Former William Hill US CEO Joe Asher has made a swift return to the high-profile end of the business, taking up the role of President of Sports Betting at IGT, effective immediately.
Reporting to Enrico Drago, IGT CEO Digital & Betting, his new brief is to lead the ongoing expansion of the IGT PlaySports sports betting business in North American markets.
Drago commented: “The PlaySports sports betting solution is among the most widely used in the US, powering approximately 50 US sportsbooks for 20 customers across 18 states. We expect continued growth in our PlaySports business, and Joe Asher’s knowledge, experience, network and vision for sports betting are key ingredients to boosting our future success.”
Asher served as CEO of William Hill US from 2012, when the business was created, until it was sold to Caesars Entertainment Inc in April 2021. He joined the firm when it acquired Brandywine Bookmaking, a company he created as a start-up in 2008.
Expanding on how his latest role will shape up, he noted: “I’m really excited to join Enrico Drago and the IGT PlaySports team to help this business reach new heights for our customers and our shareholders.
“This is a unique moment in the North American gaming industry as sports betting is expanding rapidly and opportunities abound. I have some background working in partnership with PlaySports and I look forward to working with our team to further enhance our technology and trading capabilities to serve our existing and future customers.”
Asher’s background in the gaming industry is built on a lifelong passion for the race and sports betting business. Honored as a member of the Sports Betting Hall of Fame Class of 2021, he has held management positions at several racetracks including Brandywine Raceway, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway and Foxboro Raceway.
He was also the Wilmington News-Journal’s thoroughbred racing handicapper for Delaware Park and became the youngest track announcer in North America, calling races at Harrington, Foxboro, Brandywine and Dover Downs.
