforementioned date until November of the same year the Las Vegas-based gaming and entertainment operator is said to have discovered approximately 49 individuals who did not hold the correct credentials.

“By communication dated November 24, 2021, the Division set a deadline of January 10, 2022 for Caesars to have those individuals properly registered,” it is added.

“During the course of the Division’s further review, additional information revealed that due to prior leaves of absences, resignations, or terminations, a total of approximately 37 active employees remained who were not properly registered. 

“After several extensions of the initial January 10, 2022 deadline, these 37 active employees were properly registered as of February 4, 2022. 

“Caesars will need to further address the proper registration of any employees who may be re-hired or return from leaves of absence, as applicable.” 

Furthermore, it was added that an earlier self-report by the group on February 25, 2021, was issued due to 60 casino, hotel and beverage staff members working without the requisite casino employee registrations.

However, action was taken to solve the issue by March 31 of the same year, with no regulatory action taken at the time due to the “prompt correction of the failure.

“The Division therefore accepts the offer of Caesars to render a civil monetary penalty .. in the amount of $50,000 payable under the Act,” Rebuck closed.

“Caesars has agreed to pay such amount in recognition of the seriousness of its failures related to non-compliance with the mandates. 

“Any subsequent violations of the above-referenced or other statutes and regulations by Caesars may result in further regulatory action by the Division as appropriate under the circumstances.”

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165

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma revealed that its $165m gaming property, being built in south-eastern Oklahoma, will be titled Choctaw Landing. 

Scheduled to open in late 2023, with its groundbreaking set of June 14, the new casino is being built near Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park.

The property will be four-stories and 200,000 square-feet of land and will include 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, and eight table games, along with other amenities.

“We are excited to get started on bringing to life what promises to be an amazing entertainment destination for Oklahomans and our friends and neighbours in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana,” said Janie Dillard, Senior Executive Officer for Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. 

“In addition to the gaming, hotel and entertainment amenities, we plan to offer our guests an opportunity to learn more about our history, our culture and what it means to be Choctaw.”

15,000

In support of the UK government’s ‘Levelling Up’ job creation agenda, the Betting and Gaming Council’s members outlined plans to open 15,000 technology vacancies. 

The objective was set to cover the next five years, as the BGC and its member companies seek to play a role in the UK’s financial recovery from the pandemic.

Additionally, firms have also outlined that the jobs will focus around the use of technology to drive safer gambling standards, particularly with relation to online products, in order to build on the falling problem gambling rates in the UK – according to UK Gambling Commission data, the problem gambling rate fell to 0.2 per cent last month. 

“The BGC wants to build a world class industry that is better understood, respected and a fully engaged member of the communities in which we operate,” explained Michael Dugher, BGC Chief Executive.

“We are proud to work with the Purpose Coalition on the Levelling Up Goals and it is great to see how our members are providing high skilled, well-paid jobs across the retail, hospitality, and tech sectors.”

200

Caesars Atlantic City received a major renovation after Caesars Entertainment announced a $200m investment in the resort in a bid to improve customer experience. 

The plans detail how Caesars will make improvements across Caesars Atlantic City’s valet, hotel lobby, and casino floor amongst other key areas.

Major upgrades to the resort include a new, “unmatched resort experience”, with the first-floor lobby entirely redesigned and including a new Starbucks mobile ordering service. Caesars noted that the store will be a “sleek, contemporary design with minimal decor”.

“Caesars Atlantic City set the standard for extraordinary experiences in the market, and we are thrilled to continue that legacy by reimagining the property from the moment guests step through the doors,” stated John Koster, Regional President for Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern Division. 

“This major investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to elevating guests’ experiences at our resorts as well as advancing the Atlantic City tourism economy.”

99

Entain revealed that over 99 per cent of its revenues came from domestically regulated and regulating markets in 2021.

Publishing its 2021-22 ESG report, which sets out the firm’s approach to, and performance on, sustainability and ESG related issues, the company details its progress made in implementing the objectives of its Sustainability Charter.

“We have continued to make great progress on all areas of ESG, which is fully-embedded throughout all of our operations,” commented Jette Nygaard-Andersen, Entain’s CEO. 

“We are committed to providing the safest possible betting and gaming platform, taking a leading role in supporting the communities in which we operate, reducing our environmental impact and in doing so, making Entain the best place to work for all of our people. 

“By delivering on this ambition, we will create long-term, sustainable growth for all of our stakeholders.”

80

Zitro reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability after taking new measures to further reduce the impact of its carbon footprint. 

As well as opting for collaboration with suppliers committed to the use of environmentally friendly materials in their manufacturing, as a strategy of social responsibility, the company’s implementation of an internal action plan has seen an 80 per cent reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption in software compared to the previous year.

“As a company we have a corporate social responsibility and at Zitro we always try to be one step ahead,” highlighted Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, Founder of Zitro.

“Implementing policies that help protect the environment is part of our company philosophy, so we are committed to sustainable sourcing and prioritise suppliers that engage with emissions-improvement efforts.”

The post Entain, BGC, Caesars & Zitro: the week in numbers appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The plans detail how Caesars will make improvements across Caesars Atlantic City’s valet, hotel lobby, and casino floor amongst other key areas.

Major upgrades to the resort include a new, “unmatched resort experience”, with the first-floor lobby entirely redesigned and including a new Starbucks mobile ordering service. Caesars noted that the store will be a “sleek, contemporary design with minimal decor”.

“Caesars Atlantic City set the standard for extraordinary experiences in the market, and we are thrilled to continue that legacy by reimagining the property from the moment guests step through the doors,” said John Koster, Regional President for Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern Division. 

“This major investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to elevating guests’ experiences at our resorts as well as advancing the Atlantic City tourism economy.” 

Furthermore, Caesars is investing in the food available on the resort, with Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen set to join Atlantic City this summer, with a heavy nod toward its television series namesake. 

Other additions include Nobu Atlantic City, arriving later this year, Nobu Hotel Atlantic City swiftly following the restaurant and newly renovated rooms and suites within the Centurion and Ocean Towers.

Lastly, Caesars will open a renovated pool featuring beach and ocean views from the rooftop of Qua Baths & Spa. The pool comes with two levels of seating, daybeds, cabanas and a bar to create an elevated customer experience.

This project is part of Caesars’ commitment to making $400m worth of investment into the Atlantic City market by 2023 and reinforces its pledge to become a dominant presence on the US east coast.

Joe Lodise, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Caesars Atlantic City, added: “For 43 years, Caesars Atlantic City has been an iconic destination on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and critical to the market’s success over the years.  

“The resort transformation at Caesars Atlantic City will further the property’s evolution as one of the country’s leading travel destinations here on the East Coast – bringing the best of Las Vegas right here to the centre of the action in Atlantic City.”

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