FanDuel continued to expand its government relations team today (11 December) with the additions of James Hartmann and Louis Trombetta. The pair bring diverse backgrounds to the ever-burgeoning department, which now not only monitors and works with state legislatures, but also in Indian Country.

Hartmann brings a legal background. He was a prosecutor in Chicago and New York City before shifting into politics. In Illinois, he was the lead House gaming attorney. Hartmann was heavily involved in crafting the legislation that led to the legalisation of sports betting in Illinois in 2019.

Trombetta was the first executive director of the Florida Gaming Commission. He oversaw the build-out of the commission and the regulatory process, and set state legislative priorities.

Since tribes in California in 2022 killed a commercial sports betting proposal, FanDuel has been growing its government relations team to include some who specialise in Indian Country. The company has taken the lead in the industry in meeting with and educating itself about the nation’s tribes, which play a key role in gaming in many states.

“As we continue to evolve our government relations team, we are excited to bring in two experienced professionals who understand our business, are deeply respected by legislators and can help us continue to show the positive impact legal and regulated gambling can have for states,” FanDuel chief of state government relations Ceasar Fernandez said via press release.

BetMGM adds new chief marketing officer

BetMGM 9 December announced it hired Casey Hurbis as its new chief marketing officer. Hurbis joins BetMGM from the same position at Rocket Mortgage. There he oversaw the company’s Super Bowl ads, which were ranked No. 1 by USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter. He also launched the PGA’s Rocket Mortgage Classic in Michigan in 2019.