The deal could eventually see Bally’s take control of The Star. The US firm is set to buy around 56.7% of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed operator’s “fully diluted share capital.”

The deal must be approved by the regulatory Foreign Investment Review Board, which could potentially save The Star from administration.

Star: Bally’s Buyout Imminent?

In an official release, the Australian firm wrote that Bally’s would make the first payment – comprising a third of the total amount – “on or before” April 9.

Shareholders will then be asked to approve a second tranche, which will be subject to “regulatory approvals.”

The shareholders’ vote appears to be something of a formality, however. The Sydney-based firm wrote: “The Board of The Star intends to unanimously recommend that […] shareholders vote in favour […], in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding [that this] is in the best interests of The Star’s shareholders.”

The company added that “each director of The Star intends to vote all of The Star shares that he or she holds or controls in favour” of the deal.

Based in Rhode Island, Bally’s operates 19 casinos across 11 states. It also controls a horse racing track, a New York golf course, and several online sports betting sites.

The deal will make use of a “multi-tranche convertible note and subordinated debt instrument.”

Bally’s reportedly made an initial move for The Star in March.

Bid From Pub Baron Mathieson Still Possible, Reports Claim

In its own press release, Bally’s suggested that The Star’s major shareholder Bruce Mathieson “may separately subscribe for a portion of the notes.”

The 82-year-old Mathieson, a pub, hotel, and poker machine businessman, is thought to be worth over $1 billion.

Australian media outlets think that Mathieson is mulling a $100 million investment. If accepted, this would reduce the size of Bally’s investment by a third.

The Star runs The Star Sydney, as well as the Queensland-based The Star Brisbane. The firm’s shares are still suspended on the ASX after failing to provide the exchange with its mandatory half-year financial report for H2 of FY2024.

Bally’s: Australia a ‘Fantastic Market’

In its press release, Bally’s quoted its Chairman Soo Kim as stating: “This transaction provides Bally’s the opportunity to infuse The Star with what it needs to regain its position as Australia’s preeminent gaming destination. It allows The Star shareholders to share in what we confidently believe will be a brighter future together.”

Bally’s added that it was excited to “bring its reputation and operating expertise” to “fantastic markets” in Australia.

“We are up for the challenge,” George Papanier, the American firm’s President, concluded.

In February, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission began prosecuting Stars Casino and some of its former executives.

The firm is accused of breaching money laundering protocols at its Sydney, Brisbane, and Gold Coast locations.

The post Australian Casino Operator Star Entertainment Accepts $180.2M Bally’s Rescue Bid appeared first on CasinoBeats.

During the company’s annual general meeting, Star Chairman John O’Neill revealed to investors that the group is preparing to commit to an AU$2bn master-plan for the expansion of its Star Gold Coast complex “in return for certainty around maintaining the Gold Coast as a one casino city.”

O’Neill confirmed that the development of the complex would include a $100 million revamp of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

The operator has also committed to the completion of its $2 billion Broadbeach Island  plan which proposes five additional towers on top of the existing The Star Grand and The Darling as well as a major revamp of its Sheraton Grand Mirage resort which is on the Gold Coast’s Southport Spit.

“The Star’s position has always been – we support investment in tourism assets on the Gold Coast – but the Gold Coast market is too small for two casinos,” O’Neill said.

“We are not alone in this assessment of the market. The introduction of another local casino competitor would force us to defend our local market share at the expense of driving incremental growth in interstate and international tourism.”

Earlier this year, Las Vegas headquartered hotel and casino corporation Caesars Entertainment pulled out of the race to secure approval to develop a second resort on Australia’s Gold Coast. 

Caesars had communicated its decision to the Queensland Tourism Department, with its director general Damien Walker adding that it had been informed that “this decision was a result of internal company changes, and not the attractiveness of the Gold Coast market as an investment opportunity.”

The post Star Entertainment Group unveils $2bn Gold Coast ‘masterplan’ appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The government outlined that following the decision “clear expectations have been set”, urging The Star to “ensure it takes urgent action to prioritise and deliver critical remediation measures”.

In addition, the appointment of Nicolas Weeks as the Special Manager of The Star Gold Coast has been extended until 30 June 2025.

In a statement, the Queensland Government said the licence has been deferred so that the government can “properly assess” The Star’s progress on its recently amended remediation plan. 

The casino was previously due to have its licence suspended for 90 days from 20 December 2024.

