- University of Colorado Boulder
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Ehrlich hit the ground running with one of his first appointments in the industry, being responsible for developing and opening the new Monticello Casino Raceway. This included installing 1,800 slot machines on time and leading a team of 400 employees.
During his time at Downs Casino and Racetrack, the property achieved its highest coin-in, net win, actual win and win-per-unit in the history of its operations.
While working as COO for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, the tribe signed a deal with Hard Rock for a new sportsbook. This facility was opened at Twin Arrows in Arizona in 2023.
EMPLOYMENT
Ehrlich’s career took off in the early 1990s, when he owned and operated the Pines Resort Hotel and Conference Center in the Greater New York City Area. From June 1990 to June 1996, he managed a 422-room resort hotel that featured a range of amenities, including a golf course, ski area, indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor skating rink and indoor tennis courts. Under his leadership, the resort offered entertainment for up to 1,200 guests in a nightclub and a 250-seat lounge.
In June 1996, Ehrlich transitioned into the casino industry as the President, COO and General Manager of Monticello Casino and Raceway. Over the next 17 years, he successfully opened and led the development of the new casino featuring 1,800 slot machines – managing to complete the project on time and within budget.
At Monticello, Ehrlich managed a team of 400 employees and oversaw all aspects of operations, including marketing, human resources, information technology, racing operations, finance, slot operations, surveillance and food and beverage services.
Following his long stint at Monticello, Ehrlich took on a new challenge as a Management Consultant for Mohegan Sun Casino at the Concord in January 2014. During his tenure, which lasted until September 2015, he advised the Mohegan Sun executive team on New York State gaming issues and assisted in planning and developing a new casino project in Upstate New York.
After his consulting role, Ehrlich became the General Manager of Downs Casino and Racetrack in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in September 2015. Over the course of three years, he achieved a number of impressive results, including the highest coin-in, net win, actual win and win-per-unit in the casino’s history. Ehrlich was also responsible for implementing cost management strategies, improving slot machine performance and boosting customer relations – contributing to the overall success of the Downs Casino and Racetrack during his tenure.
In October 2018, Ehrlich joined the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise as the Casino General Manager for Northern Edge and Flowing Water Casinos in New Mexico. After four years in this role, he was ultimately promoted to the position of COO of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, in September 2022. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the operations of four casinos, a resort destination hotel, a travel plaza and a food and beverage manufacturing division.
Ehrlich’s experience and deep understanding of the gaming industry recently led to his appointment to the position of COO of Rush Street Gaming, taking over from Bill Keena. The role sees Ehrlich responsible for overseeing the operations of all five Rivers Casino properties.
“I’ve admired Rush Street’s strong leadership and steady expansion over the past two decades. I’m thrilled to join this dynamic organisation and look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success.” Cliff Ehrlich
