IGT Friday announced that Joe Asher, a seminal figure in U.S. sports betting circles, will be its new president of Sports Betting effective October 1.
Asher will report to IGT CEO Digital & Betting Enrico Drago and be responsible for the expansion of IGT PlaySports’ betting interests in North American markets.
“The PlaySports sports betting solution is among the most widely used in the U.S., powering approximately 50 U.S. sportsbooks for 20 customers across 18 states,” said Drago in a statement. “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.
Asher most recently served as CEO of William Hill U.S. He left in May after 12 years as CEO when Caesars Entertainment merged with William Hill. At the time, he told CDC Gaming Reports he planned to “lay low for a bit.”
“I’m not being coy,” Asher said. “I have no idea what I will do. But two things I know for sure are that I love the gaming industry and I love living in Las Vegas.”
A member of the Sports Betting Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Asher has worked at racetracks including Brandywine Raceway, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway and Foxboro Raceway. Sara Slane, a sports betting consultant and the founder of Slane Advisory, told CDC Gaming Reports in May that Asher has made significant contributions to sports betting in the country.
“Joe was a constant and driving force behind the legalization and successful rollout of the U.S. sports betting market,” Slane said. “There is no doubt we would not be where we are today had it not been for Joe’s vision and passion.”
A Delaware native and a lawyer, Asher clerked with the state’s Supreme Court and worked for the worldwide law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. He’s also worked as a thoroughbred handicapper for the Wilmington News-Journal’s and a track announcer at Harrington, Foxboro, Brandywine and Dover Downs.
“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,” said Asher in a statement. “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.”
