Rumours have emerged in the US overnight that Gavin Isaacs, one of America’s most influential gaming executives, is to lead Playtech‘s igaming push in the States.

Isaacs has a track record like few others, having masterminded the 2013 acquisition of SHFL, where he was CEO, by Bally Technologies. He then led Bally, as the company’s chief operating officer, into its $5bn merger with Scientific Games – a company Isaacs also went on to lead, again as chief executive.

He stepped down as CEO of SG in 2016 and, this week, confirmed his departure from the company, resigning as vice-chair of the board.

Now Isaacs is being linked with another gaming giant, Playtech, with the iGaming Post citing “two separate sources”. The rumours suggest the exec will be the man to lead Playtech’s assault on the US igaming market – with the condition that Isaacs continues to be based in Las Vegas.

The appointment would certainly fit the narrative being peddled by activist investor Jason Ader, who owns Playtech shareholder SpringOwl.

With founder Teddy Sagi now divested of his interests in Playtech, Ader sees the company’s future growth coming from the US, and within its traditional gaming vertical.

Isaacs still has a few weeks to run as a consultant for SG but, by the time ICE rolls round – if the rumours are to be believed – he will be in position to build Playtech’s interests in a market he helped to shape.

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