Deb Frecklington, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, stated: “The Crisafulli Government has the highest standards when it comes to the integrity of casino operations and, unlike our predecessors, we are committed to transparency and restoring the confidence of Queenslanders in the regulatory process.

“We will release the Special Manager report and the outcome of the assessment following the Government’s March 2025 decision.”

The Queensland Government stated that the extension of Weeks’ position as Special Manager will be “an integral part of that process”.

It was also said that in February next year, The Star’s “progress in achieving its priority remediation measures of cultural reform, safer gambling, risk management, financial crime, and governance” will be assessed.

The assessment’s outcome will provide information to the Government on whether it should suspend The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence.

Frecklington added: “This Government has been clear in its expectations of The Star, and will not allow The Star Gold Coast to keep operating as a casino at the expense of integrity, our Government’s high standards, and community safety.

“We recognise this may place pressure on The Star; however, the remediation actions must be its urgent priority.  

“There should be no assumption that there will be any further deferrals granted to The Star and any failure to meet milestones may result in The Star Gold Coast casino licence being suspended.”

Earlier this month, The Star confirmed it received all necessary regulatory approvals regarding the appointment of Steve McCann as its Group CEO and Managing Director.

The post The Star Gold Coast’s licence suspension deferred to March 2025 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As a result, McCann has now formally begun his new role, after being initially announced as the Australian casino operator’s next Group CEO and Managing Director earlier this year in June.

McCann will be replacing Acting Group CEO Neale O’Connell and Chair Anne Ward, who both had been taking on additional responsibilities at The Star until a permanent Group CEO and Managing Director was found.

“I am very pleased to be working closely with Steve McCann and to formally welcome him as Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at this critical time for The Star,” commented Ward.

Although he is stepping down from the Acting CEO position, O’Connell will continue to serve as The Star’s interim Group Chief Financial officer until a permanent Group CFO is appointed. The operator also thanked O’Connell for his work as Acting CEO.

With more than 28 years of executive experience, McCann previously worked as Crown Resorts’ CEO and Managing Director, in addition to spending over a decade as Group CEO of Lendlease, a real estate development and investment group.

At the time of the initial announcement of his appointment, McCann said: “I look forward to joining The Star at this critical time. I recognise that there are many complex issues and challenges for the company to address. 

“I am committed to working with the board and the various stakeholders to help drive change, restore confidence and achieve a sustainable resolution.”

The post The Star receives approval for Steve McCann Group CEO and MD appointment appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Effective upon completion of long-form documentation and satisfaction of various conditions precedent, the group’s existing $450m facility has now been reduced to $334m and fully drawn.

The agreement has been in the works between The Star and its lenders and various advisers for the past several weeks, to help finalise its preliminary financial report for the financial year ending 30 June 2024.

This included holding discussions with various stakeholders about its liquidity position in light of adverse trading and other conditions. It also follows an independent inquiry into The Star by Adam Bell SC on behalf of the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, which highlighted continuing regulatory shortcomings for the operator.

For the new debt facility, covenant waivers will be provided by the company’s lenders for the next two testing dates –  30 September 2024 and 31 December 2024 – with the latter date being subject to execution of long-form documentation for the new debt facility and other customary conditions. 

Splitting the $200m across two tranches, the first tranche of $100m is expected to be available to be drawn from the end of October until 20 December 2024, subject to certain conditions precedent being met.

These include: 

• Provision of unsecured guarantees from some of the Group’s regulated entities and enhanced security granted to lenders;  
• Regulatory consents and government approvals as required for guarantees and enhanced security for the lender group;  
• Establishment of a disposal proceeds account with a credit balance of an amount representing the net proceeds of the sale of the Treasury Brisbane casino building and any other non-core asset proceeds completed before the draw down. 
• Other customary conditions precedent. 

Subject to more extensive conditions precedent, the second tranche is expected to be available to be drawn from the end of December with a four-month availability period following the drawing of the first tranche.

These conditions include:

• Receipt of required regulatory consents and finalisation of documentation for the granting to the lender group of security over the Group’s regulated entities.  
• Provision of information in relation to the Group’s long-term strategy.
• All lender approval of the Group’s strategic plan and long-term financial forecasts.  
• Company raising additional subordinated capital of at least $150m.
• Other customary conditions precedent.

Assuming cash pay is elected, the all-in coupon for the new facility is 13.50% per annum, and the existing $300m term facility has been repriced to this level: 

• The company has the flexibility to capitalise a component of the interest at its election. 
• There is a reduction in the coupon subject to the Group’s Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio falling below 4.0x. 

