DraftKings is aiming to bolster the operations of its online casino business with the appointment of an industry veteran to a new leadership role.
Former bet365 CEO and Head of Gaming Christian H. A. Bogstrand announced that he has joined DraftKings as the company’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of iGaming. Bogstrand joins DraftKings with more than two years of experience in the online casino business after a stint at Lucky7 Ventures as CEO. The new DraftKings executive also held a leadership role at Expekt.com as the company’s Casino and Poker Manager.
“From the fantastic teams to a strong in-house technology foundation and a company-wide focus on delivering best-in-class player experiences, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to a business that’s scaling with purpose,” said Bogstrand in a post on LinkedIn. “It’s also a place where I believe I can thrive and continue growing.”
In his new role at DraftKings, Bogstrand will provide guidance for the company’s online casino business with a focus on expanding into new markets and increasing existing market share. He will also facilitate the development and enhancement of iGaming products.
“When I first connected with DraftKings, I met a group of founders and leaders who were welcoming, focused, and deeply motivated to keep raising the bar,” continued Bogstrand. “That energy and sense of purpose made the decision to come on board easy.”
SBC Americas reached out to DraftKings for comment on Bogstrand joining the gaming giant and will update this story if a response is received.
DraftKings makes first foray into prediction markets
Bogstrand joined DraftKings just before the company announced a deal to acquire prediction market platform Railbird Technologies. The derivatives exchange, licensed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, will power DraftKings Predictions.
The product is a mobile app that will allow users to trade event contracts on finance, entertainment and culture. It will launch in the coming months with no initial plans to offer sports event contracts. The deal comes after DraftKings CEO Jason Robins told investors during earnings calls that the company was watching the prediction markets space closely.
DraftKings will leverage Railbird’s team and technology to build the trading platform.
