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LeoVegas Group has reinforced its casino operations leadership with two strategic appointments that signal the company’s commitment to delivering world-class gaming experiences across its international markets.
James Ford has been appointed Senior Director of Gaming at LeoVegas Group, marking a new chapter in his career with the Malta-based operator. The announcement comes after Ford’s previous tenure with BetMGM and LeoVegas, where he held various casino leadership roles.
In his new position, Ford will oversee gaming strategy and operations across LeoVegas Group’s portfolio of brands, which operate in 10 jurisdictions throughout Europe. His appointment reflects the company’s focus on innovation and player experience in the competitive igaming sector.
Ford shared his enthusiasm about the role on LinkedIn, stating his excitement about “continuing to push boundaries, elevate player experiences, and lead talented teams toward new milestones.”
Extensive Industry Background
Ford brings years of experience in the igaming industry to his new role. He previously served in multiple positions at LeoVegas, including Director of Gaming and Head of Casino, where he was instrumental in shaping the operator’s casino content strategy and partnerships with game developers.
In 2019, speaking at the CasinoBeats Summit, Ford emphasized the importance of innovation in the igaming sector, noting that while regulation has presented challenges, there remains “a hunger and a need for innovation” across the industry.
During his time at LeoVegas, Ford played a key role in establishing partnerships with game studios and launching exclusive content initiatives. In 2024, he was quoted in the announcement of LeoVegas Studios, the company’s in-house game development arm, stating that the studio provides “enhanced creative freedom and technical control” to develop games that align with the company’s vision.
New Casino Manager Brings Playtech Experience
Paul Tait has joined LeoVegas Group as Casino Manager, taking on responsibilities for day-to-day casino operations at the operator’s flagship properties. In a LinkedIn post announcing his appointment, Tait described the role as “a summer signing that had a lot of red tape” but expressed his enthusiasm about joining the team.
Tait brings valuable experience from the igaming industry, including his previous work with Playtech, one of the world’s largest gaming technology companies. His background in casino operations and live casino management positions him well to contribute to LeoVegas Group’s operational excellence.
“I’m very happy to share that I will be heading up the Casino team at Leo Vegas, part of MGM Resorts International. Now it’s back to an office for the first time in 2025 and I am looking forward to the challenge of taking Leo Vegas and BetMGM to the next level with amazing player experiences, innovating games/slot products and lead the amazing team to new milestones so we are constantly growing.”
Tait expressed gratitude to colleagues who helped finalize the necessary paperwork for his appointment and noted his anticipation of working with the LeoVegas team to enhance player experiences and drive innovation in game development.
LeoVegas Group: A Global iGaming Leader
LeoVegas Group operates as a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, following the U.S. casino giant’s $604 million acquisition of the Swedish operator in September 2022. The deal, which was approved by 96% of LeoVegas shareholders, represented a key component of MGM’s strategy to expand its digital gaming presence internationally.
Founded in 2011 by Gustaf Hagman and Robin Ramm-Ericson, LeoVegas has established itself as a mobile-first igaming innovator. The company operates online casino, live casino, and sports betting services through nine brands across 10 jurisdictions, primarily in the Nordic region and throughout Europe.
The company maintains its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, with its main operations hub located in Malta. LeoVegas Group currently employs more than 1,400 people across Europe and continues to expand its presence in regulated markets.
LeoVegas has built a reputation for innovation and quality in the igaming sector, earning numerous industry accolades. The operator has won the “Online Casino of the Year” award at the Global Gaming Awards five times and was named “Operator of the Year” at the EGR Operator Awards in 2023.
The company’s product strategy centers on being “the most innovative and creative company” within its core verticals while exploring new product categories. This approach has led to strategic investments, including the 2023 acquisition of game developer Push Gaming and the 2024 purchase of Tipico Group’s U.S. sportsbook platform.
Driving Innovation in Casino Operations
The appointments of Ford and Tait come at a time when LeoVegas Group is pursuing several strategic initiatives to strengthen its market position and enhance its product offerings. The company launched LeoVegas Studios in September 2024, an in-house game development studio focused on creating exclusive slot games tailored to player preferences.
LeoVegas Group is also expanding its sportsbook capabilities through the integration of the Tipico platform, which will provide proprietary technology across all international markets outside of the BetMGM joint venture.
The company emphasizes responsible gaming through its LeoSafePlay program and maintains licenses in nine jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across its operating markets.
As part of MGM Resorts International, LeoVegas Group benefits from the resources and expertise of one of the world’s largest gaming and entertainment companies. MGM operates 31 hotel and gaming destinations globally and maintains a 50/50 joint venture with Entain in BetMGM, which offers sports betting and online gaming across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
The addition of Ford and Tait to the leadership team positions LeoVegas Group to continue its growth trajectory in the competitive European igaming market while maintaining the operational excellence and player focus that have defined the brand since its founding.
Source: LeoVegas Group, LinkedIn
