BTG977 appoints Drew M. Kelley as CEO to boost acquisitions of regulated gaming operators

BTG977 has appointed Drew M. Kelley as its new Chief Executive Officer, assigning him the mission of leading and accelerating the strategy for acquiring regulated gaming operators in various markets. Kelley brings over 25 years of experience in the gaming, casino, hospitality, investment banking, and financial leadership sectors. His background includes executive positions at Merrill Lynch & Co., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., and Jefferies LLC. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Global Gaming of International Game Technology (IGT).

Profile of Drew M. Kelley and Previous Experience

The new CEO of BTG977 has been directly involved in transactions valued at over $100 billion in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and strategic financing, as detailed by the company. His tenure at IGT Global Gaming as CFO allowed him to deepen his industry knowledge, managing complex structures and developing key strategic capabilities for business expansion. Prior to IGT, he led teams at renowned investment banking firms, handling institutional client portfolios and international projects.

Strategy for Acquiring Regulated Operators

BTG977 focuses its acquisitions on profitable, market-leading operators in four key regions: Europe, Central Asia, South America, and Africa. The holding company’s strategy is distinguished by preserving both existing brands and teams in each operation, prioritizing operational continuity and the integration of technology and shared capabilities. Operational infrastructure, solutions based on artificial intelligence, and institutional sources of capital are implemented to enhance the performance of acquired operators.

Differentiation in Integration

According to Kelley, BTG977 adopts a "fundamentally different approach" to building a global portfolio of gaming operators. Rather than opting for total integration post-acquisition, the focus is on strengthening existing assets and catalyzing new stages of growth through technological resources and operational discipline. This methodology aims to add value to both investors and expanding markets, with access to traditional land-based operators, online providers, and peripheral solutions such as prediction markets and regulated trading.

"BTG977 is adopting a radically different approach to building a global gaming portfolio," explained Drew M. Kelley, CEO of BTG977. "We are not simply looking to acquire and integrate operators, but to empower what makes each company successful by applying technology, operational discipline, and capital to activate its next phase of growth."

Technological Focus and Adjacent Products

BTG977's broader strategy integrates acquisitions with infrastructure based on artificial intelligence, shared back-office capabilities, and an expansion into adjacent products. This line includes the development of sports betting, prediction markets, and the incorporation of regulated trading instruments, thus broadening the service and product offerings within target markets.

The company considers the application of native AI technology essential for the optimization and scalability of acquired operators. The consolidation of operational and technological functions allows for generating synergies, improving efficiency, and strengthening BTG977's position against international competition and institutional investors in growing regulated markets.

Outlook for Operators, Investors, and Markets

For acquired operators, the proposal includes access to institutional capital, operational management know-how, and advanced technological tools. BTG977 aims to maintain each operator's identity while overseeing continuous improvement and regulatory compliance. From the investor's perspective, entry into growth-potential markets is prioritized, positioning both traditional and digital operators.

The integration of casino products, sports betting, and prediction markets positions BTG977 as a relevant player in the diversification and sophistication of the global regulated gaming industry. With this roadmap, the company seeks to consolidate its presence in strategic regions and capitalize on emerging opportunities in regulation and technology.