PlayUp, the Australian-based sports betting company, Tuesday announced the appointment of Dennis Drazin as chairman.
Drazin, chairman and CEO of Monmouth Park operator Darby Development, replaces Dr. Laila Mintas. Mintas is being sued by PlayUp for breach of contract.
Drazin’s credentials include being instrumental in the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. He also is a principal in the law firm Drazin and Warshaw, and the former chairman of the New Jersey Racing Commission.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the significant growth of PlayUp in recent months,” Drazin said in a statement. “I’m extremely encouraged by the strong performance of the business, particularly within New Jersey where we have made substantial progress in a short period of time amongst what may be the most competitive market in the world. I look forward to working directly with the team to scale our operations, grow our market presence and accelerate our ambitious plans to further our rapid growth across both the U.S. and Australia.”
According to US Bets, a lawsuit was filed by PlayUp against Mintas in Nevada on November 30, 2021. The lawsuit states that Mintas committed improper actions against PlayUp after failing to negotiate a contract extension.
In a written response to US Bets, Mintas denied all allegations against her.
In a press release, PlayUp stated that while litigation “is undesirable the steps were necessary to safeguard the interests of PlayUp.” The company also refuted statements Mintas made about the proceedings, and said it would have no further comment until the matter is resolved in court.
