In a recent move, Fanatics, a prominent player in the world of sports and online gaming, has appointed Gregg Winiarski as its new Chief Legal Officer. This strategic decision is set to have a significant impact on the company’s legal affairs, particularly in relation to its betting and gaming division, as well as the commerce and collectibles businesses.
Winiarski’s Background:
Gregg Winiarski brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with Fanatics in an advisory role for the past two years. Prior to this, he held the position of Executive Vice President and General Counsel for IAC, a technology and media business. Winiarski’s impressive career also includes his role as an associate at the prestigious law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Fanatics’ Vision:
Fanatics’ Chief Executive, Michael Rubin, expressed his enthusiasm about Winiarski’s appointment, stating, “I’m thrilled to have Gregg join our team as Chief Legal Officer for the entire Fanatics global enterprise. Gregg is an incredibly strategic legal executive with deep expertise that spans more than 20 years across M&A, regulatory, and compliance functions. He will be an invaluable asset as we scale our collective businesses to become the leading digital sports platform for fans worldwide.”
Winiarski’s Perspective:
Winiarski also shared his thoughts on the new role, saying, “I’m excited to continue my journey with Fanatics. During my time as an advisor to the company, I witnessed firsthand the limitless potential we have to create the ultimate digital sports platform. I am eager to support the entire organization as we look for ways to expand and enhance the end-to-end fan experience.”
Notable Appointments in Fanatics:
This announcement comes after Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the online and retail sports betting division of the Fanatics digital sports platform, introduced Hank Couture as its Chief Operating Officer. Couture is tasked with developing strategies for the nationwide launch of the Fanatics Sportsbook in the US in mid-2023.
Fanatics Sportsbook Beta Testing:
Fanatics Sportsbook has also taken a significant step by launching beta testing in Massachusetts, further solidifying its presence in the online betting and gaming sector.
Responsible Gaming Coalition:
Moreover, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, along with Hard Rock Digital and PointsBet, have joined a coalition of online gaming operators that was formed in September. This coalition, which already included industry giants like Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International, is dedicated to establishing industry-led responsible gaming standards.
Key Highlights of the Coalition:
The coalition of online gaming operators has jointly outlined 12 responsible gaming principles, which will undergo external review by a panel of experts. These experts will provide guidance for future endeavors in the pursuit of responsible gaming. Each operator within the coalition has also developed reports detailing their activities to align with these principles.
Gregg Winiarski’s Appointment as Chief Legal Officer:
The strategic decision to appoint Gregg Winiarski as Chief Legal Officer demonstrates Fanatics’ commitment to strengthening its legal affairs.
Winiarski’s extensive experience, including his time as an advisor to Fanatics and his role at IAC, makes him a valuable addition to the team.
His deep expertise in M&A, regulatory matters, and compliance functions aligns with Fanatics’ vision to become the leading digital sports platform.
Michael Rubin, Fanatics’ CEO, is excited about the limitless potential that Winiarski brings to the organization.
Hank Couture’s Role as Chief Operating Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming:
Hank Couture’s appointment as COO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming highlights the company’s expansion into the online and retail sports betting sector.
Couture’s responsibility in developing strategies for the nationwide launch of Fanatics Sportsbook in 2023 indicates the company’s ambitions in the online betting market.
The launch of beta testing in Massachusetts further reinforces Fanatics’ presence in the online betting and gaming industry.
The Formation of the Responsible Gaming Coalition:
Fanatics Betting and Gaming, along with industry peers such as Hard Rock Digital and PointsBet, have joined forces to create a coalition focused on responsible gaming.
The coalition, which initially included well-known operators like Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International, emphasizes the importance of responsible gaming standards.
The coalition has outlined 12 responsible gaming principles, which will be reviewed by a panel of experts to ensure industry-wide compliance.
Each operator in the coalition has provided reports on their activities that align with these principles, demonstrating their commitment to responsible gaming practices.
These developments represent a significant shift in the landscape of sports, online betting, and responsible gaming. Fanatics, with its new Chief Legal Officer and the expansion of its betting and gaming division, is poised to make a lasting impact on the digital sports platform. Additionally, the responsible gaming coalition signals a collective commitment to ensuring that the industry adheres to the highest standards of ethical and responsible gaming.