Gaming and betting operator PlayUp has announced the appointment of Art Hamilton as its USA chief financial officer, while it also announced an investment from cryptocurrency exchange FTX.
Hamilton assumes the role with significant experience in the industry. He previously worked at NYX Gaming Group which acquired OpenBet and was eventually sold to Scientific Games.
Hamilton becomes the latest appointment to PlayUp’s senior management team, following the appointment of Dennis Drazin as chairman in December 2021.
PlayUp’s senior appointments come in the wake of the company’s legal dispute with former CEO Dr Laila Mintas.
After being granted a temporary restraining order against Mintas in early December, PlayUp’s emergency motion for a preliminary injunction was denied by the District Court of Nevada as the company failed to prove that Mintas’ actions led to the collapse of the operator’s acquisition by crytpocurrency exchange FTX.
Mintas herself has no filed for damages, arguing that PlayUp’s claims can be considered defamation.
Alongside the appointment of Hamilton, PlayUp announced it secured a $35m investment from FTX, the business that played a major role in the dispute with Mintas. PlayUp has said that this financing round will be used to accelerate its US market access.
FTX’s head of product Ramnik Arora said: “We are delighted to have an investment in PlayUp. We believe PlayUp is at a pivotal moment in its corporate journey.”
PlayUp’s global CEO Daniel Simic added: “We are very happy with the progress of our U.S. market entry. The recent investment by FTX will assist PlayUp in accelerating its U.S. market opportunities and grow our global sports betting and wagering presence.”
