Allwyn Appoints Former Betfred US Chief Kresimir Spajic to Spearhead Major Digital Push

• Lottery giant Allwyn has appointed experienced industry executive Kresimir Spajic as the CEO of a newly created division, Allwyn Digital.
• Spajic, who most recently served as the CEO of Betfred’s now-defunct US business, will lead the group’s global iGaming, sportsbook, and digital product strategy.
• The creation of Allwyn Digital is a key part of a major strategic pivot, which has also seen the company take full ownership of Greek digital operator Stoiximan.
• This digital focus is further underscored by Allwyn’s recent divestment of its land-based casino assets in Germany and Australia.
• Allwyn CEO Robert Chvatal described the appointment as a “transformative step” for the business, which operates major national lotteries including the UK’s.

Global lottery and gaming operator Allwyn has made a significant strategic move to bolster its digital capabilities, appointing seasoned industry executive Kresimir Spajic to lead a new global division, Allwyn Digital.

The appointment, effective from 1 September, will see Spajic take the helm as CEO of the new unit, responsible for advancing the company’s iGaming, sportsbook, and digital product offerings across its international portfolio. Based in Lucerne, Switzerland, he will report directly to Group CEO Robert Chvatal.

“ Kresimir’s appointment is a transformative step for our business,” Chvatal said. “His expertise perfectly aligns with our commitment to continuously enhancing the player experience across our digital portfolio of products and games. I am delighted to welcome him to Allwyn in this exciting new chapter.”

An Experienced Hand at the Tiller

Spajic brings over 20 years of online gambling experience to the role. He joins Allwyn from Betfred, where he served as the CEO of its US business until the British bookmaker completed its withdrawal from the American market last month.

His extensive career also includes senior leadership positions where he was responsible for online gaming and sports betting at Hard Rock International and Great Canadian Entertainment, as well as a stint as an advisor to the private equity giant Apollo Global Management.

The Strategy: A Clear Pivot to Digital

This high-profile appointment isn’t a standalone move. It’s the latest and most decisive step in a clear and deliberate corporate strategy by Allwyn to pivot towards a more “digitally-led and connected” future. The move follows two other significant recent transactions:

1. Acquisition: Allwyn’s agreement to acquire the remaining 15.5% minority stake in the highly successful Greece and Cyprus-facing online operator, Stoiximan.
2. Divestment: The simultaneous sale of its non-core, land-based casino assets in Germany and Australia.

Taken together, these actions paint a clear picture of a company shedding legacy retail assets to double down on its investment in high-growth digital operations.

A ‘Bold Ambition’

Spajic himself commented on the company’s forward-looking strategy. “ Allwyn has a bold ambition of transforming the way players engage with lotteries, gaming and casual entertainment,” he said. “ Allwyn Digital is the natural next step in that journey - to be more seamlessly connected, digitally integrated and innovative.”

The creation of this new division under an experienced leader signals a new, aggressive chapter for Allwyn as it seeks to leverage its massive lottery customer base and new digital expertise to become a true global leader in both lottery and online gaming.