Mohegan, a major entertainment and gaming resort company, has named Nelson Parker as chief strategy officer — a move that represents a significant part of Mohegan’s strategic growth plan. Before being promoted to this position, Parker was senior vice president of strategic development.

Parker Brings Gaming and Hospitality Expertise to Mohegan

Parker came to Mohegan in 2022 after working in different senior-level roles within the gaming and hospitality industries. He was also previously employed at Driftwood Capital as managing director, where he oversaw investments made by its private equity fund focused on hotels.

Additionally, he served as senior VP of corporate development for Penn National Gaming and held various positions such as SVP hotel and casino development at Hard Rock International, vice president of development at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and corporate director of development at Argosy Gaming.

Ray Pineault, president and chief executive officer of Mohegan, welcomed Parker by saying: “Nelson has vast experience and a proven track record in strategic development and growth within the gaming and hospitality sectors. His skills will be invaluable as we continue to expand our footprint globally and explore new opportunities.”

In his new capacity with the organization, Parker will play a key role in identifying global growth opportunities, evaluating their viability and leading all necessary steps to forge these new frontiers. This will entail critically contributing toward future expansion efforts through capital planning while initiating vetting processes which will ensure successful realization across the board. He is expected to work closely with the top management team so that they can aligns strategic initiatives with the long term vision of the firm.

Nelson Parker Joins Executive Team to Drive Global Expansion

Parker who could not hide his excitement about taking up this post added: “I am honored to be a part of Mohegan’s executive leadership team and contribute to the company’s dynamic growth and strategic vision. Leveraging my experience in the gaming and hospitality sectors, I look forward to identifying new opportunities and driving initiatives that will enhance our offerings and expand our global footprint.”

Mohegan has recently made significant strides in expanding its reach, notably with the opening of the INSPIRE resort in Incheon, South Korea, a $1.6 billion project that marks the company’s first foray into Asia. 

Within Mohegan, the promotion of Nelson Parker as part of the bigger trend of strengthening the company’s leadership. Earlier in the year, Joe Hasson was appointed as the interim chief operating officer while Ari Glazer became the chief financial officer, all aimed at building a strong management team during significant growth stages.

In the United States, Canada and Northern Asia, Mohegan runs first-class entertainment resorts. In the US alone there are five such facilities located in various places including Washington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada. The company’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, delivers advanced online gaming solutions to a global audience. Mohegan also owns and operates the Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA.

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Pioneering cashless payment innovators Koin and Marker Trax have appointed veteran legal counsel Mark D. Hemmerle as their new Chief Legal Officer. Hemmerle’s extensive executive experience marks a strategic move for both companies in furthering their market presence as they aim to expand their presence in new markets while retaining their trademark reliability and forward-thinking approach.

The Two Companies Strive for Enduring Success

Koin and Marker Trax are helmed by CEO Gary Ellis and offer innovative payment services primarily targeting the gambling sector. Koin boasts an extensive digital payments ecosystem, simplifying payment and cash-out activities. Meanwhile, Marker Trax introduces a cashless, regulatory-compliant casino marker technology, aiming to streamline issuing advances as it empowers casinos with efficient credit underwriting and repayments.

Hemmerle’s expertise at the intersection of emerging technologies and compliance aligns seamlessly with the companies’ dedication to revolutionizing cashless payments. His addition to the leadership promises to guide Koin and Marker Trax as they spearhead advancements in the gaming industry, particularly in deploying their B2C brand Moolah Play, and advancing cashless casino credit solutions.

Mark’s unique combination of gaming expertise and legal acumen makes him a key figure in guiding our company through this phase of exceptional growth.

Charlie Skinner, Marker Trax President

Koin and Marker Trax experienced substantial expansion in 2023, penetrating new markets like Philadelphia and Northern Nevada with their cashless credit and digital wallet solutions. The July partnership with Graton Casino & Resort highlighted the success of Marker Trax’s product as a sound way to ensure growth and sustainability within the gaming industry.

