Affinity Gaming, the Las Vegas-based owner of 11 casinos, announced that Tony Rodio, former chief of Tropicana Atlantic City, has been named Affinity chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Rodio, who guided the Tropicana to the No. 2 spot in the Atlantic City market after its prior owner lost its gaming license, has more than three decades of experience in the gaming industry and a strong track record of transformative growth.
Since 2011, Rodio has served as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors of Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. During his time at Tropicana, he led the unprecedented growth of the company, improving Tropicana’s overall financial results with net revenue increasing more than 50 percent through both operational improvements and further expansion into regional markets.
Additionally, Rodio oversaw major capital projects including the $200 million renovation of Tropicana Atlantic City. Prior to taking the helm at Tropicana, Rodio served in a variety of roles at Hollywood Casino and Harrah’s.
“We are committed to Affinity Gaming becoming a leader in the local casino market, and Tony’s career accomplishments make him uniquely qualified to lead the company in its next phase of growth and development,” said James Zenni, chairman of Affinity’s board and CEO of Affinity parent company Z Capital Partners. “Tony is one of the top executives in the gaming industry, and I’m confident that he is the right person to drive Affinity’s continued growth and enhanced commitment to the player experience. I look forward to working closely with him in this new role.”
“It is an honor to join the Affinity team and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Z Capital, an experienced and proven investor in the gaming industry,” said Rodio. “I look forward to leading Affinity in its next phase of growth, and I am excited to partner with our management team and general managers to enhance the experience for our valued customers.”
Z Capital Partners, the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group, closed its take-private acquisition of Affinity in 2017.
