PlayStar, a prominent player in New Jersey’s online casino market, has taken a significant step to cement its position and foster expansion by establishing a new Advisory Board. This strategic move is designed to leverage the extensive experience of industry veterans to guide the company’s growth, particularly as it eyes opportunities beyond the Garden State.
Strategic expansion and industry expertise:
The newly formed Advisory Board at PlayStar is composed of six esteemed professionals from the iGaming and investment sectors, each bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. The board’s formation is part of PlayStar’s broader strategy to sustain its remarkable growth trajectory in New Jersey—a market where it has recently ranked among the top ten online casinos—and to explore potential markets across North America.
The board members include John Finamore, a former executive with Penn National Gaming and Station Casinos, who has managed operations generating over $3 billion in annual revenues; Jai Maw, co-founder and president of Betting Hero, known for his significant contributions to customer acquisition; and Alison Digges, who has held pivotal roles at companies like Entain PLC and IGT, bringing a deep understanding of the online gaming landscape.
Other members include Carl Sottosanti, who brings expertise in corporate governance and compliance from his time as EVP and General Counsel at Penn National Gaming; Richard J. St. Jean, former COO of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa with extensive experience in casino operations; and Terrence Gray, an investment management executive with a track record of raising significant capital across global markets.
Leveraging collective knowledge for growth:
Peter Ekmark, Chief Executive Officer at PlayStar, expressed his enthusiasm about the advisory board’s potential to drive the company forward. “At PlayStar, we’re incredibly proud of the significant strides our brand has made in the New Jersey market. Breaking into the state’s top 10 in 2024 is a true testament to how far we’ve come,” said Ekmark for PlayStar, as reported by PlayStar via Business Wire.
Ekmark further emphasized the company’s ambitions, stating, “That said, we’re not content to rest on our success—our goal is to continue building on this momentum and become a leading force in the industry, not only in New Jersey but across North America. The creation of our Advisory Board will help us achieve this by leveraging the collective expertise of highly talented individuals from the casino and hospitality sectors.”
Since its launch in New Jersey in August 2022 through a collaboration with Ocean Resort Casino, PlayStar has distinguished itself with a casino-first platform that offers an extensive selection of slots, table games, and promotions. The platform is noted for its use of real-time player data to tailor user experiences, setting a high standard for customer engagement in the online casino industry.
PlayStar’s partnerships with industry leaders like Wazdan, Play’n GO, and Relax Gaming, alongside a promotional tie-up with the New Jersey Devils NHL team, underscore its commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment and gaming experiences. Additionally, the company has continued its hosting partnership with Swedish global provider Internet Vikings, ensuring robust support for its operations and compliance with regulatory requirements.