Industry News
Mohegan INSPIRE Appoints Chen Si as President and Wade Howk as COO
![](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-6.jpg)
Mohegan INSPIRE has appointed Chen Si as its President and Wade Howk as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“With Mohegan INSPIRE, we are expanding our horizons beyond what we once thought possible. Mohegan’s move into the global market is not just about growth, but also about sharing our legacy and spirit with the world. Our future is bright, and I look forward to embracing this next chapter alongside Chen Si and Wade Howk,” Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan, said.
As President, Chen Si will guide strategic planning and operational results at Mohegan INSPIRE. His duties will involve overseeing budget and business plans to ensure the company’s vision is implemented at all levels and leading performance measurement and improvement efforts. He will also lead the company’s external relationships with government agencies and business partners and serve as the company’s Representative Director.
Chen’s extensive career has taken him across the globe, working for well-known organizations like McKinsey and Las Vegas Sands. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position at Mohegan INSPIRE. With a strong background in strategic development and international marketing, as well as a dedication to fostering teamwork and utilizing data-driven decision-making, he is the ideal candidate to lead Mohegan INSPIRE’s future growth.
“I am honored to be stepping into this role as President of Mohegan INSPIRE. As we begin this next venture for the Mohegan brand in South Korea, I am motivated by the promise of innovation, rich cultural exchange and strengthened partnerships. This is an exhilarating new chapter for the brand, and I’m committed to steering Mohegan toward a future filled with inspiration and growth,” Chen Si said.
As COO, Wade Howk will serve as the second in command at the property and assist the President, Chen Si, in carrying out his duties. Howk’s primary responsibilities will include leading, engaging, and developing direct reports to ensure smooth operations, creating an exceptional guest experience, maintaining a positive organizational culture based on Mohegan INSPIRE’s principles and values and establishing relationships with vital stakeholders. He will also work closely with governmental and business partners to coordinate efforts.
Howk steps into his role as COO with extensive executive experience in the gaming, hospitality and entertainment industries. Before coming to Mohegan INSPIRE, Howk served as Chief Financial Officer and interim President for Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Corporate Vice President of Strategy for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Howk’s background in operational and change management, strategic business planning, employee engagement and relationship management will help build critical partnerships for Mohegan INSPIRE and establish consensus across the levels of organization at the property.
“Mohegan INSPIRE has always stood for innovation, passion and resilience. I am excited to bring these values to new heights in my new role, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with the excellence and visionary leadership that our guests have come to know and expect at our properties across the globe,” Howk said.
Industry News
Cliff Ehrlich Joins Rush Street Gaming as COO
![Cliff Ehrlich Joins Rush Street Gaming as COO](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cliff-Ehrlich.png)
Rush Street Gaming announced that casino and hospitality veteran Cliff Ehrlich has joined the company as chief operating officer.
Ehrlich assumes the role of Rush Street COO from Bill Keena, a longtime company and industry leader, who plans to retire later this year.
“I’ve admired Rush Street’s strong leadership and steady expansion over the past two decades. I’m thrilled to join this dynamic organization and look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success,” said Ehrlich.
Ehrlich’s career began in marketing at the Catskills’ Pines Resort Hotel in the 80s and transitioned in the 90s to casino development and operations. In 1996, he became co-owner of the Monticello Raceway and helped recruit the Oneida Indian Nation to build a casino on the property. Following an initial public offering, Ehrlich led Monticello Casino & Raceway as president, chief operating officer and general manager until 2013.
After consulting with Mohegan Sun regarding Upstate New York development opportunities, in 2015, Ehrlich joined The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque, serving as general manager and chief operating officer. He later ran two casinos for The Navajo Nation — Northern Edge and Flowing Water. Since 2022, Ehrlich has been Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise’s chief operating officer, with oversight of four casinos, a resort destination hotel, travel plaza and food & beverage manufacturing.
“Cliff’s ground-up casino development experience, deep operations background and team leadership ensure that all five Rivers Casino properties remain in great hands. He will continue the strong forward momentum established by Bill Keena, for whom we wish the very best in retirement,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming.
