Francesco Rodano takes on the role of responsible gaming director at Allwyn after leaving Playtech

Allwyn has appointed Francesco Rodano, previously an executive at Playtech, as the new director of responsible gaming for the group. The move follows the departure of Nicole Garrett, who led this area until earlier this year. Rodano, with over ten years of experience at Playtech, will oversee Allwyn's player protection strategy across its pan-European lottery and gaming operations, as well as its stakes in international fantasy sports and betting markets.

Rodano: Background and Arrival as Allwyn's Responsible Gaming Director

Rodano left Playtech, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, in August after a decade at the company. He initially joined as Chief Policy Officer in May 2016 and was promoted to Chief Sustainable Gambling Officer in January 2025. During his tenure, he spearheaded the adoption of the BetBuddy analytics system, capable of real-time scanning user behavior to detect gambling-related risks. This technology-driven approach to early detection of problematic behaviors solidified Playtech's reputation in responsible gaming.

Boosting Allwyn's Commitment to Responsible Gaming

Allwyn operates the United Kingdom's National Lottery and several lotteries in continental Europe. Additionally, it holds a majority stake in the US platform PrizePicks dedicated to daily fantasy sports and prediction markets, controls 100% of OPAP, and owns 36.75% of Betano. According to the Greek-listed entity, "player safety demands a proactive and world-class approach."

"It is a privilege to join Allwyn and build on the solid responsible gaming foundation the company has established in its markets," stated Rodano. "Player protection is central to my professional work, and I look forward to implementing that passion at scale across Allwyn." — Francesco Rodano

Allwyn's CEO, Robert Chvátal, emphasized: "As Allwyn grows internationally, responsibility is not just an operational criterion but a fundamental part of our DNA and long-term strength. The arrival of Francesco and his experience reinforces that philosophy."

Player Protection Labs and Projects: Investments, Tools, and Beneficiaries

Allwyn also runs the Allwyn Player Protection Lab, a program that grants up to €100,000 in funding to research projects related to new player safety strategies. This lab began operations in September 2025 and awarded its first two grants in July. The beneficiaries were Dr. Michael Auer, a psychologist and statistician evaluating the impact of personalized messages for encouraging safer gambling behaviors, and Newton University, which will use the funds to develop the "Safer Gambling Assessment Tool (SGAT)" focused on the digital habits of Generation Z in the Czech Republic.

Recent Changes in Allwyn's Leadership and Operational Structure

Nicole Garrett, the former director of responsible gaming and ex-leader at bet365, left Allwyn to take the executive director role at The Bingo Association earlier this year. This leadership transition aims to continue the strategy of preventing and mitigating gambling-related harm across all of Allwyn's markets.

International Expansion and Secondary Listing Plans

During the first half of the year, CEO Robert Chvátal and CFO Kenneth Morton briefed EGR on H1 results, strategic investment in Betano, and prospects for a secondary listing in London or New York. Global expansion and the sophistication of player protection will remain key components of Allwyn's executive agenda in the short and medium term, as discussed in a conversation with this publication.

Other key players mentioned in this process have been Arnold Ash, executive search partner at EGR, who is involved in securing senior talent in the sector.

Rodano's appointment reinforces Allwyn's commitment to scaling responsible gaming practices and enhancing capabilities across its markets under the supervision of leaders with experience in regulated environments.