The maturity date for the new facility is December 2027, consistent with the existing term loan. Up to $34m of bank guarantees will be retained by the group under the existing revolving credit facility. 

Following securing the new debt facility, The Star has posted its FY24 financial results, reporting $1.68bn in revenue and EBITDA of $175m, but also a statutory net loss of $1.69bn after significant items, including a $1.44bn non-cash impairment charge.

The operator noted that trading performance has “deteriorated” during the second half of the financial year, with this trend continuing into FY25. For July and August 2024, the operator has reported an EBITDA loss of $6.6m and $1.1m, respectively (2023: positive EBITDA of $20.3m and $21.6m respectively).

The Star noted that monthly operating expenses through H2 FY24 trended up following an “increase in ongoing transformation and remediation related activities offsetting The Star’s previously announced cost reduction program”. 

Increases occurred for employment costs as well “with additional costs in risk and control functions” offsetting savings achieved elsewhere in H1.

“There are a number of significant challenges currently facing the business from an earnings, liquidity and balance sheet perspective,” stated Steve McCann, The Star Group CEO (subject to regulatory approvals).

“We recognise and appreciate the support provided to date by our stakeholders as The Star puts in place a new management team and strategy to implement a remediation and transformation program and return the company to a more sustainable footing.  

“We have identified a range of initiatives to improve business performance and cashflow, as well as providing the organisation with additional liquidity. However, time and flexibility is required to implement these initiatives.  

“As we work through these initiatives, the Board and management team remain focused on demonstrating suitability to hold our casino licenses and regaining the trust and support of our regulators and the broader community while seeking to enhance  shareholder value.”

The post The Star secures new debt facility of up to AUS$200m appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Betting and Gaming Council

Betting and Gaming Council has announced that Grainne Hurst has officially begun her new role as CEO of the organisation.

Back in April, Hurst was confirmed by the BGC for the CEO role as part of a wider restructuring of the organisation’s senior leadership, with former CEO Michael Dugher becoming Chair after Brigid Simmonds stepped down from the position during the same month.

Hurst joins the BGC from Entain where she has been Group Corporate Affairs Director since March 2018.

“I’m absolutely delighted to get started as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, the industry champion for so many iconic brands, at home in the UK and around the world,” Hurst commented.

“This is a crucial time for the BGC’s diverse and growing membership, which supports 110,000 jobs and caters to millions of customers who enjoy a bet each month in the UK. There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, not least delivering and implementing the outstanding proposals outlined in last year’s White Paper, many of which our members called for.

“That includes a statutory levy to address problem gambling and related harms, an Ombudsman for improved consumer redress, online financial risk checks carefully targeted on those at risk, new stake limits for online slots, a Sports Sponsorship Code, plus mission-critical modernisation proposals for the land-based casino sector.

“While achieving regulatory certainty after a period of so much change is top of my priority list, it is important for our industry to focus on stability, growth and diversity across the sector. That work must be underpinned by strong data and guided throughout by the voice of the everyday consumer.”

Dugher added: “On behalf of the entire BGC membership, I’d like to warmly welcome Grainne as she officially starts as CEO. She brings years of experience and knowledge in the regulated industry, together with a bold vision and strategy to refresh and reset the organisation going forward.

“I look forward to working with Grainne in my new role as Chair, and the rest of the outstanding BGC team, as we continue to represent thousands of workers and millions of customers, as well as delivering on our mission to raise standards in safer gambling.”

Betfred

Betfred has named Nick Cockerill as its new Chief Product Officer.

Cockerill brings over 10 years of sports betting and igaming experience to Betfred, having previously worked in senior product and technology roles at Stats Perform, Sky Betting and Gaming, Pokerstars International and Flutter Entertainment.

At Betfred, Cockerill will be tasked with elevating the brand’s online business, enhancing Betfred’s retail offering and accelerating the transition of the operator into a technology-first organisation.

“I’m delighted to join Betfred at such an important and exciting time in their history,” commented Cockerill.

“Betfred is one of the UK’s strongest brands in the sector and I’m looking forward to working with the excellent team here to elevate Betfred to where it should be as one of the top online bookmakers in the UK and advancing our leadership in retail.”

Joanne Whittaker, CEO of Betfred, added: “Nick joins with a wealth of experience and has an excellent track record in the sector. His appointment is key to our huge ambitions for Betfred.”

The Star Entertainment Group

The Star Entertainment Group has appointed Mark Mackay as CEO of The Star Gold Coast.

