Industry News
Churchill Downs Incorporated Names Patrick Neely President of Exacta Systems

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that Patrick Neely has been named President of Exacta Systems, a leading provider of technology to support historical horse racing operations. In this role, he will be responsible for the overall strategy and operations of the newly acquired business unit which operates within the Company’s TwinSpires segment.
Neely brings with him over 25 years of professional experience in law, advocacy and business development. Most recently, Neely served as the Chief Development Officer for Exacta, where he oversaw the businesses’ government affairs and business development strategy. Neely has held numerous local and national political leadership positions and served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP). He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Louisville and a Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law.
“As CDI continues to lead in the Historical Horse Racing market, Patrick’s wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable additions to our leadership team. We look forward to continuing to grow this business with Patrick and the Exacta team,” said Ben Murr, SVP of CDI & President of TwinSpires and Online Gaming.
“As a founding member of Exacta, I’m thrilled for this opportunity to lead. I look forward to delivering operational improvements to CDI and continuing to service Exacta’s growing portfolio of third-party HHR operators in New Hampshire, Kentucky, Virginia and Wyoming,” said Neely.
Industry News
Main Street Sports Group Appoints Jim Keller as EVP of Advertising and Sponsorship Sales

Main Street Sports Group, owner of FanDuel Sports Network, announced the appointment of Jim Keller as Executive Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship Sales. In this new role, Keller will lead the entire ad sales portfolio for FanDuel Sports Network, overseeing linear, digital, and programmatic efforts. He will report directly to Eric Ratchman, Chief Revenue Officer of Main Street Sports Group.
Keller brings more than two decades of experience driving innovation, operational excellence, and revenue growth across every layer of the media ecosystem, from national networks to digital-first platforms. Most recently serving as Chief Revenue Officer at Fuse Media, Keller previously held executive roles at Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu, and NBC Universal, leading cross-platform sales teams through industry-shifting transformations and high-growth phases. His background includes oversight of digital, streaming, mobile, addressable, and data-driven advertising, as well as advanced monetization strategies across premium content portfolios spanning sports, entertainment, and news.
“Jim is a proven leader with an exceptional track record across linear, streaming, and digital platforms. As FanDuel Sports Network redefines what local sports media can be – more dynamic, more engaging, and more impactful – Jim’s leadership will be key in creating smarter advertising experiences that deliver real value to our brand partners and local fans alike,” said Eric Ratchman, Chief Revenue Officer of Main Street Sports Group.
“There’s nothing more powerful than the connection a fan has with their local team, and FanDuel Sports Network is building a platform that truly honors that connection. From my earliest days as a sports seller at NBC Sports, to leading some of the industry’s most innovative ad strategies, I’ve always believed that the strongest media experiences are rooted in content and community. FanDuel Sports Network’s focus on building relevant, local, multiplatform fan experiences is exactly what the industry and advertisers need right now, and I couldn’t be more excited to help drive the next phase of growth,” said Keller.
Keller’s deep expertise in building modern ad operations, forging high-impact partnerships, and unlocking value across multiplatform products will be instrumental as FanDuel Sports Network continues to evolve into the future of local sports media. Main Street Sports Group’s continued transformation is rooted in reimagining local sports coverage, not just distributing games, but uniting the brands, features, and experiences fans want, tailored to each market.
Industry News
Accor Arrives on The Strip with Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection

