Michael Z. Hermalyn, Fanatics VIP president and former SVP of growth at DraftKings, was temporarily prohibited from disclosing any sensitive information obtained from his former employer to his new employer. The temporary restraining order was issued on Thursday and while it restricted Hermalyn from using any confidential information or soliciting with DraftKings employees or clients, he was not prohibited from working at Fanatics.

Last week, Hermalyn, filed a lawsuit against his former employer. In his legal claim, the executive challenged a non-compete policy he signed off on with DraftKings. Hermalyn alleged that the policy was overly restrictive and unenforceable for California where he currently resides. The legal action was filed after he resigned from the leading betting and gaming operator.

Responding to the claim, DraftKings alleged that its former employee conspired with his new employer, agreeing to obtain insider information. Allegedly, this information was related to the upcoming Super Bowl and contained marketing plans that may benefit Fanatics and negatively impact DraftKings. Not unexpectedly, Fanatics VIP denied those allegations, labeling them “false and fabricated,” as well as “wrong and disappointing.”

Hermalyn’s Defense Denies Wrongdoing

The latest part of the legal saga effectively restricts Hermalyn from sharing any confidential information with Fanatics. The order came from US District Judge Julia Kobick after an hour-long hearing in Boston, Massachusetts. Justifying her decision, the Judge explained that there was sufficient evidence for the need for such a temporary restraining order, adding that she wanted “to preserve the status quo until more of the facts can be determined,” as announced by The Boston Globe.

Under the order, Hermalyn was also directed to return any confidential information belonging to DraftKings within three days and submit in written form details regarding any confidential information belonging to the company that may have been disclosed to third parties.

During the latest hearing, Hermalyn’s defense layer, Russell Beck, rejected claims of any wrongdoing. He added that his client returned all computer equipment belonging to his former employer. The temporary restraining order is likely to remain in effect through April when a hearing for DraftKings is scheduled.

“We are pleased that the judge granted a temporary restraining order in favor of DraftKings ordering Mr. Hermalyn not to solicit DraftKings employees or customers, and not to use any confidential company information,“

explains a spokesperson for DraftKings

A spokesperson for DraftKings revealed that the company is pleased with the recently granted temporary restraining order for Hermalyn. They acknowledged the importance of the order that would prevent the former employee from using any confidential information or soliciting with DraftKings’ current customers or employees.

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A former DraftKings executive is challenging non-compete agreements he signed with his employer. The legal case, filed by Michael Z. Hermalyn, Fanatics VIP’s president and former senior vice president of growth at DraftKings, was filed Thursday. In his lawsuit, the executive argues that the non-compete policies he agreed to with his former employer are unenforceable and overly restrictive in California.

Hermalyn initially joined DraftKings back in September 2020. His former employer learned about the lawsuit shortly after he submitted his resignation recently. Per Hermalyn’s non-compete agreement with DraftKings, he is not allowed to engage in employment within the gaming and betting vertical, an industry where he spent nearly two decades, a report released by Daily Journal reveals.

Additionally, Hermalyn is prohibited from working in gaming and fantasy sports along with other related industries or communicating with former co-workers or clients under a 12-month non-compete clause in his contract. Ultimately, the plaintiff anticipates a court’s decision that would enable him to void the aforementioned non-compete clauses, allowing him to engage in further employment in the sector.

“These sweeping provisions purport to prohibit Mr Hermalyn from being employed in the betting and gaming space in which he has worked for 16 years, from engaging in any work pertaining to fantasy sports, betting and gaming, and other various industries, and from communicating with his former clients and co-workers,“

reads the lawsuit filed by Michael Hermalyn

Supporting his statement that the non-compete clause is unenforceable, Hermalyn explained that before filing the lawsuit, he relocated his domicile to Los Angeles, California, where he entered into a rental agreement for an apartment and purchased a car. Moreover, Hermalyn said he plans to relocate his children to Los Angeles.

The Betting and Gaming Giant Responds to the Lawsuit

The leading betting and gaming company argued that Hermalyn’s lawsuit wasn’t filed properly in California. DraftKings cited a clause in the former employee’s contract where he agreed that a Massachusetts court would be in charge of litigation of disputes.

