SBTech hires former Illinois lottery chief as president of US operations
Newly created role will focus on building group’s infrastructure in the market and expanding into new states
SBTech has hired industry consultant Melissa Riahei as president of its US operations, with a focus on building out the group’s presence in the market.
Riahei will be based out the betting supplier’s Las Vegas office as it seeks to establish a presence in new states.
Riahei has previously served as deputy chief counsel to the Office of the Governor in Illinois and as general counsel for the Illinois Lottery.
During her time at the Illinois Lottery she worked on the case challenging the Department of Justice’s Wire Act, which prohibits online wagering across state lines.
She also spent over two years as executive vice president and general counsel for US Digital Gaming Inc, where she collaborated with state legislators and industry stakeholders on establishing legal framework for the US markets.
SBTech CEO Richard Carter said: “We are delighted to have Melissa on board leading our US business, as we assemble a world-class team to steer us into the next chapter of the company’s growth.
“Melissa is an extremely talented executive, with a rare blend of business, legal and political acumen and a varied breadth of experience across all sectors in gaming,” he added.
Non-exec chairman for SBTech Gavin Isaacs said: “Melissa has made valuable contributions to the advancement of our industry and will be a great asset to SBTech as we grow and cement our US presence and leverage the unprecedented opportunities that lie ahead.”
SBTech first revealed it was opening a US office in October 2017, the firm has since established the new role of business development executive USA, which is carried out by Joann Pierce.