Former Tropicana Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio has joined Las Vegas-based Affinity Gaming, a privately-held casino operator which operates 11 casinos in four states.
Rodio, who was named Affinty’s CEO, was based in Atlantic City at the Tropicana. He spent more than three decades on the Boardwalk, helping to lead both Atlantic City growth and the subsequent resurgence after new competition sent the market into a prolonged nosedive.
He left Tropicana – which had seven casinos in six state and was controlled by corporate raider Carl Icahn – following its sale to regional casino operator Eldorado Resorts and real estate investment trust Gaming and Leisure Properties for $1.8 billion. The sale closed in early October.
Rodio has more three decades of gaming industry experience in regional markets. He served as president and CEO of Tropicana Entertainment – and a member of the company’s board – since 2011.
Affinity, which is controlled by Illinois-based Z Capital Partners, has five casinos in Nevada – notably the three Primm resorts some 40 miles from Las Vegas at the California state line and the Silver Sevens, located just east of the Las Vegas Strip. The company also operates casinos in Colorado, Missouri and Iowa.
“Tony is one of the top executives in the gaming industry and I’m confident that he is the right person to drive Affinity’s continued growth and enhanced commitment to the player experience. I look forward to working closely with him in this new role,” said Z Capital CEO James Zenni, who is Affinty’s chairman.
Rodio, who also served in various roles with Hollywood Casino Corp. and Harrah’s Entertainment, oversaw improvements in Tropicana Entertainment where revenue grew more that 50 percent. Rodio oversaw operational improvements and regional market expansion.
“I look forward to leading Affinity in its next phase of growth and I am excited to partner with our management team and general managers,” Rodio said.
Rodio replaced Michael Silberling who was named chief operating officer of Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment earlier this month.
Affinity, which was created out of the bankruptcy reorganization of Herbst Gaming in 2010, was taken private by Zenni and Z Capital in 2017 after a long effort to buyout the hedge funds that controlled the casino operator.
Z Capital has more than $2.3 billion of regulatory assets under management.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
