Keith O’Loughlin quits SG Digital amid sports division sell-off

Keith O’Loughlin quit Scientific Games in June after learning of the supplier’s plans to divest its sports betting division, EGR understands. O’Loughlin resigned after three and a half years with the Las Vegas-based provider after it went public with its intention to sell off its sports betting and lottery segments to focus on igaming. The Irishman was SVP of sportsbook and platforms at SG Digital. He is an established sports betting industry veteran, having previously held C-level roles at both BoyleSports and Ladbrokes since 2011.

Discussions over a sale of Scientific Games’ sports betting arm are at a “very well advanced” stage according to chief financial officer (CFO) Mike Eklund. According to The Currency, one of the interest parties is thought to be a consortium led by former racing driver, team owner and business mogul Eddie Jordan, who is a close friend of O’Loughlin. “We’re deep into the process, its well underway,” said Eklund on 30 June. “We think we can move pretty quickly and maximise value while we’re going through this and get it to a good quality outcome in very short order,” he added. Rumours of Jordan’s takeover intensified over the weekend after Australian former F1 driver Mark Webber linked him with “a mega acquisition in gaming” on Instagram. Following O’Loughlin’s departure, Scientific Games has appointed a new CTO for OpenSports. The unnamed hire will report into SG Digital CEO Jordan Levin. Providing an update on Friday, Scientific Games refused to comment on the speculation and said it could not provide details on the strategic alternatives being explored for the sports business.