Caesars Entertainment Inc.
Caesars Entertainment Appoints Rodney Williams to Board of Directors
Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced the appointment of Rodney Williams to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024, subject to required regulatory approvals and pending licensure. With a unique perspective derived from a track record of luxury brand-building, strategic and digital marketing, and corporate leadership, Williams will bring a distinct and innovative vision to the Caesars Entertainment Board of Directors.
“Rodney is an important addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team. Rodney’s career leading some of the world’s best-known beverage brands gives him unmatched perspective in the hospitality industry. His exceptional track record in luxury and premium brand building during his time with Diageo and LVMH and his continued commitment to the food and beverage industry through his service as a trustee and executive committee member of the James Beard Foundation will give us added insights into the continuing confluence of entertainment with the culinary arts as we shepherd Caesars Entertainment into the future,” Gary Carano, Executive Chairman of the Board of Caesars Entertainment, said.
Williams recently stepped down as President of the Diageo Beer Company and President of Diageo Canada, leaving a legacy of success. In that role, he oversaw new momentum for Guinness beer, with the brand becoming the fastest-growing on-premise brand in the US in 2023 and strong growth for Guinness 0, which made great strides in the US and became the top-selling non-alcoholic beer in Canada. His leadership also delivered unprecedented growth on Don Julio Tequila and Johnnie Walker Scotch in Canada, as well as a powerful national partnership with Bailey’s liqueur and the iconic Tim Horton’s chain.
Prior to joining Diageo in 2022, Williams spent 11 years at Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. His last role there was as Maison (or global) President of Belvedere Vodka – the first American to become a Maison president at Moet Hennessy. Previously, Williams served as Chief Marketing Officer for the entire US brand portfolio, ranging from Don Perignon and Krug Champagnes to Glenmorangie Scotch, and before that as SVP for Hennessy US. Under his leadership, the Hennessy business quadrupled in topline sales and operating profit over a five-year period.
Before joining LVMH, Williams served as SVP of Lifestyle Brands for Jackson Family Wines, where his team delivered the largest new product launch in the company’s history, Kendall Jackson Avant wines. Previously, Williams had been SVP for Lifestyle Wines at Robert Mondavi before and after its acquisition by Constellation Brands. Before joining the wine industry, Williams began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and General Motors.
“I’m pleased to have Rodney Williams join our Board of Directors. Rodney brings a different perspective to hospitality, having experienced it from the upper echelon of luxury beverage brands. His experience in innovation, digital and experiential marketing, and implementing optimization makes him a good strategic fit for our Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him to continue to drive results for our guests, Team Members, and shareholders,” Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said.
In addition to being a trustee of the James Beard Foundation, Williams serves on the Executive Leadership Council, is a director of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and was a 2024 juror for the Cannes Lions marketing awards. He was recently named to the 2024 “Most Influential Black Corporate Leaders” list by Savoy magazine. He also advises three startups: Zitti, Qonsent, and CKBG.
Caesars Entertainment Inc.
Caesars Sportsbook Becomes First to Accept In-person Sports Wagers in Maine Through Partnership with First Tracks Investments LLC
Caesars Entertainment Inc. celebrated the first in-person sports wagering location in the state of Maine at the newly opened sports entertainment venue, Oddfellahs, powered by Caesars Sportsbook. Made possible through Caesars Sportsbook’s partnership with First Tracks Investments LLC, the new state-of-the-art sports bar brings in-person sports betting to the Pine Tree State for the first time.
Oddfellahs commemorated its grand opening in the heart of downtown Portland at 55 Market St. with a ceremonial first bet placed by Portland Mayor Mark Dion alongside representatives from Caesars Sportsbook, First Tracks, the Portland City Council, and the Maine Gambling Control Unit.
“We’d like to thank Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Gambling Control Unit, the Portland City Council and the entire state legislature for making today possible. It’s great to see the momentum following our launch of mobile sports wagering in the state through our historic partnership with three of the Wabanaki Nations. With the first in-person sportsbook now operational, we look forward to collaborating with First Tracks on additional in-person opportunities in Maine,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.
“Building something new is always a challenge, but great teams make great things possible. This is an exciting venture for Maine’s harness racing industry, Wabanaki tribes, and sports fans across the state to access a new entertainment venue. We’re excited for whatever comes next and look forward to providing sustainable, responsible opportunitiesopportunities,” said Michael Cianchette, CEO of First Tracks Investments LLC, operator of Oddfellahs.
Oddfellahs offers sports fans 21 and older full food and beverage service combined with an elevated sports viewing and wagering experience. Full-service sports wagering is available through self-service betting kiosks and a ticket window on-site in addition to convenient cash deposits and withdrawals for Caesars Sportsbook mobile accounts.
Sports fans should expect the ultimate viewing experience modeled after a Vegas-style sportsbook with 36 screens to catch sporting events at any time of the year, including every game of the NFL season. The sports entertainment destination is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, opening at noon on Monday through Thursday and at 11:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, staying open for each day’s advertised games.