Hemmerle Is Well-Versed in Solving Compliance Challenges

Before joining Koin and Marker Trax, Hemmerle was the VP of Gaming and compliance Counsel at Shift4 Payments, another leader in commerce-enabling technology. He also boasts significant expertise within the gambling sector, working for high-profile casinos and providing consulting services. Hemmerle’s understanding of the industry makes him an invaluable addition as Koin and Marker Trax seek to partner with leading operators.

A June collaboration between Koin and prominent casino management technology company Table Trac demonstrated the necessity for somebody of Hemmerle’s caliber as it significantly expanded the company’s reach. The US presents a very challenging landscape, as keeping up with shifting regulatory requirements in each state demands a particular set of talents that is hard to come by.

The strategic hiring of Hemmerle signals a seamless transition into 2024, ensuring operational efficiency and sustained growth as Koin and Marker Trax seek to maintain momentum and secure new partnerships. His addition will foster continued innovation, marking a significant stride toward revolutionizing cashless payments in the gaming industry.

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Affiliate performance marketing specialist Raketech has announced a major new addition to its leadership team. As reported by the company, it welcomed the experienced Dalia Turner as its new chief people officer.

Turner started her term as Raketech’s CPO on December 5 and will leverage her experience and talent to support the global senior management team. In her new role, she will be responsible for strategic HR leadership across the affiliate’s global workforce. She will also be tasked with reinforcing the company culture and supporting Raketech’s growth.

The new appointee joins Raketech from Feedzai, a fraud-detection data science company. Her time with the latter saw her expand the company’s team from 300 to 600 employees.

Before her tenure at Feedzai, Turner worked for the global tech corporation Microsoft, spending time with the company in both Portugal and the APAC region. During her time with the tech giant, Turner was responsible for people strategy talent and performance management, leadership development and the organizational culture across multiple countries.

Turner’s time at Microsoft also saw her serve as the business partner of the regional commercial leadership team of 1500 people.

Raketech’s CEO Welcomed the New Hire on Board

Turner is the latest new addition to Raketech in a string of recent appointments. Before onboarding the new chief people officer, the company also unveiled new additions to its board of directors.

Oskar Mühlbach, Raketech’s chief executive officer, commented on the latest appointment, welcoming Turner to the company’s global senior management team. He praised her extensive international experience in Europe and beyond, saying that she would bring “valuable insights, know-how, networks and strategies” to the company.

I’m very much looking forward to working together with Dalia to ensure Raketech stays attractive to the best talents in the industry while keeping our entrepreneurial culture.

Oskar Mühlbach, CEO, Raketech

For reference, Raketech is a leading online affiliate and content marketing company that boasts significant experience in supplying comparison services for sports and gaming, online guides, communities, and social media products. The company’s goal is to guide sports and gambling aficionados to the services most suitable to their needs.

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A Spanish police officer has been sentenced for embezzling money to gamble. The man will now serve a five-month suspended prison sentence and a 10-month disqualification period.

The incident happened in 2020 when the man and his team cracked down on an illegal drug operation. At the scene, the officer and his colleagues seized bags of marijuana and almost $10,000 in cash.

Instead of safeguarding the cash found at the scene, the officer decided to appropriate it when his colleagues were not looking. Eight hours later, the man proceeded to treat himself at a local casino with the money he embezzled. To make matters worse, the police officer hit a streak of losses, eventually returning home with none of the cash he had hoped to earn. 

The police later asked the man to return the seized items. After he handed only the drugs, his suspicious colleagues reported the incident, leading to an investigation into the matter. In the end, the police officer’s crime came to light.

The man was able to return the money, which, luckily for him, was a major mitigating factor, leading to a much lighter sentence. As a result, he was only handed a suspended sentence. However, the prosecution can still try to appeal the decision.

More Recent Criminal Activities in the Gambling Sector

In other news, Binance Holdings, the world’s largest crypto exchange, admitted to violating anti-money laundering regulations in the United States. The company intentionally focused on profits, neglecting its AML responsibilities. As a result of its guilty plea, Binance will have to pay $4 billion to resolve the investigation.