Mackay brings over 18 years of integrated resorts and gaming experience to The Star, with his most recent role being the Chief Operating Officer for Crown Resorts Melbourne, managing the location’s operation and strategic direction.  

Before Crown Resorts in 2017, Mackay was Chief Operating Officer of The Star Gold Coast (then Jupiters Hotel and Casino), but also served in various roles at Jupiters Casino between 2006 and 2017. 

Chair of The Star, Anne Ward, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mark to The Star as Chief Executive Officer of The Star Gold Coast. 

“Mark has a deep understanding of what it takes to run a leading integrated resort development and brings a lot of capability to this role. Mark’s appointment and relevant experience further strengthens our leadership team as we focus on implementing the necessary reforms at The Star. 

“This appointment completes the new leadership team structure of decentralised management across our three integrated resort developments in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney. 

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Ian Brown, General Manager Gaming at The Star Gold Coast, for his leadership, support and significant contribution leading the Gold Coast team through the past four months.”

Optimove

Optimove has expanded its partnerships team with the appointment of Adi Dagan as Senior Director of Partnerships. 

With over two decades of experience scaling online businesses and building partnerships,

Dagan’s previous industry roles include being the Co-Founder and CEO of Beehive and the Co-Founder of Everybuddy Games.

In his new role, Dagan will be tasked with expanding Optimove’s strategic partnerships and fostering growth across key markets, expanding the company’s partner ecosystem and recognising new business opportunities, including engaging with key partners and clients at industry events. 

“I am extremely excited to join Optimove. It is the clear leader in CRM Marketing for iGaming and Sports Betting,” commented Dagan. 

“Optimove’s cutting-edge platform and proven ability to enhance customer engagement through AI-orchestrated, data-driven marketing create a market advantage. Optimove is a clear market differentiator for any partner. I am looking forward to help Optimove continue to build valuable partnerships that drive measurable success for marketers.” 

Pini Yakuel, CEO of Optimove, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Adi to the team. His expertise will be instrumental in expanding our partner ecosystem and delivering even more value to our clients. 

“Under his leadership, we are poised to expand and deepen partnerships that deliver next-level personalised engagement solutions to leading brands across the globe.”

Wynn Resorts

Wynn Resorts has added three executives to its team at Wynn Al Marjan Island, its UAE property scheduled to open in 2027.

Reporting to Wynn Al Marjan Island President Max Tappeiner, the three new appointments are Tom J Roelens as COO, David Patent as Executive Vice President of Casino Operations and Sherri DeSalvio as Vice President of Pre-Opening Planning and Strategic Initiatives.

Overseeing the integrated resort’s non-gaming operations, Roelens brings over 25 years of experience managing ultra-luxury hotel operations to Wynn, including 20 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, he opened Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal and managed Atlantis The Palm and Aquaventure World’s operations. 

Responsible for gaming operations, Patent was previously CEO of VizExplorer, an analytics and business intelligence solutions provider. He has also held senior management roles at Caesars Entertainment properties in Las Vegas and the Midwest. 

In charge of developing and executing key strategic initiatives, DeSalvio began​​ her career with Wynn in 2008, has held hotel sales and convention operations roles and has managed various high-impact special projects.

The post BGC, Optimove, Wynn Resorts: on the move appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The update follows the casino operator’s request for a trading halt on the Australian Stock Exchange last week, as an independent inquiry into the operator by Adam Bell SC highlighted continuing regulatory shortcomings.

Appointed by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, Bell conducted an initial investigation into the Australian casino operator in 2022, deeming the operator unsuitable to hold a casino licence due to serious regulatory failures.

Following these findings, the NICC tasked Bell with another inquiry into The Star, which was published on 30 August 2024. 

According to a NICC statement, the second Bell report “validated the concerns that prompted the second inquiry”. The Star then postponed the release of its FY2024 results and requested a trading halt from the ASX.

At the time, the NICC stated that it was “contemplating Mr Bell’s findings, including four compliance breaches, and will respond in due course”.

In response, The Star has released a statement on its website, reporting that it is reviewing its financial and liquidity position with several advisers to work towards finalising its FY24 financials, but the timing of its release is yet to be determined.

The statement reads: “The Star is currently reviewing its financial and liquidity position with various advisers in the context of seeking to finalise its preliminary financial report for the financial year ended 30 June 2024 (FY24), including holding discussions with various stakeholders in relation to its liquidity position in light of adverse trading and other conditions. 

“The company confirms that the advice being provided has extended, from time to time, to considering the application of provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (including the safe harbour provisions). 

