BetMakers Technology Group has announced that Christian Stuart will step down as chief executive of its North American business with effect from April 6.
Stuart led the developer’s regional operation since joining the group in January 2022, but will exit as part of an organisational restructure.
Prior to his time with BetMakers, Stuart spent over 11 years at Caesars Entertainment Inc., serving in positions such as head of Caesars Sports & Online Gaming and executive vice president of gaming and interactive entertainment.
He also had a three-year spell at Caesars Entertainment EMEA and spent over two-and-a-half years with Harrah’s New Orleans.
“Whilst we are still in the early phase of our restructuring, I am pleased to see the progress the team has made both internally and with our key industry stakeholders,” BetMakers’ executive chairman Matt Davey said.
“At our core, we rely on great technology and strong relationships, which Christian has delivered well on both fronts. I am proud of what he has achieved during his time with us. Moving forward, we will continue to execute on market expansion and a relentless focus on optimising our business.”
Stuart added: “It has been a pleasure working with the team and advancing the interests of the company here in the US. I am confident we will see the company go from strength to strength as the US market expands.”
New appointment
Meanwhile, BetMakers has appointed Chelsey Abbott to its executive team as chief people officer.
Abbott has been with BetMakers since May 2021, serving as head of people and culture, and will now step up to her new role.
Prior to her time with BetMakers, she had spells with BetEasy and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
“This is an incredibly well-deserved promotion, and we are excited about the positive impact that Chelsey will make in this new capacity,” Davey said. “As chief people officer, Chelsey will centralise the global people and culture team and continue to drive the development and execution of our people and culture strategy.
“She will also play a crucial role in shaping BetMakers’ capability by driving an engaging workplace culture that empowers our employees to thrive.”
1/ST Content deal
In other news, BetMakers has executed a non-binding term sheet with the Stronach Group’s 1/ST Content business for the distribution of BetMakers’ Global Racing Network’s (GRN) race meetings into international wagering markets.
The deal, which is subject to long-form agreement completion, is scheduled to launch from May 1 and covers markets including the UK and Ireland.
Content will include coverage of meetings at Kentucky Downs, Charles Town, Mahoning Valley, Penn National, Sam Houston, Zia Park and Monmouth Park.
“The partnership with 1/ST Content is designed to be an important addition to BetMakers’ GRN, further broadening our global racing distribution base with a strong and credible partner in expansive markets, which can deliver enhanced returns to our racetrack partners,” BetMakers chief executive Jake Henson said.
Finally, BetMakers announced that it will relocate its headquarters to Melbourne where the CEO, along with other executive members, are now based.