Legal sports betting in the US has been on the rise for the past five years since a Supreme Court ruling opened the doors for its expansion. Currently, 38 states and Washington, DC, have embraced legal sports betting, creating revenue and job opportunities for the economy. However, the rapid growth of the industry has also brought attention to negative aspects such as betting scandals and questionable advertising practices. This has prompted the industry to focus on improving player protections and responsible gaming practices.
Advancements in technology have led to new trends in sports gaming, including pick ’em-style games and peer-to-peer gaming. As more states legalize gambling, the sports betting and gaming industry is evolving, leading to the creation of new roles to meet the demands of this changing landscape. Business Insider has compiled a list of early- and mid-career professionals who are making their mark on the US sports betting and gaming industry.
These rising stars were recommended by industry experts and vetted by BI reporters. To be considered, candidates needed to demonstrate their impact on their organizations and the industry as a whole, as well as their leadership skills. The list of future power players includes executives from major sports-betting operators, individuals changing the role of media in the industry, and key players within startups. Their work focuses on important themes such as responsible gaming, micro betting, audience engagement, product innovation, and more.
Meet BI’s 16 rising stars in sports betting and gaming for 2024, listed in alphabetical order.