As a result, the gambling operator moved the case to the federal court, the US District Court for the Central District of California. In its response to Hermalyn’s legal claim, DraftKings asked the court to deny the plaintiff’s request. Moreover, the operator disputed the former employee’s “factual allegations.”

Recently, a young adult who engaged in cyber fraud against DraftKings dating back to 2022 was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The sentence came after the 19-year-old male pleaded guilty.

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) has reinforced its executive team with the appointment of the experienced Joe Maloney as senior vice president of strategic communications. In this position, the new appointee will be tasked with leading the gambling association’s communications, research, marketing and public affairs.

Maloney will officially join AGA’s team in January and will help advance key priorities for AGA members. He joins the AGA from the Washington Commanders, a professional football franchise. During his time with the team, Maloney served as vice president of public affairs and strategic communications. The position saw him spearhead the club’s external engagement, proving his expertise in communications.

As VP of public affairs for the Commanders, Maloney also steered the franchise’s legislative advocacy on sports betting in Virginia and Maryland. Thanks to this, the team was able to form key partnerships with FanDuel in Virginia and Fanatics in Maryland. Maloney was also instrumental in cementing the Washington Commanders as the first NFL team to join AGA’s “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” initiative.

Before joining the Washington Commanders, Maloney served as a partner at Locust Street Group, a full-service public affairs agency in Washington DC. During his team with LSG, Maloney led the agency’s work on G2E and AGA’s Get to Know Gaming series.

Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer, welcomed the new hire on board, saying that he will be an invaluable addition to the association’s best-in-class communications team. He described the new appointee as an “accomplished professional” who doesn’t back off when facing significant public affairs challenges.

We will benefit not only from his (from Maloney’s) depth of experience and his tireless advocacy, but his enthusiasm and energy to hit the ground running as a champion for the casino gaming industry.

Bill Miller, president & CEO, AGA

Maloney also commented on the matter, expressing his excitement about his new position. He noted that his new appointment comes at a “pivotal moment for the gaming industry.”

Maloney said: “I’m honored to join the AGA and its dedicated team at this pivotal moment for the gaming industry. The future holds great promise and I’m energized by the opportunity and challenge of communicating the remarkable benefits and economic impact of legal gaming across the country.”

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Resorts World Las Vegas, along with its former president and chief operating officer, Scott Sibella, are fighting back against a federal lawsuit filed by Robert “RJ” Cipriani. The legal team for Sibella and Resorts World has submitted a motion to a US District Court judge, urging the dismissal of the six-count lawsuit.

Resorts World Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Oversight of Illegal Gambling

Cipriani alleges that Sibella and Resorts World turned a blind eye to felons illegally gambling at the renowned Strip casino. In response, Sibella’s attorney, J. Colby Williams, argues that Cipriani has an exaggerated sense of importance on the global stage, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Cipriani, who goes by the aliases ‘Robin Hood 702’ or ‘Robinhoodvegas,’ claims to be an avid gambler, activist, and philanthropist, self-anointed to cleanse the gaming floors of high-stakes gamblers he deems a threat.

Sibella departed Resorts World in September, cited for violating company policies and the terms of his employment agreement, according to the company. The motion to dismiss asserts that Cipriani’s claims lack substance and are driven by personal vendettas rather than factual evidence.

Resorts World Las Vegas is one of the most popular properties on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Just last week the resort witnessed a surprising appearance of British royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during Katy Perry‘s concluding performance of the Play concert residency at the Resorts World Theatre. 

Cipriani Accuses Resorts World of Negligence and Conspiracy

Cipriani, seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, accuses Resorts World and Sibella of negligence, civil conspiracy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He claims to have been a patron of the 3,500-room Strip resort since its grand opening in June 2021.

Tamara Peterson, attorney for Resorts World, contends that Cipriani exhibits a pattern of inappropriate and unlawful behavior in casinos across the United States, often resulting in his barring from numerous properties. Peterson dismisses Cipriani’s allegations as frivolous and predatory litigation.

In response, Cipriani’s California-based attorney, Marshall Cole, deems the motions to dismiss mere distractions. Cole argues that Resorts World and Sibella are attempting to divert attention from the core issues of the case by launching character attacks on Cipriani. He emphasizes that such attacks have no bearing on the merits of Cipriani’s claims and only underscore the defendants’ refusal to take responsibility for their actions.

