Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced the appointment of Rodney Williams to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024, subject to required regulatory approvals and pending licensure. With a unique perspective derived from a track record of luxury brand-building, strategic and digital marketing, and corporate leadership, Williams will bring a distinct and innovative vision to the Caesars Entertainment Board of Directors.

“Rodney is an important addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team. Rodney’s career leading some of the world’s best-known beverage brands gives him unmatched perspective in the hospitality industry. His exceptional track record in luxury and premium brand building during his time with Diageo and LVMH and his continued commitment to the food and beverage industry through his service as a trustee and executive committee member of the James Beard Foundation will give us added insights into the continuing confluence of entertainment with the culinary arts as we shepherd Caesars Entertainment into the future,” Gary Carano, Executive Chairman of the Board of Caesars Entertainment, said.

Williams recently stepped down as President of the Diageo Beer Company and President of Diageo Canada, leaving a legacy of success. In that role, he oversaw new momentum for Guinness beer, with the brand becoming the fastest-growing on-premise brand in the US in 2023 and strong growth for Guinness 0, which made great strides in the US and became the top-selling non-alcoholic beer in Canada. His leadership also delivered unprecedented growth on Don Julio Tequila and Johnnie Walker Scotch in Canada, as well as a powerful national partnership with Bailey’s liqueur and the iconic Tim Horton’s chain.

Prior to joining Diageo in 2022, Williams spent 11 years at Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. His last role there was as Maison (or global) President of Belvedere Vodka – the first American to become a Maison president at Moet Hennessy. Previously, Williams served as Chief Marketing Officer for the entire US brand portfolio, ranging from Don Perignon and Krug Champagnes to Glenmorangie Scotch, and before that as SVP for Hennessy US. Under his leadership, the Hennessy business quadrupled in topline sales and operating profit over a five-year period.

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Before joining LVMH, Williams served as SVP of Lifestyle Brands for Jackson Family Wines, where his team delivered the largest new product launch in the company’s history, Kendall Jackson Avant wines. Previously, Williams had been SVP for Lifestyle Wines at Robert Mondavi before and after its acquisition by Constellation Brands. Before joining the wine industry, Williams began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and General Motors.

“I’m pleased to have Rodney Williams join our Board of Directors. Rodney brings a different perspective to hospitality, having experienced it from the upper echelon of luxury beverage brands. His experience in innovation, digital and experiential marketing, and implementing optimization makes him a good strategic fit for our Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him to continue to drive results for our guests, Team Members, and shareholders,” Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said.

In addition to being a trustee of the James Beard Foundation, Williams serves on the Executive Leadership Council, is a director of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and was a 2024 juror for the Cannes Lions marketing awards. He was recently named to the 2024 “Most Influential Black Corporate Leaders” list by Savoy magazine. He also advises three startups: Zitti, Qonsent, and CKBG.

Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced the closing of the previously announced acquisition of the operations of WynnBET’s Michigan iGaming business and the long-term extension of iGaming market access rights with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Caesars will assume operations on the existing platform under the WynnBET brand with no anticipated interruption to the customer experience.

Caesars Entertainment will announce a new online casino brand and the transition of the WynnBET iCasino operations to Caesars’ Michigan iGaming Platform in the second half of 2024, pending regulatory approvals.

“Caesars Entertainment would like to thank the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their collaboration through this process,” Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, said.

Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced that the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi app is accepting mobile sports bets at Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi. Sports fans 21 and older who are interested in wagering on sports via mobile devices can download the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi app to register and deposit statewide but must be physically present on-property at Harrah’s Gulf Coast to wager.

The launch of the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi mobile app complements the on-premise Caesars Sportsbook location, which accepted its first bets at Harrah’s Gulf Coast in 2018.

“The launch of our Caesars Sportsbook mobile app at Harrah’s Gulf Coast is a game-changer for sports fans who visit the world-class destination. Enhancing the fan experience remains a key focus for us across jurisdictions where we operate and bringing mobile wagering online in Mississippi builds on that. We look forward to providing an elevated and responsible sports wagering experience to our Biloxi customers going forward,” Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, said.

Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Gulf Coast provides an unmatched sports viewing experience through its integration with The 406 Club. The location takes sports viewing to another level with attractive, high-tech amenities featuring bar games, VIP semi-private Fan Caves, self-service betting kiosks, and food and beverage service.

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The Caesars Sportsbook app provides a premier online sports wagering experience with industry-leading technology like lightning-fast live scoreboards, quick and secure payouts, and daily special odds boosts and promotions. The app contains a variety of ways to bet, including same-game parlays, proposition bets, and the all-new FireBets – a one-stop shop for live bets in the app providing a seamless way to bet on exciting moments as they happen.

Caesars Sportsbook also delivers premium rewards via one of the industry’s largest loyalty programs, Caesars Rewards. Every wager placed in-person or via mobile with Caesars Sportsbook earns Tier Credits that contribute to status and Reward Credits redeemable for unique Caesars experiences, such as discounted getaways at various Caesars destinations across North America – including at destinations in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip – extraordinary culinary and entertainment experiences, as well as bonus cash in the app.

Caesars Entertainment maintains its status as an industry leader in Responsible Gaming and its focus on Responsible Gaming education is emphasized in jurisdictions where Caesars Sportsbook operates. In March 2024, Caesars Sportsbook received the prestigious RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council, which recognizes companies that achieve the highest standards for their Responsible Gambling practices.