Industry News
Wanna.com Welcomes Former MGM President & COO Chuck Bowling to Board of Directors
![](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/wanna.png)
Wanna.com, the innovative daily fantasy sports gaming platform set to launch across the US, in August, announced the appointment of Chuck Bowling, former President and COO at MGM Resorts International, to its Board of Directors. With an impressive career overseeing prestigious properties such as the Mandalay Bay, Delano, Four Seasons Las Vegas and Luxor, Mr. Bowling brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the burgeoning enterprise.
As Wanna.com prepares for its initial launch in approximately 25 to 30 states, Mr. Bowling’s extensive expertise in hospitality and gaming will be instrumental in guiding Wanna.com and Wanna Parlay, through this exciting phase of growth and development. His leadership at MGM, where he was pivotal in enhancing guest experiences and driving operational excellence, aligns perfectly with Wanna.com’s vision of delivering unparalleled daily fantasy sports entertainment to users nationwide and internationally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chuck Bowling to the Wanna.com Board of Directors. Chuck’s remarkable track record in the gaming and hospitality industry will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of our launch and beyond. His strategic acumen and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with our mission to revolutionize the daily fantasy sports landscape,” said CEO/Founder of Wanna.com Jim Bob Morris.
Mr. Bowling expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Board, stating, “I am honored to be part of Wanna.com at such a pivotal moment in its journey. The company’s innovative approach to fantasy sports gaming with concepts such as Wanna Parlay, holds great promise, and I am excited to contribute to its success and growth.”
Industry News
Lotto.com Debuts New Digital Scratch Ticket Campaign Led by Havas New York
![](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10-1.jpg)
Online lottery platform Lotto.com has launched a new Digital Scratch ticket campaign with surprising creative developed by Havas New York as the brand’s agency of record.
Lotto.com launched their first-to-market Digital Scratch tickets offering in December 2022, which transformed how traditional paper scratch tickets are played. As Digital Scratch tickets offer customers the opportunity to experience the thrill of playing a physical scratch ticket in a digital, secure setting, the campaign taps the thrill of winning anytime.
As a build to the brand’s first campaign, “Welcome to Winever,” the new Digital Scratch campaign avoids category cliches like CGI fantasy worlds and big spenders, instead capturing traditionally “unlucky” moments, and turning them into winning ones. With this theme at the core of the creative, the campaign highlights unlucky practicalities of life, such as getting your car towed or unexpectedly getting splashed by a taxi driving through a puddle. In each scene, the unlucky scenario is transformed into a lucky one with the ease of a Digital Scratch win on Lotto.com.
“In an often unlucky world, Lotto.com’s Digital Scratch tickets are a reminder that a win could be just a scratch away. Scratch tickets currently make up two-thirds of the $100+ Billion U.S. lottery market and our pioneering Digital Scratch innovation marks a significant milestone for the industry and solidifies our position as a pioneer in the digital lottery space,” Thomas Metzger, CEO of Lotto.com, said.
The fully integrated campaign was led by Havas New York, with paid and earned media support from Havas Village agencies including Republica Havas, Havas Formula, and Havas CX. The creative will roll out across radio, TV, and streaming throughout the month of August, with social media, digital, and out-of-home to follow.
“Lotto.com is spearheading an industry transformation with the introduction of Digital Scratch tickets and we are excited to be a part of it. Unlucky moments are something that all of us can relate to, no matter how big or small. We strive to set our brands apart from competitors by authentically connecting with consumers, and this new creative demonstrates how easy it is to turn even the unluckiest moment into the luckiest one,” Dan Lucey, Chief Creative Officer & Co-CEO of Havas New York, said.
-
Latest News2 days ago
FanDuel Launches “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” Focused on Helping Parents and Families Discuss Gambling
-
Gambling in the USA2 days ago
US-Based 10 Ten Gaming Launches SmilesCasino.com
-
Latest News2 days ago
Amusnet and Betplay Toast to Success with Cocktail Rush by Melissa Martínez
-
Africa2 days ago
Tusk Casino Celebrates Trace’s R2.3 Million Jackpot Victory
-
Latest News2 days ago
Novig Launches First Prediction Market for Sports Nationally
-
Latest News6 days ago
Golden Matrix Group Provides Update on Entering U.S. Market and Expansion into Additional European Markets
-
Canada2 days ago
IGT Launches its Second Omnichannel Wide Area Progressive Game in Canada, Money Mania Slots
-
Latest News2 days ago
Scientific Games to Develop New Jurassic World-Themed Lottery Games