Affinity Interactive appoints experienced Butera as new CEO
Butera will set strategy and oversee operations of Affinity Interactive casinos resorts across Nevada, Missouri and Iowa. He will also lead all print and online media platforms, including Daily Racing Form.
He replaces Andrei Scrivens, who was appointed CEO of Affinity Interactive in November of 2022.
An industry veteran, Butera joins the business having held a series of senior roles during his career in gambling. He was most recently CEO of Sports Information Group, where he led initiatives to develop retail and business products and optimise ecommerce sales for the Daily Racing Form.
Prior to this, he was president of Fubo Gaming and had a spell as president of interactive gaming at MGM Resorts International. Away from gambling, between 2015 and 2018, he served as commissioner of the Arena Football League.
Other roles in the gambling sector include president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Tropicana Entertainment. He was also chief operating officer at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, president of Metroflag Management and president and COO of Trump Entertainment Resorts.
Butera to oversee long-term strategic priorities
“Affinity’s mission to elevate the gaming industry through advanced technology and unparalleled customer offerings – both across digital media platforms as well as in-person gaming – remains a driving force behind the business’ success,” Butera said.
“I am eager to leverage my familiarity with the business as well as my passion for driving innovative change to execute on AI’s long-term strategic priorities.”
James Zenni Jr, chairman of Affinity Interactive and founder, president and CEO of parent company ZCG, also welcomed the appointment. He praised Butera’s experience and time working in the gambling industry.
“I am confident Scott will integrate seamlessly into this expanded role,” he said. “Under his leadership, Affinity will achieve greater success, continuing to deliver world-class experiences.”
The appointment comes a year after a flurry of senior hires at Affinity.
In May last year, it appointed experienced executive Halise Ekmen Uysal as its chief financial officer. Uysal joined after previously working at Eide Bailly, Chumash Enterprises and Caesars Entertainment.
Last March, Affinity Interactive also appointed Scott Butera as chief executive of its Sports Information Group arm. In addition, Brad Egnor joined as chief marketing officer for artificial intelligence.