Key points:
- VIP Play appoints Les M Ottolenghi as CEO with immediate effect
- Ottolenghi previously held senior roles at Caesars Entertainment, Stride and Lee Enterprises
- Board says leadership change aligns with plans to expand the company’s gaming technology and market reach
VIP Play has appointed technology executive Les M Ottolenghi as its new CEO, effective immediately.
The Nevada-incorporated firm, which operates an online casino and sports betting platform, announced the change following board approval on 18 June.
Ottolenghi brings more than 25 years of experience in gaming, media and education sectors.
His past roles include Executive VP and Chief Information Officer at Caesars Entertainment, CCO and CIO at Stride and Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer at Lee Enterprises.
Board Chair Bruce Cassidy said: “Les is the ideal leader to guide VIP Play through its transformation. His track record of harnessing advanced technologies to unlock new markets and enhance customer engagement aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative and engaging wagering experiences.”
Good to know: In May 2025 VIP Play renewed its Tennessee sports gaming operator licence through May 2026, coinciding with the launch of a new mobile betting app
Ottolenghi stated: “Today’s consumers expect entertainment that is intelligent, frictionless and hyper-personalised. By fusing cloud scalability with next-generation AI, VIP Play will redefine the patron's experience while setting a new standard for innovation, security and social responsibility in the gaming industry.”
VIP Play said Ottolenghi’s remit includes overseeing technology integration, operational efficiency and future market entries across the United States.
The company has recently focused on expanding its proprietary platform following a December 2024 partnership with Kambi Group for sportsbook technology and the hiring of Daniel Goldstein as Chief Technology Officer.
The management change occurs as the operator continues to navigate regulatory approvals and licensing renewals in multiple jurisdictions. The board indicated that the existing management cease-trade order issued in May by the Ontario Securities Commission remains unaffected by the leadership transition.
VIP Play trades on the OTC market under the ticker VIPZ and remains headquartered in Las Vegas.
