DraftKings is assembling a roster of gaming industry all-stars in a drive to become a pre-eminent player in legal sports betting nationwide.
The latest addition is Johnny Avello, a widely respected oddsmaker who has resigned as longtime head of Wynn Las Vegas’ sports book to take a director-level position with the fantasy sports giant.
“Johnny is considered a legend in Las Vegas,” said DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish. “He brings well over 30 years of experience, insights and ideas to DraftKings. We’re committed to building a world-class sports betting operation by putting together amazing talent with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and Johnny’s arrival brings us one step closer to that goal.”
Avello, together with Frank Kunovic, will direct retail operations from Las Vegas for DraftKings SportsBook.
Kunovic was recruited in August from Caesars Entertainment, where he oversaw some 20 race and sports betting operations. Jamie Shea came on board the same month, lured from International Gaming Technology, where she spearheaded North American growth for the slots and systems giant. A 10-year veteran of Las Vegas race and sports betting, Shea will head digital operations, including online and mobile platforms.
The hires coincide with the opening of new offices in Las Vegas and San Francisco and appear to signal that DraftKings intends to pursue a license to take wagers in Nevada. The company is racing to gain ground on rival FanDuel, which has a retail presence in two states and partnerships that should facilitate access into a dozen other markets. DraftKings operates online and remote betting in New Jersey (as does FanDuel) but has yet to compete with a terrestrial operation in the U.S.
