Thomas Winter has announced his departure from Golden Nugget Online Gaming, ten years after founding the company and one and a half years following its acquisition by DraftKings.
Disclosing his exit via social media, Winter revealed excitement at focusing on “the latter part of work-life balance” after closing “this extraordinary chapter of my life”.
He became president of GNOG after founding the online casino and sports betting operator in September 2013, before transitioning to the role of General Manager of North America iGaming at DraftKings in May 2022 in a transaction that had an implied equity value of approximately $1.56bn.
It was said that around $300m in synergies would be felt at maturity, with DraftKings to deploy a multi-brand approach in a bid to enhance cross-selling opportunities, drive increased revenue growth and enhance its standing across numerous US states.
Further industry experience gained by Winter includes a four year and three month stay as a Board Observer at SuperBet, as well as occupying various positions at Betclic Group.
Here he occupied the roles of Chief Operating Officer of Betclic and Chief Operating Officer and Director of Expekt, before becoming CEO and Director of both brands.
Addressing his decision, Winter wrote: “10 years after founding Golden Nugget Online Gaming, three years after taking it public and two years after its acquisition by the almighty DraftKings., time has come for me to close this extraordinary chapter of my life and open a new one, this time focused on the latter part of work-life balance.
“So many good memories come to mind, from taking GNOG from dead last to number one online casino in New Jersey, to opening the first live dealer studio in the US, being voted casino operator of the year four years in a row, spinning off GNOG then taking it public, merging with DraftKings and having the privilege of leading the two brands to become, together, the US #1 online casino operator.”
Adding: “Although I’ll miss the action, I can’t wait to see what the amazing DK/GNOG casino team, led by uber-talented Gregory Karamitis and superstar Signe Yama, will deliver to stay atop the US igaming world for years to come. I’ll be rooting for y’all.”