Changpeng Zhao, the company’s founder and chief executive officer, resigned from his position as a result of the case. 

Elsewhere, a fatal shooting occurred at Osage Casino & Hotel in the United States where an alleged car and credit card thief tried to escape from the police. According to reports from local news outlets, the man was fatally shot by a bystander while he was trying to escape with a car and dragging a police officer who had been trying to stop him across the pavement.

The identities of the deceased person and the shooter are yet to be revealed as of the time of this writing.

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Malta-based company that provides entertainment to the online casino industry via its premium gaming products, PressEnter Group, has announced it would be strengthening its senior management by adding industry veteran Phillip Bells to the team. 

Appointed as the new chief commercial officer, Bell will join the group that incorporates brands like NitroCasino, XLBet, UltraCasino, JustSpinat, and 21.com at a busy time following its effective Management Buyout (MBO) toward the end of 2022.

Phillip to Support the Group’s Long-Term Plans

Ever since the MBO took place, the company used the leadership of chief executive officer Lahcene Merzoug and his management team to optimize all operations while promoting an entrepreneurial culture able to penetrate all aspects of the group. 

In this particular context, Bell’s appointment is expected to further help the group reach its long-term scalability and sustainable growth plans. 

From his new position, Bell will be responsible for drawing up and implementing a series of optimized strategies aimed at business and commercial growth both in the short and long run.

In this regard, the new CCO will use his impressive track record and experience as head of partnerships at the QiH Group as well as his marketing and commercial positions at iconic industry operators like Ladbrokes, Esports Entertainment Group, and Argyll Entertainment.

CEO Lahcene praised Bell’s successful activity across the previous companies he worked for, calling him “a great addition” to the group’s currently “incredibly strong senior management team.”

“An Honor and an Adventure” to Take on the Role

Bell called it “both an honor and an adventure” to accept the new position as CCO at PressEnter Group while expressing delight for being part of the “forward-thinking business during such an important chapter.”

While only having spent a short time with the company, Bell explained that he was able to witness its brilliance first-hand while collaborating with the “creative, talented, and innovative team.” 

The new CCO also explained that he was prepared to provide his personal input and experience with the purpose of driving innovation and promoting quicker growth rates while making sure the group remains a “trailblazer in the industry.”

In March, popular game provider Swintt entered a new agreement with PressEnter, with the purpose of using the latter’s fast-developing network of online casinos to enter fresh markets and strengthen its foothold there. 

In December 2022, PressEnter launched CasinoFest, a new casino meant to disrupt the iGaming industry and provide a fresh way of enjoying online casino gameplay. 

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The global leader in digital payments and financial technology, MiFinity, announced a new senior-level appointment Tuesday. The company revealed that it hired Jim Purcell, an expert with significant financial experience, to the role of chief operating officer (COO). Becoming a part of MiFinity, he brings extensive experience after holding senior-level roles and overseeing the growth of both public and private companies.

As COO, Purcell is expected to propel the company’s expansion and contribute toward its success and growth on a global scale. He brings unique knowledge and a wide range of skills, making him crucial to MiFinity’s expansion. The appointment of Purcell comes at a time when the company plans to keep its accumulated positive momentum, engaging with new partners across the globe and offering best-in-class payment solutions to a market that continues to grow.

Strengthening its C-suite, MiFinity will continue its expansion into the dynamic PayTech vertical, supported by the knowledge and strategic guidance provided by Purcell. Undoubtedly, the strategic insights and experience he brings will make him an important asset for the company and its future expansion.

The New COO Brings Unique Insights and Experience

Overall, Purcell brings more than 25 years of experience and knowledge within the software and technology verticals. Before joining MiFinity, he was a part of the publicly traded online gambling operator, EBET. During his tenure with the company, he held the role of chief financial officer, overseeing strategies and important aspects of the company’s financial operations. Under Purcell’s guidance, EBET was able to significantly scale up its operations from a start-up to a company with more than $60 million in revenue.

