Harrah’s Cherokee Casino launched a new chapter of its popular “Put On Your Hat” promotional campaign featuring The Office star David Koechner. The videos aim to leverage the actor and comedian’s talent and fanbase to help the venue differentiate itself from North Carolina’s two other tribal casinos. With online sports betting launching in 2024, Harrah’s will use this opportunity to encourage a loyal client base.

Koechner Leans into His Comedic Expertise

The “Put On Your Hat” campaign has become a fan favorite, featuring Koechner as the VP of the Party. In these memorable ads, Koechner embodies the essence of light-hearted fun while indulging in a delicious burger. Notably, his sleek suit sports the traditional purple color that symbolizes the Harrah’s brand.

David Koechner is a well-known actor and comedian with a career spanning TV and film. His most memorable role is Todd Packer in the iconic TV series The Office. Koechner also achieved acclaim for his portrayal of sports reporter Champ Kind in Anchorman and Anchorman 2. His character famously coined the catchphrase, “Whammy!”

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s newest ad sees Koechner inspire guests to party their pants off as he explores the resort’s amenities. He visits iconic places like Myst Bar, Caesars Sportsbook, Guy Fieri’s Cherokee Kitchen & Bar, and the expansive casino floor featuring slots and table games. The ad doubles down on his energetic delivery and sense of humor, playing to the actor’s strengths.

Regional VP of marketing for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Brian Saunooke, was excited about the campaign’s continuation and Koechner’s Continued involvement in the project. He noted that the newest ad playfully highlighted the venue’s world-class amenities, hoping it would encourage more people to experience Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s unique offerings.

It’s exciting to see the evolution of our Party Hat campaign with the addition of Koechner, who continues to deliver inspiration to viewers to have the fun they deserve.

Brian Saunooke, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Regional VP of marketing

This marketing campaign launches at a strategic junction as North Carolina prepares to launch online sports betting in 2024. With industry giants like FanDuel and DraftKings entering the market, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino must foster a robust client base. Greg Carson, president at 62Above, the agency behind the “Put On Your Hat” campaign, hoped their efforts would help popularize the venue’s thrilling offerings.

By using David Koechner to personify the party experience… we were able to put a face and personality to the guests’ excitement at Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos.

Greg Carson, 62Above president

The extension of Koechner’s partnership with Harrah’s Cherokee Casino brings his signature humor and entertainment to casino-goers, inviting them to enjoy the fun-filled experiences the venue has in store. His enthusiastic presence will enhance guest enjoyment and help foster a loyal fanbase, ensuring the casino remains relevant despite emerging challenges.

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The leading casino technology provider, delivering products to more than 60,000 casino gaming machines across the United States, Acres Technology, strengthened its senior-level team with the addition of David Bain, a Wall Street gaming industry expert with a track record in corporate finance. Joining the company, he was appointed to the role of chief financial officer (CFO).

In his new role at Acres, Bain is expected to oversee strategic financial processes. Leveraging his extensive experience and wide range of skills, he will play an important role in the growth of the company. Undoubtedly, an expert with the rank of Bain will quickly prove to be an important asset to Acres’ growing C-suite.

Sharing his excitement, the new CFO spoke about the company’s role in the casino industry. Bain pointed out that it is thrilling to join the company and help revolutionize the casino industry while at the same time growing the value for Acres’ stakeholders.

“Acres is again revolutionizing the casino industry and I’m excited to join the team to help grow value for all of our stakeholders. I have enormous respect for John’s vision, passion and execution that has led casino technology innovations for over 50 years.“

David Bain, CFO at Acres Technology

Bain Brings More than 25 Years of Experience to Acres

Currently, Bain holds a BA from UCLA, as well as an MBA from Pepperdine University. Additionally, he has a JD in Corporate Law from Loyola Law School. Overall, Bain’s career spans more than 25 years. His first career steps were as an entertainment attorney, but then he decided to enter the finance vertical.

The recently announced appointment by Acres comes after earlier this year, the company unveiled its interactive system, “ticket in, bonus out.” Back in August, the company confirmed that the groundbreaking system is expected to launch in the upcoming months.

“David can work anywhere he chooses and having someone of his caliber join our team as CFO is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision and our future.“

John Acres, founder and CEO of Acres Technology

John Acres, Acres’ founder and CEO, praised Bain’s extensive experience and acknowledged that he is an invaluable addition to the company’s team of experts. Last but not least, he pointed out: “David’s leadership will help us maximize profits for our customers, partners and stakeholders.”

Before joining Acres, Bain was most recently a part of B. Riley Securities. Throughout his extensive career, he held different senior-level roles, including managing director of corporate finance, as well as senior research analyst. Within the gaming sector, Bain engaged in research that probed the slot and gaming equipment supply vertical.

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The leading gaming and entertainment destination in the US, Mohegan Sun, announced a new senior-level appointment Tuesday. The premium casino resort destination expanded its senior-level team by hiring the advertising and marketing industry expert David Fausel to the role of director of advertising.

Becoming a part of the company’s C-suite, Fausel will be in charge of its strategy. At the same time, the marketing industry expert will leverage his experience and provide strategic guidance within the advertising of Mohegan Sun.

As a director of advertising, Fausel will play a pivotal role in the company’s relations with different ad agencies such as TAXI, Media Storm, as well as Mintz + Hoke. In his new role, he will also oversee and provide vital support for “All in for Mohegan,” the company’s latest ad campaign.