Cole anticipates responding to the dismissal motions, and the court is expected to rule on these motions within a month. Notably, in February, the Nevada Gaming Control Board concluded a year-long investigation into allegations against Sibella, determining them to be unfounded. 

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In anticipation of its grand opening on December 13, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the dazzling resort nestled on the northern stretch of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, has announced pivotal additions to its leadership team. 

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Welcomes New CFO and CAO

John Helderman, a distinguished professional with 25 years of experience in gaming, finance, and accounting, has been appointed chief financial officer of the resort. Accompanying him in the top ranks is Stacie Michaels, who has been promoted from general counsel to chief administrative officer, expanding her responsibilities to encompass legal, risk management, internal audit, compliance, and workers’ compensation functions within the organization.

Mark Tricano, President of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, expressed his confidence in the newly appointed executives, stating: “As we near our global debut, we are developing a successful culture under the guidance and perspective of seasoned leaders in gaming and beyond.” 

He emphasized the invaluable expertise that Helderman and Michaels bring to the resort. Their deep understanding of the Las Vegas market and their exceptional leadership skills align seamlessly with the vision of Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the highly anticipated 67-story casino resort on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, is to open its doors to the public on Wednesday, December 13. Despite facing delays due to economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, the resort, acquired by Fontainebleau Development and Koch Industries in 2021, secured a $2.2 billion loan last year, ensuring the completion of the ambitious project. 

Michaels and Helderman Elevate Resort’s Leadership

Having previously served as chief financial officer for The Brennan Entities, a prominent Las Vegas-based financial services operator, and in a similar capacity for Bluberi Gaming, a leading slot company, John Helderman brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His track record also includes stints as vice president of finance for multiple Las Vegas Strip resorts. Helderman is a graduate of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2022.

Stacie Michaels, a legal luminary, transitioned into her elevated role at Fontainebleau Las Vegas after a decade-long tenure in various capacities within the Las Vegas gaming and hospitality industries. Michaels, a graduate of New York Law School, earned recognition as one of Vegas Inc.’s “40 Under 40” in 2017. Apart from her professional achievements, she actively contributes to the community, serving on the board of trustees for Discovery Children’s Museum and the Meadows School.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas recently strengthened its senior-level team. Mark Tricano, a veteran with extensive experience in hospitality, gaming, and finance, was appointed as the resort’s president. Michelle Reda, another industry expert with over two decades of experience, took on the role of chief casino marketing officer, while Kimberly Virtuoso, who contributed significantly to the resort’s human resources strategy, was promoted to senior vice president of people. 

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Seminole Hard Rock strengthened its C-suite upon announcing a new executive-level appointment. The company revealed that it has selected Vincent Zahn for the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International (HRI). Joining the C-suite, he brings significant experience within the gambling vertical. In his new role as executive vice president and CFO at HRI and Seminole Gaming, Zahn will oversee strategic processes related to financial analysis and planning.

Additionally, he will oversee accounting, treasury, corporate finance, as well as risk management for HRI. Zahn’s responsibilities will include managing different enterprises under Seminole Gaming and contributing toward growth processes related to strategic development. As executive vice president and CFO, Zahn will report directly to HRI’s chairman and Seminole Gaming’s CEO, Jim Allen.

Overall, Zahn brings more than a decade of experience within different companies from the gambling vertical. Most recently, he held the role of senior vice president and treasurer at the globally recognizable gaming and entertainment company, Wynn Resorts. Zahn held the aforementioned role from 2019 through 2022.

Additionally, his professional tenure includes senior-level roles related to risk management, treasury, capital markets, investor relations and strategic development with different public gaming entertainment companies. Although his career started within the financial sector on Wall Street, Zahn quickly accumulated a wide range of knowledge and experience, which is undoubtedly going to help him in his new endeavor.

Zahn Is the Perfect Fit for the New Dual Role

The announcement comes after recently, Hard Rock confirmed its plans to open Hard Rock Casino Rockford at some point in the late summer of next year. The new location secured approval from the Illinois Gaming Board to extend its operations through November 9, 2024. It is expected to offer some 1,300 electronic gaming machines along with 44 live table games and six live poker tables.

