July is quickly coming to a close and North America’s gaming industry is continuing to undergo constant change.
Each week, SBC Americas details the latest hires and exits for the largest players in U.S. commercial gaming.
Key executive leaves Light & Wonder
Light & Wonder is on the search for a new chief product officer of iGaming and vice president of product amid the departure of Eoghan O’Dwyer. The former Light & Wonder executive joined the company in January 2024, marking his first leadership role in gaming.
“I’ve finished up at Light & Wonder, bringing to a close a very rewarding period leading the iGaming Product organization,” said O’Dwyer in a LinkedIn post.
“I’m proud of what we achieved during that time. We launched new products and rebuilt legacy ones, won important new customers, and put more focus on the value our products created for existing customers.”
Before joining Light & Wonder, O’Dwyer spent two years at Virgin Media 02 as a director of digital value creation and commercial growth. He also spent nearly a decade at business consulting giant Alvarez & Marsal as a senior director of transformation and performance improvement.
CCT hires new CPO
On Wednesday gambling software company Casino Cash Trac (CCT) appointed Adam Fong as the company’s new chief product officer. In his new role, Fong is responsible for overseeing CCT’s product management and developing a long-term roadmap for product development. He will also facilitate the company’s implementation of AI.
“As CCT continues to grow, we wanted a product leader who understands both the technology behind our platform and the real-world challenges our customers face every day,” said CCT CEO Kurt Williams. “Adam has built his career at that intersection. His experience will strengthen our product strategy, accelerate innovation, and help us continue delivering solutions that create meaningful value for casino operators.”
Fong brings extensive gaming experience to CCT, having previously held executive roles at Everi Holdings, Inc. Most recently, he spent five years as a senior VP of product management. Fong also had stints at BMM Compliance and Global Cash Access.
NCLGS finds new leadership
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) has a new president following the election of Georgia Rep. Al Williams to the role. Williams was elected earlier this month during NCLGS summer meeting in San Diego and is familiar with leading the council, having served as a president-elect since 2023. Williams is replacing West Virginia Delegate Shawn Fluharty, who will now serve as an officer for the 2026-27 annual period.
“I am deeply honored to serve as President of NCLGS and grateful for the confidence my fellow legislators have placed in me,” said Williams.
“For more than two decades, I’ve worked to ensure that Georgia and states across the country approach gaming with integrity, responsibility, and a clear understanding of how these policies affect our communities. NCLGS is the only organization where lawmakers can come together openly and constructively to examine the fast‑changing gaming landscape.”
In addition to Williams, NCLGS members elected four officers to several roles:
1st Vice President: West Virginia Sen. Jason Barrett
2nd Vice President: Massachusetts Rep. Michael Finn
Secretary: Kansas Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton
Treasurer: Ohio Sen. Bill DeMora
PHAI commits to gambling policy
Earlier this week, the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) hired its first international consultant on gambling policy, with Dr. Matt Gaskell assuming the role.
Gaskell is currently a clinical lead for gambling harm clinics in the UK and brings a wealth of experience in gambling harm prevention and policy to the PHAI.
“I am honored to join PHAI and bring my expertise to protecting the public from the unacceptable harms associated with the modern commercial gambling industry and its sports partners,” said Gaskell. “I look forward to bringing my expertise and strategic planning to PHAI, working alongside Dr. Richard Daynard, Professor Mark Gottlieb, and Dr. Harry Levant to further PHAI’s work in the months and years to come.”
Gaskell is also a member of the World Health Organization’s Expert Group on Gambling.