Additionally, he held important roles for globally recognized companies, including Cryptologic Ltd, Viatel and Ocuco. Throughout his career, Purcell was able to accumulate unique skills and knowledge that are undoubtedly going to help him with the new COO role at MiFinity.

“Business is a competitive space, and the difference between who succeeds and who perishes is a leader with a strong vision. We have no doubts that Jim is such a leader.“

Paul Kavanagh, CEO at MiFinity

Paul Kavanagh, MiFinity’s CEO, was delighted to see Purcell join the company’s C-suite. He spoke about the competitive business vertical, acknowledging the leadership qualities of Purcell. Finally, Kavanagh explained that the appointment of the new COO represents an important step in MiFinity’s plan for future growth.

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Sisal, the leading online gambling operator that is a part of Flutter Entertainment, announced an important C-suite appointment. The company revealed on Friday that it selected the seasoned expert with significant organizational and HR experience, Sian Carson, for the role of chief people officer. Joining Sisal’s C-suite, she is expected to oversee strategic processes related to the company’s growth in Italy and abroad. Moreover, the appointment complements the operator’s global expansion and development strategy.

Carson brings extensive knowledge and a variety of skills to Sisal. Her strategic guidance is expected to propel the company’s expansion. Currently, Sisal has a presence in several countries and has some 3,000 employees. As a renowned operator with a strong footprint in Italy, the company has established operations in other jurisdictions such as Tunisia, Turkey, Albania, as well as Morocco.

A University of Melbourne graduate in Humanities and Economics, Carson’s professional career in the financial sector began in Italy. At the time, she held different HR roles with UniCredit Group. Back in 2013, she became a part of Flutter Group. Initially, Carson held different roles, overseeing operations of Flutter’s Sportsbet division with brands such as Betfair and Paddy Power. Notably, she held the role of chief people officer where she was able to accumulate unique knowledge and insights.

The latest announcement by Sisal comes after late last month, Flutter confirmed it agreed to acquire a 51% stake in MaxBet, a leading gaming and betting operator in Serbia. The announced deal had a price tag of €141 million ($148.6 million) and the company confirmed that it anticipates acquiring the remaining 49% stake in the operator at some point in 2029.

Carson Is Delighted to Join Sisal

In a statement, Carson shared her excitement about her new role at Sisal. She said that she is proud to join the company at such an important moment and bring her strategic knowledge and guidance. Carson praised the efforts of Sisal’s more than 3,000 employees, explaining that growth and expansion are important for the company. Finally, Carson said: “Sisal’s multinational profile will give us the opportunity to work on issues of diversity and inclusion in all its aspects, with the goal of becoming a leading company in these issues.”

“I am delighted to enthusiastically welcome this new professional challenge in a group that employs more than 3 thousand people in 5 different countries and with an ambition of continuous growth in the near future, strong in its strategy that has always put people at the center.“

Sian Carson, chief people officer at Sisal

Francesco Durante, Sisal’s CEO, shared his excitement and welcomed her to the company’s C-suite. According to him, Carson brings the relevant experience and knowledge to propel Sisal’s future growth in Italy and abroad. Finally, Durante spoke about the importance of investing in people and skills for the future of international companies.

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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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A former Las Vegas police officer, Caleb M. Rogers, was handed a 12-year federal prison sentence by US District Judge Andrew P. Gordon on October 17, concluding a trial that exposed a shocking tale of casino robberies. 

Las Vegas Heist Mastermind Rogers Shakes City’s Casinos with Daring Crime Spree

Rogers, 35, was found guilty of robbing three prominent casinos in Las Vegas, amassing a staggering sum exceeding $160,000. The daring heists, occurring between November 2021 and February 2022, left the city’s glittering casinos rattled, reported The Associated Press.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Rogers, donned in black latex gloves, dark clothing, and a mask, executed his meticulously planned operations with ruthless precision. His modus operandi involved brazenly approaching casino cashier cages and menacingly demanding money while feigning possession of a concealed weapon. Rogers’ criminal spree included successful heists at the Red Rock Casino Resort, Aliante Casino & Hotel, and the iconic Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino near the Las Vegas Strip.