“Vincent’s expertise and background in casino gaming and financial markets make him an invaluable asset to the global growth of our organization. We are excited to welcome him to the leadership team.“

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO at Seminole Gaming

Jim Allen, HRI’s chairman and Seminole Gaming’s CEO, welcomed Zahn to the C-suite. He explained that Zahn brings extensive experience within the financial vertical and casino industry, making him the perfect fit for the new roles. Finally, Allen said that the company is delighted to see an expert with the ranks of Zahn join the senior-level management.

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Massachusetts’ Gaming Commission (MGC) will say goodbye to executive director Karen Wells on July 14, the last day when the lead will carry the official title. Wells has announced she would be stepping down from the position at the end of a long and eventful decade spent at the wheel. 

A Friendly Closure 

The departure was most likely an amicable one, as expressed by the gushing praises that both Wells and the commission’s chair, Cathy Judd-Stein, offered to one another, as marked in the agency’s official statement regarding the news.

Wells, who received the unanimous vote to become the new executive director from MGC’s five commissioners on September 10, 2020, was described as “the model of a leader” by Judd-Stein. 

The chair, who spoke on behalf of fellow commissioners, also thanked Karen “for her contributions to the MGC over her ten years of service and for the leadership she has provided as executive director.” The regulator’s effectiveness, added Judd-Stein, was “a direct reflection of Karen’s efforts and her ability to build, motivate and direct the MGC team.” 

While getting ready to announce the process that would help them choose their new executive director at the end of a series of upcoming public meetings, the agency used the voice of its chair to praise Wells’ “strategic abilities and steady presence.” 

These, according to Judd-Stein, allowed the commission to build a sports betting industry fully committed to protecting consumers. At the start of June, the MGC assessed if the marketing tactics and language used by a Barstool promotion violated the state’s current regulations. 

Wells, “Forever Thankful for the Support”

During the same public statement, Wells took the opportunity to speak about the last ten years she “had the privilege of working” for the MGC, initially as director of the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, which is the agency’s largest department, and as executive director over the last three years. 

Describing the agency’s current core responsibilities as “operating smoothly,” Wells expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to continue its excellent work. She also said she will be “forever thankful for the support” received from commissioners, colleagues, and licensees. 

At the start of the year, prior to the launch of the market, the MGC voted in favor of including extra additions to the sports betting catalog of events that consumers would be allowed to wager on. 

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Sports betting and casino platform provider, Digitain, continued its frenzy of new appointments and promotions with the appointment of Martin Martirosyan as its new deputy chief executive officer.

Experience to Support Further Growth

The addition of Martirosyan to the senior leadership team of Digitain brings a wealth of financial industry experience to the company gained across various positions in corporate business, products and risk management for HSBC.

Digitain founder Vardes Vardanyan commented on the news, outlining that Martirosyan, brings “that wealth of experience” needed by the group of companies as the business “continues to grow globally strategically across several multiple regulated markets” and the company continues to expand its roster of B2B partnerships.

Martirosyan, who holds a Ph.D. in economics, has spent most of his professional career working at HSBC, with his most recent role as the director of corporate banking and head of wholesale banking at the bank’s subsidiary in Armenia, HSBC Bank Armenia CJSC.

His other roles at HSBC include serving for a year between October 2015 and October 2016 as the senior business risk and control manager of global commercial banking, as well as the head of wholesale credit and market risk, deputy chief risk officer and deputy head of commercial banking, among others.

Also commenting on his appointment, Martirosyan expressed how “honored” he feels to be able “to join the Digitain Group” during times when the business experiences rapid expansion of its operations across “continental Europe, the UK and beyond.”

“The business is an example of a great organization, people, and culture, and technology delivery which has been recognized with multiple international and local industry and business awards,” he said, looking forward “to being part of this next period of Digitain’s growth story over the coming months and years ahead.”

Martirosyan, who has also given lectures at the State Engineering University of Armenia, is the latest piece added to the new-look personnel puzzle at Digitain, following the opening of the group’s new office in Romania at the beginning of the year.

First, Digitain promoted its chief business officer, Simon Westbury, to the role of chief executive officer at its subsidiary, Sport Generate, and tasked him with leveraging his more than 20 years of iGaming experience to foster growth and boost brand recognition.