The Company Welcomes Fausel to the Team

George Galinsky, Mohegan’s SVP of marketing communications, welcomed Fausel back to the company. He acknowledged that this time, the marketing expert joins as a leader within the advertising team. Finally, Galinsky pointed out: “Dave’s knowledge of industry trends and range of experiences using marketing innovation to create significant business impact make him an extremely valuable asset to our Marketing Communications department.”

“We’re excited to welcome Dave ‘back’ to Mohegan Sun, this time as the leader of our Advertising team and all that it strategically encompasses.“

George Galinsky, SVP of marketing communications at Mohegan Sun

This is not the first time Fausel collaborated with Mohegan Sun. Previously, together with the popular advertisement agency, Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners, he led a “marketing modernization initiative that introduced an increase in digital, social and CRM efforts.” The innovative initiative ran between 2004 and 2010 and significantly helped Mohegan’s brand.

Overall, Fausel has more than 20 years of experience within the advertising vertical. His professional background includes collaborations with globally recognized brands such as American Express, Nike and Cisco. Additionally, Fausel has also engaged with T-Mobile, Intel and Microsoft, among other large companies.

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Kindbridge, the mental health care provider for distressed and disordered gamblers, announced the appointment of the former president of the Colorado Gaming Association, David Jacques Farahi, as executive chairman of the Board of Directors.

Help Build State-Level Relationships

The appointment of Farahi is expected to further Kindbridge’s expansion in the US by bringing his knowledge of the gambling industry, governmental and regulatory relations, to help it build relationships at the state level and provide more comprehensive care services for gamblers.

Daniel Umfleet, founder and chief executive officer of Kindbridge, expressed his excitement to have Farahi on board, pointing to his credentials that made him a perfect fit for the role and full confidence that this appointment would be key to fulfilling the company’s mission.

“His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to provide the highest quality behavioral health services to those in need,” Umfleet said.

From his previous roles as a chief operating officer of Monarch Casino & Resort and executive chairman of slot analytics provider, Quick Custom Intelligence, Farahi brings a wealth of gambling industry knowledge and experience to the position.

“I am thrilled to join the Kindbridge team and to be a part of their mission to improve the lives of people struggling with gambling and gaming disorders,” Farahi said, eager to start leveraging his gaming and healthcare industry experience “to help Kindbridge continue to innovate and provide the highest quality care for its patients.”

Leverage a Data-Driven Approach

Throughout his professional career, Farahi keenly demonstrated his ability to deliver guest experience improvements via a data-driven approach, as well as a wide range of skills in government relations, investor relations, and healthcare.

Currently licensed in dozens of US gaming jurisdictions, Kindbridge will be relying on his expertise in these areas to further its mission and advance consumer protections nationwide by embedding mental health services into the casino industry’s player journey.

Farahi also has legislative experience, having served as president of the Colorado Gaming Association from 2015 to 2021, where he was instrumental in the legislative agenda of the industry in Colorado, including three statewide ballot initiatives.

His other public and professional involvements include being a trustee of the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation since 2020, a trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and a member of the Young President’s Organization.

Last year, Kindbridge announced a ground-breaking mental health program in partnership with the NFL Players Association’s Professional Athletes Foundation aimed at improving the mental health resilience of players and providing vital mental health education.

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The company is experiencing significant hardships after losing its New South Wales and Queensland licenses, owing hundreds of millions in fines and facing several class action lawsuits. Foster’s appointment is part of an ongoing process to remedy the company’s shortcomings, ensure compliance and contest unjust allegations. The new chairman remains optimistic regarding the company’s future as he helps foster a new chapter for the group.

The Operator Is Scrambling to Reform

The past year has not been kind to the once-leading Australian casino operator. A 2021 investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and 60 Minutes revealed severe AML failings and possible ties to terrorist organizations. An official probe soon followed, confirming that The Star had severely and systematically violated numerous regulations. An apathetic response only worsened the situation, drawing the ire of authorities across Australia.

The Star faces up to $1 billion in fines and is engaged in several class action lawsuits. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) relentlessly pursues the operator’s former and current directors and executives. Furthermore, losing the NSW and Queensland licenses has severely impacted the operator’s bottom line. The ongoing turmoil has prompted The Star to elevate new, controversy-free talent to its management team.

Foster Has Experience Salvaging Struggling Enterprises

David Foster’s appointment as chairman has him replace Benjamin Heap, who is facing legal action. Heap is the last active director or executive involved in the proceedings, so his departure will hopefully signal a fresh start for the embattled operator. The former chairman was confident that his successor would help restore The Star’s damaged reputation.

I have every confidence The Star will be a powerhouse of the Australian tourism and entertainment sectors for decades to come.

Benjamin Heap, former chairman of Star Entertainment 

As chairman, Foster will be directly involved in remedying the operator’s shortcomings, hopefully restoring at least a part of its previous market position. He thanked Heap for spearheading the arduous rejuvenation process and promised to aid the renewed board of directors in the company’s journey back toward compliance.

I’m delighted to assume the role of chairman as we continue with an unwavering focus on earning back the trust of the community.

 David Foster, chairman of Star Entertainment 

Foster’s wealth of experience will be invaluable for the company’s remedial efforts. His career of over 25 years in the financial services sector saw him take the reins of Suncorp Bank, salvaging it from the consequences of the global financial crisis and steering it back into stability. Such experience is just what The Star needs to turn things around and recapture its former glory.

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