Changes in personnel are a common feature across industries, and the gaming sector is no exception. Each Thursday, SBC Americas highlights significant appointments, departures, and other leadership shifts within the U.S. gambling and prediction markets.
Polymarket, a company known for its prediction markets, has appointed its first chief financial officer. Veteran executive Warren Jenson has taken on this role, as reported by Bloomberg. Jenson, 69, was previously CFO and President at Nielsen, and he held key positions at Amazon and Electronic Arts in their early years. He is also a board member of several organizations, including Dropbox.
Polymarket’s CEO Shayne Coplan expressed confidence in Jenson's capabilities, stating, "Warren has led finance at some of the most consequential companies in the world, and his experience will be critical to everything we build from here."
This appointment occurs alongside rumors of a new funding round led by venture capital firm 1789 Capital, which reportedly values Polymarket at $21 billion. Donald Trump Jr., an advisor to Polymarket, is a partner at 1789 Capital.
In a contrasting development, Bally’s Corporation announced the departure of its CFO, Mira Mircheva, just weeks after the firm acknowledged significant doubts regarding its liquidity and debt resolution. Mircheva, who is also an executive vice president, will leave her positions effective September 30 due to personal reasons. On September 4, Bally's appointed George Papanier, the company's President, as interim CFO while searching for a permanent replacement. Bally’s CEO Robeson Reeves praised Mircheva’s dedication and highlighted Papanier's extensive experience within the company.
Bally’s operates 20 casinos across 11 U.S. states and runs the Bally Bet online sportsbook and casino in 15 jurisdictions in North America. The company has been exploring various financing options to enhance its liquidity, including asset sales, equity issuance, and debt restructuring, as significant doubt remains about its viability as a going concern. Bally's stock has plummeted 52%, falling from more than $19 in October 2025 to $9 this week.
In another notable hire, Allwyn, a global lottery operator, appointed Francesco Rodano as its group head of responsible gaming. Rodano, who spent ten years at Playtech, brings extensive expertise in public policy and regulatory matters to his new role. At Playtech, he led initiatives focused on player protection and sustainability, including the implementation of an AI-driven behavioral analytics platform.
Rodano expressed enthusiasm for joining Allwyn, aiming to build upon the responsible gaming initiatives already established by the company. Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal emphasized that Rodano's experience reflects the company's commitment to ensuring safe gaming practices for all users.
Moreover, this appointment follows Allwyn's recent $1.5 billion acquisition of a majority stake in PrizePicks, a daily fantasy sports operator. Earlier this year, Allwyn also recruited Khalid Reede Jones, ex-executive director of the Virginia Lottery, as CEO of Allwyn North America, which now operates as a lottery provider with significant partnerships, including an exclusive deal with the Illinois Lottery.
Light & Wonder's Managing Director of Global Partnerships, Stuart Banks, announced his departure after nearly a decade with the company, having previously led the startup gaming studio Playzido. Banks did not confirm his future plans but reflected on the valuable partnerships he cultivated during his tenure.
Lastly, Michael Gianaris, a recently retired New York state senator, has joined the Metropolitan Park casino project as senior vice president of external relations. This $8 billion project, which is spearheaded by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, was one of three awarded licenses to develop casino resorts in New York City by the New York State Gaming Commission. Gianaris will work with community stakeholders as the project progresses, which aims to complete construction by 2030, despite the financial challenges faced by partners like Bally's.
