The Interactive Gaming Council has named Keith Furlong as its new chief executive officer. The appointment was announced at the 2014 ICE conference in London. Furlong will replace outgoing CEO John Kennedy FitzGerald.
Furlong has served as the deputy executive director of the Vancouver-based trade association since 2000, and has been involved with casino regulation and online gaming for more than 15 years.
Previously, he was the public information officer and legislative liaison for the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement in the attorney general’s office. He will remain as a member of the IGC board of directors.
Furlong’s prior service on the board was due to his position as vice president and principal of Catania Gaming Consultants, an international gaming consultancy.
“Keith’s combined experience as a former New Jersey gaming regulator with a strong knowledge of the IGC’s long history advocating for fair and sensible online gaming regulations worldwide,” said IGC Chairman John Anderson.
“I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to work alongside a board of directors with their extensive business experience to lead the IGC forward,” said Furlong.
Anderson thanked FitzGerald for his service. “John FitzGerald led our organization through the challenges immediately following passage of UIGEA in the U.S.,” he said. “His sound counsel has been particularly instrumental in advancing lobbying efforts throughout Canada.”
IGC describes its role as “a voice for the responsible interactive gaming industry, making the case for regulation and player protection to governments, gaming regulators and policy makers throughout the world.” The company says perceived problems of underage and problem gambling can best be resolved through a combination of up-to-date technology, proper internal controls and regulatory oversight.
“This is a challenging time period in the online gaming industry, with many jurisdictions either implementing or considering the adoption of online gaming regulation and taxation,” said Anderson. “I am confident that Keith will be an asset as the IGC pursues opportunities on behalf of our membership.”
IGC was founded in 1996 for the international interactive gaming industry. Its members operate or supply services to reputable internet-based gaming and wagering sites.
