Rush Street Gaming appoints casino and hospitality veteran Cliff Ehrlich as COO

Rush Street Gaming announced Wednesday that casino and hospitality veteran Cliff Ehrlich has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Ehrlich assumes the role of Rush Street COO from Bill Keena, a longtime company leader, who plans to retire later this year.

“I’ve admired Rush Street’s strong leadership and steady expansion over the past two decades,” said Ehrlich. “I’m thrilled to join this dynamic organization and look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success.”

Ehrlich’s career began in marketing at the Catskills Pines Resort Hotel in the ’80s and transitioned in the ’90s to casino development and operations. In 1996, he became co-owner of the Monticello Raceway and helped recruit the Oneida Indian Nation to build a casino on the property. Following an initial public offering, Ehrlich led Monticello Casino & Raceway as President, COO, and General Manager until 2013.

After consulting with Mohegan Sun regarding Upstate New York development opportunities, in 2015, Ehrlich joined The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque, serving as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. He later ran two casinos for The Navajo Nation — Northern Edge and Flowing Water. 

Since 2022, Ehrlich has been Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise’s Chief Operating Officer, with oversight of four casinos, a resort destination hotel, a travel plaza, and food and beverage manufacturing.

“Cliff’s ground-up casino development experience, deep operations background, and team leadership ensure that all five Rivers Casino properties remain in great hands,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming. “He will continue the strong forward momentum established by Bill Keena, for whom we wish the very best in retirement.”

As per the company's statement, Ehrlich’s appointment is effective immediately, and Keena will consult through the fall to ensure a smooth transition.