Former MGM CEO Jim Murren joins Simplebet's Board of Directors

Simplebet has named veteran gaming executive Jim Murren to its Board of Directors.

The sports betting technology company expects Murren’s appointment to boost “Simplebet’s efforts to pioneer micro-betting and fan engagement” across the U.S. sports landscape, according to a press release August 17.

Jim Murren was the former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, and has also served as the Chairman of the American Gaming Association.

“Jim has been one of the most prominent and influential figures across the gaming industry over the past two decades and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him our Board of Directors,” said Chris Bevilacqua, Co-Founder and CEO of Simplebet.

Murren first joined MGM Resorts International in 1998s as Chief Financial Officer before rising to Chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2020. In addition to his experience within the gaming industry, he has also led the Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force and previously served on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council.

“As our company continues to spearhead the evolution and deployment of micro-betting products across the U.S. sports landscape, his expertise and leadership will accelerate our efforts to reimagine the gameday experience for fans, operators, media companies and the leagues themselves,” further added Bevilacqua.

This announcement sees Murren join Pat Ramsey, Non-Executive Director at Aristocrat, as recent appointees to the Board of Directors of Simplebet. Ramsey counts with nearly 20 years of experience across the gaming industry and previously served as CEO of Multimedia Games and held a variety of roles for Caesars Entertainment around the United States.

We are excited to announce Patrick Ramsey of @aristocratslots has joined our Board of Directors. https://t.co/p63TA79DtI

— Simplebet (@SimplebetHQ) July 30, 2021

“Over the course of my career, I was always motivated to identify the next game-changing product and I truly believe micro-betting will predominate the way fans bet on sports in the next few years,” said Murren. Moreover, the newly appointed member of the board of directors says he will be supporting “the delivery of an unmatched product” to the marketplace.

Earlier this year, the company announced a $15 million financing round in March, bringing total funding to $50 million. Participating in the financing was Aristocrat alongside leading VC firm Florida Funders and Mario Gabelli’s GGCP Partnership Fund.

The recent funding is set to be destined to further enhance the company’s existing NFL, MLB, and NBA products by adding derivative micro-markets, launching new sports, introducing new subcategories of micro-markets, expand engineering resources and exploring strategic opportunities.