Hard Rock Digital nets former Fanatics and PENN head as VP of casino
Rich Criado begins new role with the Florida-based operator having worked in similar positions at both competitors
Hard Rock Digital has appointed US online casino stalwart Rich Criado as the company’s new vice-president (VP) of casino.
Criado officially began his new role with the Florida-based firm on March 24, returning to the operator-side of the industry for the first time since November 2024.
Most recently, he worked as an igaming consultant at his agency Perfect Creation Consulting.
He joins Hard Rock Digital having worked in similar capacities at both Fanatics and PENN Interactive.
At Fanatics, he served as VP of product, casino, and Fanatics Game Studios from October 2022 to November 2024 as the operator broke into the US online gambling space as a challenger brand.
Prior to that, Criado spent close to four years in several different roles at PENN Interactive.
He initially joined as director of product for online casino in October 2018, before moving up to the role of VP and general manager of online casino in July 2019.
Criado then worked as VP of Penn Game Studios and general manager of Hollywood Casino Online from January 2021 to April 2022.
Before working in the igaming industry, Criado spent 17 years working for the Walt Disney Company, with his last role being senior program manager at Disney Interactive.
Writing on LinkedIn about his appointment, Criado said: “A huge thank you to my network – friends, mentors, colleagues, and everyone who has supported me along the way.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible teams and iconic brands throughout my career, and I’m looking forward to bringing that experience into this next chapter.
“Hard Rock Digital is building something special in the gaming space, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Criado represents Hard Rock Digital’s latest notable hire, with former PointsBet chief strategy officer Edward Hartman joining the company as managing director of corporate development back in December 2024.
Hard Rock Digital is the sports betting monopoly operator in Florida and has a presence in several other US states. In March, the operator became the latest member of the IBIA.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.