The gaming and prediction market industries are experiencing rapid changes, reflected not just in their products but also in leadership dynamics. Each week, SBC Americas monitors significant hires and shifts among operators and suppliers throughout North America.
At Crypto.com’s Derivatives North America (CDNA), the company is seeing another high-profile departure. Chief Technology Officer Steve Goodsell has announced his exit after joining the firm in March 2022. He indicated on LinkedIn that his departure was part of a company-wide cost-saving strategy, noting, “Sadly, due to yet another cost saving round in the parent company, my time at NADEX/CDNA has come to an involuntary end.”
Goodsell marks the fourth executive exit from CDNA in the past year, following the departures of CEO Travis McGhee, Chief Compliance and Regulatory Officer Kevin Dan, and Chief Risk Officer Wen Jiang.
In a separate move, Hard Rock Digital has made strategic hires to bolster its Canadian market presence. Following the launch of Hard Rock Bet in Ontario — its first expansion beyond the U.S. in July — the company has brought in Paul Adams from BetMGM, where he was senior manager of casino operations. Adams has taken on the role of director of Ontario revenue, expressing enthusiasm about joining the Hard Rock team and the opportunities ahead.
Hard Rock Bet launched its sportsbook and casino platform in Ontario on July 22, making it the third North American market where the operator provides both online sports betting and iGaming. Additionally, Hard Rock International operates a physical casino in Ottawa.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has made significant board appointments, electing Dr. Ida Magdalena López of Argentina to its board of trustees. IAGR Vice President Brian Krolicki stated that her leadership will provide a unique perspective crucial for the organization as it engages with global regulatory issues. Dr. López has served as president of the Instituto Provincial de Juegos y Casinos de Mendoza since 2019 and is recognized for modernizing Argentina’s gaming regulations.
Midnite is also ramping up its presence in Canada, as the company confirmed its plans to enter regulated markets. The firm has appointed former FanDuel Canada Commercial Director Dale Tang to spearhead its expansion initiatives, alongside a recent hiring of Willie Lok, the former VP of Product for Casino & Loyalty at FanDuel, to enhance their casino offerings.
Lok’s expertise is expected to significantly aid Midnite as it strives to elevate its profile in the gaming sector. Founder and CEO Nick Wright highlighted the ambition to become a leading global operator in this regard.
In another development, Onyx Odds, a registered introducing broker, has appointed Nicholas Green as its first general counsel. Green, who previously served as General Counsel at Underdog, will oversee legal and compliance matters as Onyx ramps up its prediction markets operations. The company, which secured $20 million in a Series A funding round in June, is in the process of developing its prediction market product.
Lastly, Michael Waterfield, the former Senior Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Strategy at White Hat Studios, has transitioned to become the Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games. His tenure at White Hat saw considerable expansion of the gaming studio across North America, and he will now lead commercial strategy at Booming Games, which aims for regulatory approvals across key global markets over the next two years.
