Racing Queensland appoints former Ladbrokes Australia chief exec as new CEO
Ex-BetMGM VP Jason Scott will take up the role at the beginning of May after 11 years across Entain-owned brands
Racing Queensland (RQ) has appointed industry veteran Jason Scott as its new CEO.
Scott joins the firm after 11 years across a number of Entain-owned brands. His most recent role was as BetMGM’s VP of trading, VIP and retail sportsbooks.
Scott held this role from December 2019 until he announced his departure earlier this month.
He joined BetMGM after a lengthy stint at Ladbrokes Australia. Scott originally joined Ladbrokes Australia in March 2012 as a trading director, a position he held for five years.
Scott was then made interim CEO in February 2017 and was appointed to the role permanently in July 2017. Scott was at the helm of Ladbrokes Australia for just over two years before moving to the US.
Before his time at Ladbrokes Australia, he spent time as a horseracing bookmaker with the Tatts Group and a racing analyst with Humbleton Pty.
RQ Chair Steve Wilson AM stated that the candidates for the position were of a high level, and Scott was chosen based on his experience, wagering background and strong network across the region.
Wilson said: “It’s an exciting period for Jason to take the reins at Racing Queensland. With record-breaking returns to participants and more prize money than ever before, we intend to change the face of racing in the Sunshine State over the next five years.
“This includes A$450m (£237.64m) of catalytic infrastructure projects such as the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club, along with the establishment of the new world-class Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre and Queensland Harness Centre.
“The role was highly coveted, and throughout the recruitment process, it became clear that Jason was the outstanding candidate.”
On his new role, Scott commented: “The impact of the Queensland racing industry is incredible and touches every corner of the state.
“Under the board’s leadership, the organisation has made incredible strides, and my role will be to enhance that in the coming years through continued innovation of our racing calendar, greater commerciality and delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure.
“This includes stimulating wagering growth and working with Tabcorp to increase pari-mutuel betting on Queensland product.
“There’s a really solid platform to work from and an ambitious and clearly defined strategy that I’m looking forward to leading with the board and management,” Scott concluded.
Scott will begin his role as CEO on 2 May.