Johnny Avello leaves Wynn to join new US sportsbook’s management team
US gambling industry media are widely reporting the surprise move to DraftKings‘s new sportsbook in Las Vegas of veteran Wynn and industry sports betting executive Johnny Avello.
Avello joins the DraftKings management team in the Las Vegas office as the company’s sports betting director, with responsibilities that include oversight of retail sportsbook trading and risk management.as well as mobile sportsbook.
DraftKings, which only started taking US sports bets two months ago following the strike down of PASPA by the US Supreme Court, has been assembling a high-powered executive team that includes new head of sportsbook (digital) Jamie Shea from IGT and Frank Kunovic, the new director of retail sportsbook operations, from Caesars (see previous InfoPowa reports).
There have been rumours that at least one more top sports betting exec – Ed Malinowski at Golden Entertainment – will also be joining soon.
With over a decade of top management experience with the Wynn sportsbook in Las Vegas, Avello has wide knowledge and capability. He was previously with Las Vegas Sands and Bally’s.
Announcing the hiring coup, DraftKings md and co-founder Matt Kalish observed:
“Johnny is considered a legend in Las Vegas. He is very respected in the gaming industry and brings well over 30 years of experience, insights and ideas to DraftKings.
“We’re committed to building a world-class sports betting operation by putting together amazing talent with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and Johnny’s arrival brings us one step closer to that goal.”