888 appoints media veteran Mittman to lead SI sportsbook

Mittman is an experienced media executive, having led sports website Bleacher Report from 2017 to 2020. Prior to this, he served as chief revenue officer and publisher at Condé Nast brands GQ and Wired.

In his new role, Mittman will be tasked with leading the rollout of 888’s Sports Illustrated sportsbook, created through a partnership with Sports Illustrated owner Authentic Brands Group (ABG). Currently, the brand is live in Colorado.

He will also be responsible for the operator’s other US-facing B2B partnerships, including the market’s only interstate online poker network World Series of Poker (WSOP). The WSOP network is live in Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey, with Michigan soon to be added.

“I am thrilled to be joining one of the online betting industry’s most respected and successful businesses,” Mittman said. “888 has an outstanding reputation for innovation, product leadership and customer-centricity. I have been hugely impressed by the people I’ve met within the business, particularly their passion for product and the customer experience and I share their excitement about the significant opportunities ahead.

“The partnership with ABG and Sports Illustrated gives us a unique opportunity to deliver world-class betting and gaming products as part of a fully integrated experience with a leading sports media brand.”

888 chief executive Itai Pazner said that the business intends to expand the SI brand into a number of additional states.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Howard as our new president of 888 US,” he said. “This key appointment comes at a hugely exciting point in our long-term growth strategy in the US online betting market as we look forward to launching SI Sportsbook in multiple states in the coming months and years.

“We have established a platform for strong growth in the US through our world-class technology and operational expertise, with the Sports Illustrated brand, and the appointment of Howard will enable us to maximise the potential of this unique combination to further grow a profitable business in the US.”

Pazner described Mittman as having an “exceptional track record” from his time at Condé Nast and Bleacher Report, making him the “exceptional candidate” to lead the US business. During his time at Bleacher Report, he oversaw the launch of B/R Betting, the business’ sports betting practice, as well as the launch of a content studio in Las Vegas.

Daniel W Dienst, executive vice-chairman of ABG, added that the move would help ensure the best results for the Sports Illustrated brand.

“We applaud 888’s decision to appoint Mr Mittman as president 888 US of its growing US platform and the operators of SI Sportsbook,” he said. “With the breadth of his media industry experience and 888’s technical capabilities, we are excited to further capitalise on the opportunity to build a differentiated wagering experience for the loyal and avid fans of sports – and in particular, Sports Illustrated – who, since 1954, continue to trust and rely on its peerless journalism and visit the platform in record numbers monthly.”