Accor, in partnership with businessman and casino owner Phil Ruffin, announced the signing of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection. The salient 2884 key property overlooks the city’s premier racing circuit and features some of the best panoramic views of Las Vegas. To be operated under a franchise agreement with Accor when it officially debuts later this year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins a global portfolio of carefully curated hotels and becomes the second Handwritten Collection address in the US, following Hotel Stratford San Francisco – Handwritten Collection last year. The signing further increases Accor’s presence in the Americas region, with more than 550 hotels open and operating, and reflects the Group’s growing presence across North America.
“The city’s tagline is ‘What happens here, only happens here’, and certainly there is no other place in the world where a collaboration of this scale and significance could come together. The union of Treasure Island and Handwritten Collection creates a one-of-a-kind guest journey, where connections are treasured, wonder is discovered, and every stay is a narrative waiting to unfold. We are incredibly proud to partner with Mr. Ruffin and confident that together we can create a bigger and bolder future for this iconic hotel now that it sits within the Handwritten Collection portfolio and part of the Accor network,” said Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer at Accor.
With more than 40 million visitors drawn to Las Vegas each year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is set to offer a truly memorable stay for those seeking genuine hospitality in the heart of the world’s entertainment capital. The franchise partnership between Accor and Treasure Island includes Handwritten Collection brand support, along with Accor’s full global array of services, including sales & marketing, distribution, and loyalty. The hotel will benefit from exposure to the ALL Accor loyalty program – one of the largest and most globally diversified loyalty databases in the world, with 100+ million members and growing.
“Treasure Island has long held a special place in the story of Las Vegas, and I am certain that Accor and Handwritten Collection will further enrich its legacy and attract new generations of guests and visitors. This next chapter brings new energy to the resort while preserving its unmistakable spirit. We are proud to align with Accor – a global leader in hospitality whose values resonate deeply with ours, and we look forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership,” said Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.
As the newest entrant to Handwritten Collection, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins over 25 hotels now open and more than 35 addresses in the pipeline. Standing as a beacon of individuality in the global hospitality sector, Handwritten Collection properties weave character and personality into the guest experience, making every stay unique.
At Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection, the distinct design and whimsical personality of the hotel, inspired by the classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson, carries through the guest experience, inviting travelers to rediscover their childhood spirit. Many of the hotel’s best-known features and perks, as conceived by Mr. Ruffin, will continue to be honored, such as free valet and self-parking.
The hotel has also recently been transformed by a multi-million-dollar refresh, blending contemporary comfort with thoughtful design elements, ensuring the energy of Las Vegas shines through in every detail. A breezy, sociable lobby overlooks a tropical pool, where intuitive self-check-in is complemented by a 24-hour guest relations team ready to offer a warm welcome. The resort features 10 diverse dining venues and eight upscale lounges and bars, including beloved options such as Phil’s Steak House, Golden Circle Sports Bar, and the popular Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que.
The luxurious Oleksandra Spa & Salon is a favorite among guests and residents, part of the resort’s tapestry of experiences filled with local flair. Lively entertainment venues, elegant wedding chapels, state-of-the-art event spaces, and 90,000 sq. ft. of casino and gaming add to the attractions, while the hotel connects to Fashion Show Las Vegas, the largest mall in the city. The famed Mystère – the original Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas – performs at the Treasure Island theatre, having been honored eight times as ‘Best Production Show’ and continues to enchant audiences, underscoring the property’s connection to the city’s enduring sense of wonder.
Guestrooms and suites at Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection offer breathtaking views of the famed Las Vegas Strip, Sphere Las Vegas, and the stunning Spring Mountains that encircle the Nevada horizon. Signature SensaTIonalTM pillowtop beds, generous soaking bathtubs or whirlpools, marble finishes and upscale amenities ensure stays are as restorative as they are inspiring.
Aligning with Accor’s sustainability commitments, the hotel was awarded a Four Green Globes certification by the Green Building Initiative. The certification reflects meaningful improvements in energy and water efficiency, air quality and resource management – further aligning the hotel with conscientious travelers.
“We are thrilled to bring Accor to Las Vegas and to provide our ALL Accor members and guests here in the United States, as well as those visiting from around the globe, with an incredible opportunity to stay at this emblematic property – now the largest Accor hotel in the world. The addition of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is a milestone achievement, not only for our Handwritten Collection portfolio, but for Accor’s growing presence of exclusively selected properties in the U.S. market,” said Thomas Dubaere, CEO PM&E, Accor Americas.
Industry News
Rush Street Gaming Taps Scott Lokke to Lead Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Rush Street Gaming announced the appointment of Scott Lokke as general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
A gaming executive with more than 30 years of casino and hotel experience, Lokke joins the Philadelphia team from Cleveland, where he most recently served as senior vice president and general manager of JACK Cleveland Casino. He spent the past decade with JACK Entertainment and the 12 years prior with Caesars Entertainment.
“Having worked in Cleveland, Las Vegas and other major metropolitan areas, Scott is highly qualified to lead the Philly team. His achievements in gaming operations, combined with his hospitality expertise in restaurants and entertainment, uniquely position him to build on Rivers’ success,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming.
Lokke’s career in the hospitality industry began at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Starwood Hotels directing food and beverage operations, followed by roles at Harrah’s casinos in St. Louis and Kansas City. He then advanced to vice president of hospitality enterprise shared services with Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas before ultimately taking on leadership positions in Cleveland.
As a senior property leader, Lokke excels in exceptional guest service, operational leadership, community involvement and Team Member engagement.
“I’m thrilled to build on the strong foundation the team already has in place. I’m committed to leading the team in delivering exceptional experiences, results and engagement. It’s truly my honor to be part of this team,” said Lokke.
Lokke is a graduate of Park University in Kansas City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In recent years, he served on the boards of the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation, the Cleveland Group Planning Commission and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
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