Caesars Sportsbook brings its industry-leading reputation in Responsible Gaming to in-person wagering in Maine with a focus on promoting Responsible Gaming. In March and June 2024, Caesars Sportsbook received the prestigious RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council in Ontario, Canada, which recognizes companies that achieve the highest standards for their Responsible Gaming practices.
Caesars enforces an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that ensures Caesars Rewards membership and accounts are only available to individuals 21 and older, where permitted by law. This policy applies to all Caesars Sportsbook in-person and mobile operations in Maine, including at Oddfellahs, where entry is limited to those 21 and older.
Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced it will bring Caesars Sportsbook self-service kiosks to 53 small businesses across Washington, D.C. Caesars Sportsbook wagering kiosks will replace the GambetDC sports wagering kiosks currently in place at OLG-licensed sports betting retail locations. In addition to wagering, the kiosks will accept cash deposits to Caesars Sportsbook mobile accounts.
“We appreciate the Office of Lottery and Gaming for providing us the opportunity to further our connection with sports fans in our nation’s capital. Our self-service betting kiosks are an excellent addition to our sports wagering options in D.C. Whether sports fans prefer a traditional ticket-in-hand wagering experience or want to simply deposit cash for their mobile app account, our kiosks enhance the premier sports betting experience we offer through the combination of options and convenience that supports dozens of small businesses locally,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.
“D.C. residents and visitors will soon have access to best-in-class sports wagering kiosks at retail locations across the city. We are pleased to partner with Caesars, a key industry player and the leader in retail sport betting operations, which is demonstrating its commitment to the D.C. community,” said Eugene Vlasenko, Interim Executive Director of OLG.
With thousands of markets and lightning-fast functionality, Caesars Sportsbook betting kiosks will provide the gold-standard sports wagering experience sports fans are familiar with on the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app.
Every wager placed with Caesars Sportsbook, whether at a kiosk, in-person Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena, or on the mobile app, earns Reward Credits redeemable for unforgettable experiences made possible through the industry-leading loyalty program, Caesars Rewards. Sports fans 21 and older can download the Caesars Sportsbook app on iOS and Android or access it via desktop.
In July 2024, Caesars expanded its flagship mobile sports wagering platform, Caesars Sportsbook, across Washington, D.C., except for in restricted areas. Caesars has offered in-person sports betting at Capital One Arena since 2021 through its landmark partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena made history as the first sportsbook in a U.S. professional sports venue.
Caesars Entertainment remains committed to promoting Responsible Gaming awareness and education as Caesars Sportsbook expands into more jurisdictions. In 2023, the Company implemented a refreshed 21+ policy, which certifies that all Caesars Rewards accounts are only made available to individuals 21 and older, and, where allowed by law, limits all domestic gaming, pari-mutuel, sports, and iGaming options to those 21 and older. This 21 and older policy applies to all sports wagering operations conducted by Caesars Sportsbook in Washington, D.C., including on the Caesars Sportsbook app and at all in-person sports betting locations.
Caesars Sportsbook self-service betting kiosks throughout Washington, D.C. will enforce Caesars Entertainment’s enhanced 21 and older gaming policy. This policy applies to all in-person and online operations conducted by the Company and underscores Caesars’ commitment to Responsible Gaming and its established reputation as a leader in the industry.
Caesars Entertainment Inc. and the Detroit Lions announced a new partnership, making Caesars Sportsbook an Official Sports Betting Partner and Caesars Entertainment the Official iGaming Partner of the Detroit Lions. The collaboration with the defending NFC North Champions combines custom fan experiences for Caesars Rewards members with dynamic sponsorship assets and the use of official Detroit Lions logos and marks in multiple online casino games coming to Caesars’ digital platforms.
The first online casino game launch on behalf of this partnership will be a Live Dealer blackjack game featuring a custom-made Detroit Lions felt. The game is set to go live exclusively in Michigan at the start of the 2024-25 NFL season on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino for online casino players 21 and older.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Detroit Lions to bring opportunities to their fans that cater to their interests and are unique to the royal experience only Caesars can deliver. We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with sports fans in Michigan, and partnering with one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL will help us grow that connection as we continue to expand our offerings in the state with the launch of Horseshoe Online Casino later this year,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.
“As we embark on this season, we’re proud to enhance our fan experiences with Caesars Entertainment. This partnership will unite Lions fans who are passionate about the team, offering them exclusive opportunities to engage with us both at Gamedays at Ford Field and through Caesars’ digital platforms here in Michigan,” said Detroit Lions Vice President of Corporate Partnership Mace Aluia.
Caesars brands, including Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino, will be featured throughout Ford Field during Lions games. Additionally, Caesars brands will also be featured in radio spots on the Detroit Lions Radio Network and in team digital and social media.
This partnership builds on Caesars Entertainment’s presence in the region complementing its operation of the world-class destination, Caesars Windsor, located just across the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario. The destination celebrated the grand opening of Ontario’s first full-service sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook at Caesars Windsor, in January 2023, providing an elevated environment for sports fans and fans of the Detroit Lions to enjoy and wager on marque sporting events.
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