Rogers brandished a service firearm during the Rio Casino robbery, further escalating the gravity of his crimes. His arrest on February 27, 2022, ended in a struggle with casino security officers in a parking lot, not far from the Las Vegas Strip. Despite being outnumbered, Rogers threatened to shoot the officers before being apprehended. The arrest left one security guard so shaken that he resigned, illustrating the profound impact of the incident on those involved.

From Respected Officer to Criminal Mastermind

Rogers, a once-respected member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, had fallen victim to a severe gambling addiction and mounting financial pressures, which prosecutors argued drove him to desperate measures. 

His younger brother, Josiah Rogers, provided damning testimony during the trial, recounting the details of the Red Rock Casino robbery, where they made away with approximately $73,810. Josiah Rogers, testifying under immunity, described the rehearsal, meticulous planning, and subsequent division of the stolen money in their shared apartment.

The sentencing, which took place in a federal courtroom, was attended by Rogers’ mother, Crystal Rogers, who expressed disappointment over her son’s actions. Rogers, showing remorse, apologized for his crimes and spoke of the impact on his family and loved ones. 

Judge Gordon acknowledged Rogers’ service to the community but underscored the gravity of his offenses, emphasizing that Rogers had allowed his demons to overpower him, leading him down a path of armed robbery. Rogers’ defense attorney, Richard Pocker, stated that they planned to appeal the convictions and the sentence, particularly challenging the government’s evidence linking his client to two of the robberies.

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Leading provider of player account management (PAM) platform services for sportsbook and iGaming operators, Soft2Bet, has appointed Martin Collins as its Chief Business Development Officer. Collins brings a wealth of experience in the iGaming sector and will drive Soft2Bet’s growth and expansion in the global B2B betting and gaming markets, helping the company stand out amidst harsh competition.

Collins Is a Perfect Fit for This Demanding Position

Soft2Bet, headquartered in Santa Venera, Malta, has a strong presence in European regulated markets and aims to grow its footprint in the B2B segment of the global betting and gaming industry. The company has achieved considerable momentum, finalizing several high-profile partnerships to strengthen its position in its most profitable jurisdictions.

The appointment of Martin Collins as Chief Business Development Officer underscores Soft2Bet’s commitment to achieving its growth plans. The new C-level addition has an impressive track record in the iGaming industry, making him an ideal candidate for this leadership role. Collins was excited to begin, noting that the company was in the perfect position to capitalize on its success.

I believe Soft2bet can be a unique and flexible offering to many major operators in the market, consistently working with their customers to help them achieve their goals.

Martin Collins, Soft2bet Chief Business Development Officer

Collins previously worked as Director of Sales and Business Development at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), another Malta-based betting and gaming solution provider. His two decades of relevant experience have fostered a passion and drive to help organizations flourish. Collins’ strategic skills should be invaluable for Soft2bet as he helps the company identify new business opportunities and pursue further growth.

The Company Will Use His Talents to Pursue New Heights

Soft2bet bolsters its leadership team during a pivotal moment as it recently obtained operating licenses for several high-profile European markets like Greece and Romania. Expanding into these new jurisdictions provides the leading supplier with unparalleled opportunities to bring value to operators, accelerating their growth. Soft2bet’s continued investments in its software and technology should allow it to find traction in these markets.

Collins’ appointment will also be instrumental in developing existing markets like Italy. Soft2bet recently secured a stable foothold in the region, giving it direct access to its thriving gambling industry. Soft2Bet CEO Uri Poliavich was enthusiastic about the new appointment, hoping the new CBDO would help the company maintain its impressive momentum.

We’re happy to welcome Martin to Soft2Bet and are looking forward to his vast experience and deep knowledge of our sector getting us to the next level!

Uri Poliavich, Soft2Bet CEO

By onboarding Martin Collins as Chief Business Development Officer, Soft2Bet positions itself for continued growth and success in the international B2B betting and gaming markets. The company’s customer-centric approach and unrelenting focus on innovation allow it to consistently iterate and improve its offering, paving the way for new strategic partnerships and enduring growth.

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