The end of April closes a busy month for the U.S. commercial gaming industry.
Each week, SBC Americas highlights the latest leadership hires, promotions, and exits in North American gaming.
Sportradar hires new executive
Sportradar added a key cog to its organizational structure this week with the appointment of Sameer Deen as Chief Operating Officer.
Deen will officially assume the role on May 18 and joins Sportradar after spending nearly five years at Entain in various roles, most recently as the gaming company’s Group Chief Commercial Officer and President. He also has extensive experience in media, having served as a director at NBCUniversal and an executive at Univision.
“We are thrilled to have Sameer join our executive team at such a transformative time for our industry,” said Sportradar Chief Executive Officer Carsten Koerl. “With his expertise in sports betting and digital media, combined with a proven ability to scale businesses and build top-performing teams, he is well-positioned to drive and optimize our commercial operations and partnerships forward.”
Deen will report to Koerl in his new leadership role at Sportradar.
“The executive leadership team and I look forward to partnering with Sameer, who will be instrumental in driving our commercial efforts and optimizing our operations,” said Koerl during the company’s Q1 2026 earnings call on Tuesday.
Former Bragg Gaming director starts new venture
Former Bragg Gaming Group Director of Content Doug Fallon ended his 10-year tenure at the gaming giant in March to launch a new gaming studio this week. Fallon kick-started Beyond Wild Games after founding Wild Streak Gaming, which is now under the Bragg umbrella, a decade ago.
“Since founding Wild Streak Gaming 10 years ago, I’m incredibly proud of what our team accomplished,” said Fallon in a LinkedIn post. “Building the studio from the ground up to its acquisition by Bragg Gaming Group, we launched more than 90 titles across Bragg (plenty more in progress) and with outstanding partners such as Pragmatic Play and IGT.”
Wild Streak Gaming was acquired by Bragg Gaming Group in 2021 in a deal valued at $30m. Fallon is now shifting his focus to develop and scale a new content startup in gaming.
“As I look ahead, I remain deeply passionate about this industry and excited to begin the next chapter with our new studio, Beyond Wild Games,” continued Fallon.
Ainsworth Game Technology bolsters marketing team
Ainsworth Game Technology announced the appointment of Matt Smith as Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy. Smith will oversee Ainsworth’s marketing and product strategy operations in North America to expand the company’s reach in the market. He will also be responsible for ensuring Ainsworth provides innovative content.
“Matt’s combination of operator insight and product leadership makes him an exceptional addition to our team,” said Ainsworth Acting CEO Ryan Comstock. “Matt’s expertise and proven track record is expected to positively contribute to current product strategies and strengthen our position in the market”.
Smith joins Ainsworth after eight years at IGT, most recently as Director of Premium Product Management. He brings an expertise in gaming to Ainsworth with additional roles in gaming as a former manager at Bellagio and time at MGM Resorts International.
Hard Rock promotes member of sales team to SVP status
Hard Rock International has elevated Morgan Lexis to Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Lexis most recently served as VP of Sales, a position she had held since 2024. In her new role, Lexis will oversee Hard Rock’s global sales for over 30 properties.
“Morgan’s promotion is a reflection of her remarkable contributions to Hard Rock and her proven ability to create exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Hard Rock International COO Jeff Hook. “Her expertise in sales operations, combined with her extensive knowledge of our portfolio and tenure in the Las Vegas market, has positioned her to lead our global sales strategy into the future”.
Lexis has an extensive background in gaming with previous stops in sales positions at The Mirage, Luxor Hotel & Casino, Bellagio and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Alberta iGaming Corporation removes interim tag
Finally, up north, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) has named Dan Keene as its permanent CEO after he agreed to an interim contract in January. Keene was tapped as the AiGC’s CEO as Alberta prepares to welcome commercial operators to an open market later this year.
Keene will lead the AiGC’s efforts in overseeing iGaming in Alberta. Meanwhile, online gaming in the province will be regulated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, where Keene was previously VP of Gaming.