“The company is working to finalise its FY24 preliminary financial report, although the timing of its release has not been finalised.  

“The Star will provide a further update in respect of its financial and liquidity position in conjunction with the release of its FY24 preliminary financial report. Upon release of the FY24 preliminary financial report, the company’s shares would resume trading in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules.”

The post The Star reviewing financial and liquidity position to finalise FY24 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Adam Bell, a lawyer appointed by the NSW Independent Casino Commission, conducted an initial investigation into the Australian casino operator in 2022 which cited “serious regulatory failures” and deemed the company to be “unsuitable to hold a casino licence”. 

As a result of those findings, Bell was tasked with conducting a second investigation into The Star which was finalised on 31 July 2024. Almost a full month later, the findings have been issued to The Star ahead of being made available to the public. 

According to a statement issued by the NICC, the second Bell Report has “validated the concerns that prompted the second inquiry”, causing The Star to postpone the release of its fiscal year 2024 financial results and request the trading halt from the ASX. 

The statement referred to “four compliance breaches”, explaining that the regulator will “respond in due course”.

NICC Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, stated: “The Bell Report reveals a company that had not moved quickly enough to address the governance and cultural concerns raised in the first Bell Report. 

“It has only very recently turned its attention to dealing with challenges that should have been prioritised earlier.”

Upon The Star receiving the report, the ASX issued a market announcement for the group stating that its securities will be placed in a trading halt at the company’s request. 

Although the group has failed to repair problems within the company’s compliance to certain regulations, the latest Bell Report did suggest that recent company changes have resulted in improvements. 

Crawford continued: “The Bell Report notes that Steve McCann Group CEO, Janelle Campbell Sydney CEO and Jeannie Mok Group COO, bring important experience and expertise to the process of engagement with regulators, remediation and cultural transformation which will be vital if the NICC decides that The Star should remain as the operator of The Star Casino. 

“The level of transparency and cooperation has certainly improved since their appointments. However, the Bell Report underscores the NICC’s concerns that it was not receiving all of the facts from The Star at a time when we needed certainty the company could fund and prioritise an urgent business turnaround.”

Unless the stock exchange decides otherwise, The Star’s securities will remain in the trading halt until the commencement of normal trading on Monday, 2 September or “when the announcement is released to the market”. 

This announcement refers to The Star addressing the report, as well as its FY2024 financial results and “other matters raised in media articles referring to The Star’s results”. 

Crawford concluded: “The NICC is responsible for regulating an industry that is highly vulnerable to criminal infiltration and we are tasked with setting regulatory standards that meet the community’s expectations.”

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Flutter Entertainment

Flutter Entertainment has appointed Christine McCarthy and Robert ‘Dob’ Bennett to its board of directors, effective July 30, 2024. 

McCarthy will sit on the company’s Audit Committee, while Bennett will be a member of the Risk and Sustainability Committee.

McCarthy previously held several senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as a Strategic Advisor. She also served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, joining the company in 2000 as SVP and Treasurer.

She currently serves as a Director of The Procter & Gamble Company and is the Chair of its Audit Committee and is a Director of FM Global and Chair of its Finance Committee.

Meanwhile, Bennett is the Managing Director of the private investment company Hilltop Investments and is a Director at HP and Liberty Media.

He has previously been President of Discovery Holding Company, President, CEO and Principal Financial Officer at Liberty Media, as well as a Director of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sprint Corporation, Demand Media, Discovery Holding Company, Liberty Interactive Corporation and Sprint Nextel Corporation.

John Bryant, Chair of the Flutter Board, stated: “Christine and Dob’s extensive experience in the entertainment industry will be an invaluable asset to Flutter as we continue to extend our leading position as a global online sports betting and igaming provider. 

“We look forward to welcoming both Dob and Christine to the Board as non-executive directors and benefitting from their unique perspective and industry knowledge.”

The Star Entertainment Group

The Star Entertainment Group has announced the resignation of Hamish Macdonald as Group Company Secretary.

The Star wished Macdonald “all the very best for his future endeavours” and thanked him for his contribution. Deputy Company Secretary Kate Williams has been proposed by the company as an additional Company Secretary, subject to all necessary regulatory approvals being obtained.

Until all necessary approvals have been obtained for Williams’ proposed appointment,  

Jennie Yuen will remain the person responsible for communication with the ASX under Listing Rule 12.6.

An experienced governance professional with legal, regulatory and governance experience, Williams previously worked at Heritage and People’s Choice Limited as Deputy Company Secretary and Legal Counsel, as well as Deputy Company Secretary for Vicinity Centres, Principal Group Governance at BHP Group and Assistant Company Secretary and Legal Counsel for Downer Group.  

Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment has appointed Rodney Williams to its board of directors.

Williams brings experience in luxury brand-building, strategic and digital marketing and corporate leadership to the board.

Gary Carano, Executive Chair of the Board, Caesars Entertainment, stated: “Rodney is an important addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team. Rodney’s career leading some of the world’s best-known beverage brands gives him an unmatched perspective in the hospitality industry. 

“His exceptional track record in luxury and premium brand building during his time with Diageo and LVMH and his continued commitment to the food and beverage industry through his service as a trustee and executive committee member of the James Beard Foundation will give us added insights into the continuing confluence of entertainment with the culinary arts as we shepherd Caesars Entertainment into the future.”

Williams was previously President of the Diageo Beer Company and President of Diageo Canada. He also spent 11 years at Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton in the roles of Maison (or global) President of Belvedere Vodka and as Chief Marketing Officer for its entire US brand portfolio, as well as as SVP for Hennessy US.

Before joining LVMH, he was SVP of Lifestyle Brands for Jackson Family Wines, SVP for Lifestyle Wines at Robert Mondavi and has worked at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and General Motors.

“I’m pleased to have Rodney Williams join our Board of Directors,” noted Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. 

“Rodney brings a different perspective to hospitality, having experienced it from the upper echelon of luxury beverage brands. His experience in innovation, digital and experiential marketing, and implementing optimisation makes him a good strategic fit for our Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him to continue to drive results for our guests, Team Members, and shareholders.”

HappyHour.io and FUNNZ

Kelly Kehn has announced on LinkedIn that she has left her position as Industry Relations Partner at HappyHour.io. In addition, she has also stated that she has become a Director on the board at FUNNZ.

The Co-Founder of the All-in Diversity Project, Kehn has been with HappyHour since June 2022, joining from SBC where she served as Global Relationships Director from November 2019.

Commenting on her HappyHour departure, Kehn said: “Today marks my last day as Industry Relations Partner at HappyHour. It’s been a great ride and I couldn’t be more grateful to the team for everything I’ve learned and all the fun we’ve had along the way. 

“We built a brand that is synonymous with igaming innovation. We connected the best of the best in the industry to the newcomers. We funded some big dreams and won a few awards as we went. Along the way, I had the privilege to watch new founders become true leaders. 

“The team at HappyHour and its startups are responsible for my love of startup culture and entrepreneurship, so of course, the story doesn’t end here. I’ll be joining one of our portfolio company boards this summer as well as working on something extra special that aligns my passion for an equitable future with startup innovation.”

On joining FUNNZ, Kehn stated: “While I take the summer to reset and push forward with a new project, I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Director on the board at FUNNZ! I’ve been working towards a diploma in Non-Executive Directorship so this role is incredibly exciting for me. Looking forward to serving this dynamic team as they grow.”

The post Flutter Entertainment, The Star, Caesars Entertainment: on the move appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Subject to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, McCann will begin his new role at the Australian casino operator on July 8, 2024. 

He will replace Acting CEO Neale O’Connell – also interim Group CFO – and Chair Anne Ward, who have both been taking on the additional responsibilities on an interim basis until a permanent Group CEO and MD was confirmed.

Commenting on his appointment, McCann said: “I look forward to joining The Star at this critical time. I recognise that there are many complex issues and challenges for the company to address. I am committed to working with the board and the various stakeholders to help drive change, restore confidence and achieve a sustainable resolution.”

McCann brings over 28 years of executive experience to The Star, having previously served as CEO and MD of Crown Resorts. He also spent more than a decade as Group CEO of Lendlease, a real estate development and investment group.

He also isn’t the only former Crown Resorts employee The Star has appointed recently, as last month, the operator named Jeannie Mok as Group Chief Operating Officer to lead its remediation efforts. Mok was previously Chief Transformation Officer at Crown Resorts.

Ward added: “Following a comprehensive search process, the board is very pleased to have secured a CEO of Steve’s calibre, experience and respect in the market. Given his time with Crown and previous long-standing leadership at Lendlease, he has the right credentials to lead The Star’s remediation program.

“His track record reflects his capability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and lead meaningful transformational change and cultural renewal. This experience will be invaluable as we work towards rebuilding trust and expediting the sustainable transformation of The Star.”

The post The Star appoints ex-Crown Resorts Steve McCann as Group CEO and MD appeared first on CasinoBeats.