Former Hard Rock International SVP Kresimir Spajic has been appointed CEO of Betfred USA.

Professional background

Spajic holds several years of experience in the North American gambling sector, in roles including SVP and MD of online gaming and sports betting for Hard Rock, president of iGaming for Great Canadian Entertainment and as an adviser for Apollo Global Management.

He was also a principal consultant for online gaming for both the Borgata Hotel Casino and Rush Street Interactive between 2013 and 2015.

Spajic holds a multidisciplinary graduate degree in management, law, and humanities from the SDA Bocconi School of Management in Italy, University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland and De Montfort University in the UK.

Management commentary

“I’m truly excited to embark on this journey as the CEO of Betfred USA,” Spajic said. 

“I am looking forward to working with our exceptional domestic and global talent and partners. Together, we aim to build a sustainable business in the US by delivering unparalleled value and support to our customers while upholding a strong commitment to responsible gaming.”

Betfred founder Fred Done added: “It’s an important and exciting time for our US business and Kresimir is the ideal person to further push and expand the Betfred brand in America.”

Betfred Group CEO Joanne Whittaker added: “We are delighted with the appointment of Kresimir Spajic. Our team in the US have worked tirelessly to expand our operation and with Kresimir’s vast experience, we have the right person to take our US business to the next level.”

Betfred in the US

Betfred’s online operations are currently live in seven US states; Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland.

In addition, the business operates retail sportsbooks in Louisiana, Nevada and Washington.

Across all its operations globally, Betfred generated revenue of £723.2m in the year to September 2022, up 37.5% year-on-year.

In its financial results, however, it did not disclose how much of that revenue was generated in US markets.

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