International Game Technology (IGT) announces a new addition to the IGT PlaySports team.
IGT is pleased to announce Joe Asher was appointed president of sports betting, effective Oct 1, 2021. The former William Hill CEO will report directly to Enrico Drago, IGT’s CEO of digital and betting.
Asher to lead ongoing expansion
Lately, IGT PlaySports has been expanding its presence in Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Additionally, IGT’s sports betting platform powers FanDuel’s sportsbook launch in Connecticut.
That said, Asher is to lead the ongoing expansion of the company’s sports betting business across North American markets.
“I’m really excited to join Enrico Drago and the IGT PlaySports team to help this business reach new heights for our customers and our shareholders,” Asher said. “This is a unique moment in the North American gaming industry as sports betting is expanding rapidly and opportunities abound.”
“I have some background working in partnership with PlaySports, and I look forward to working with our team to further enhance our technology and trading capabilities to serve our existing and future customers.”
Asher first joined William Hill when it acquired Brandywine Bookmaking, a company he created as a start-up in 2008. Serving as CEO, he worked for the company until April 2021, when Caesars Entertainment bought it for $3.7bn.
Boosting future success
“The PlaySports sports betting solution is among the most widely used in the US, powering approximately 50 US sportsbooks for 20 customers across 18 states,” Drago added.
“We expect continued growth in our PlaySports business, and Joe Asher’s knowledge, experience, network and vision for sports betting are key ingredients to boosting our future success.”
The right choice
Asher gained expertise and knowledge in the industry thanks to a lifelong passion for horse racing and sports betting.
For a time, he was the Wilmington News-Journal’s thoroughbred racing handicapper for Delaware Park. Additionally, he became the youngest track announcer in North America, calling races at Harrington, Foxboro, Brandywine, and Dover Downs.
Asher continues to call races every year, serving as a guest announcer at the Elko County Fair.