In February, Digitain continued the managerial reshuffle by appointing Iain Hutchison as a chief revenue officer and charging him with responsibilities to spearhead the group’s revenue growth strategy and support efforts to expand the group’s global presence in the iGaming space.

Most recently, Digitain promoted its chief technology officer, Grigor Asoyan, to group deputy CEO of technology.

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Speaking to CNBC, a media news outlet, Aristocrat CEO Hector Fernandez explained that the company’s decision to invest more heavily in the online gaming sector was not necessarily out of a fear that interactive gaming platforms are going to take over the land-based sector.

Aristocrat Sees a Dual Future for Online and Land-Based Gambling

There is a balance to be struck between the two verticals, and Fernandez feels positive that the long-term strategy Aristocrat embarks on will cover both the land-based and online gaming sectors. Physical gaming has been growing in a “robust way” of late, and it will continue to do so in the years to follow, the executive noted.

Digital and online gaming platforms are not the land-based sector killer either, Fernandez said, dismissing a popular fear that has long prevented many states and jurisdictions across the United States to embark on expanding online gambling.

Of course, there have been other fears as well – including the impact on society the mass expansion of online gambling may have if left unchecked, including an increase in problem gambling rates.

Aristocrat though has definitely appreciated the additional reach and revenue impact the company’s real money gaming (RMG) segment has had on operational results. In recent months, the Australian gaming giant has closed deals for both Roxor Gaming and NeoGames, two platforms specializing in the vertical specifically. Fernandez offered further insight into why he thought his argument was tenable.

“We do believe digital gaming will play a role. It will be a dual role, however, where a player can engage in a digital fashion but when they want that […] social interaction that you just can’t get from sitting on your phone, they will go to a land-based casino to experience that,” the chief executive said.

People Determined to Experience Land-Based Casinos No Matter What

Fernandez is fairly right to be optimistic. Entire markets and jurisdictions have begun shifting their focus from the land-based sector and gambling in general to other verticals. Macau, home to some of the biggest gambling companies and casino resorts, is now doubling down to promote the tourism industry that is tied to these resorts, without necessarily pushing casino products front and center.

Meanwhile, Fernandez said that his visit to Singapore was part of the company’s interest in exploring new opportunities for land-based gaming, including in Asia. He then paralleled how North America and Asia have reacted to COVID-19 and the subsequent reopening.

According to Fernandez, once the restrictions were lifted, and people were allowed to go somewhere and be present there physically, consumers did flock to the land-based sector rather than sitting on their phones.

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Mitko Mitev is an experienced iGaming veteran and part of the 7777 gaming family and will now take the reins over at the supplier. The executive has a long and established track record in the industry and has previously worked with Evolution, helping the global live casino supplier establish itself at the very pinnacle of the vertical.

7777 Gaming Tops New Chief Executive to Strengthen Company

He has also worked with some of the largest poker networks in the United States as well as with NetEnt in Malta. His appointment as the new chief executive at 7777 gaming comes after weeks and months of busy expansion for the company, which has secured a number of new partnerships with operators across Europe and beyond.

His appointment was welcomed by Milen Ganev, 7777 gaming co-founder, who said that the company was happy to see Mitev join it at the helm and steer it to new milestones and successes.

It’s an advantageous move for our entire team as well as our partners, thanks to his extraordinary leadership and business skills that deliver win-win results.

Milen Ganev, 7777 gaming co-founder

Ganev hailed Mitev’s well-established track record in many jurisdictions, including the United States, Latin America, and Asia. Mitev himself was very pleased with the appointment and said that 7777 gaming had a deep-rooted understanding of the B2C and B2B verticals that gave it an edge when producing and delivering games.

Mitev will be in charge of the company’s commercial, iGaming and tech professionals as he continues to forward 7777’s mission which is to disrupt the status quo in the industry and transform the online casino experience for all. 7777 gaming is also gaining momentum in verticals such as lottery products and instant win games.

7777 Gaming has expanded its content distribution capacity most recently with two important partnerships in the industry – one with 1×2 Network and one with EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine. The company was also recently shortlisted in two categories at the BSG Awards 2023.

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