ClubsNSW, a lobbying group that represents gambling clubs in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), has announced the appointment of Rebecca Riant as its new CEO, effective July 24.
Riant replaces former ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis, who was fired in February after saying then-NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet pushed gambling reforms because of his “conservative Catholic gut.”
According to a ClubsNSW statement, Riant spent two years as executive general manager for sustainability, markets and customer experience delivery at Tabcorp, Australia’s largest gambling company. She was then promoted to COO of wagering and media.
In September 2022, she joined the Star Sydney as chief controls and enablement officer for NSW, and became chief controls officer for the entire Star Entertainment Group in January.
“Rebecca brings over 30 years of experience in banking, strategy formulation and execution, regulatory liaison, and transformational change to our Association and the broader club industry,” said ClubsNSW Chairman George Peponis.
“The board and I are looking forward to working with Rebecca to guide the industry through these challenging times and onward into a sustainable future, where we will continue to support and care for our communities.”
According to Inside Asian Gaming, Riant takes the helm at a pivotal time for the gaming industry in NSW. The government recently announced that it will lower the cash-in limit for all poker machines in pubs and clubs to AU$500 (US$332), down from AU$5,000.
