Frank Suarez, the former head of the D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming, is making a move to take on a new role as the president and CEO of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. Suarez’s time in D.C. was met with some challenges, particularly in the realm of sports betting. However, his decision to transition to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation is seen as a positive step forward in his career.
When it comes to gambling in the District of Columbia, it’s understandable why Suarez is opting to leave his position after less than three years. The sports betting sector in D.C. faced some difficulties during Suarez’s tenure. On the other hand, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation has had its own share of issues, which is where Suarez will be heading next. Despite these challenges, the CLC generates significant profits for the state, totaling $400 million annually.
Connecticut has faced obstacles with implementing a new point-of-sales system, leading to complications such as the inadvertent invalidation of winning tickets. Additionally, Rush Street Interactive, which previously managed the online sportsbook, ended its partnership with the lottery due to insufficient earnings. Fanatics Betting & Gaming took over operations in December, marking a significant transition for the organization.
Suarez expressed his enthusiasm for his new role at the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, emphasizing the importance of maximizing revenue for the state while upholding integrity and responsible gaming practices. The CLC acknowledged Suarez’s contributions during his time in D.C., attributing a notable turnaround in sports betting operations to his leadership. Under Suarez’s direction, the D.C. Lottery sportsbook saw substantial growth, becoming the largest in the District.
Robert Simmelkjaer, the board chair of the CLC, praised Suarez for his leadership skills, industry experience, and forward-thinking approach, highlighting him as the ideal candidate to lead the company into a new phase of growth and innovation. Suarez’s professional background includes previous roles at the North Carolina Education Lottery, as well as experience in marketing and brand management in various industries.
In related news concerning D.C., FanDuel has raised concerns about potential changes in the sports betting market that could impact its operations in the capital. The 2025 budget proposes a Class C license that would allow sportsbooks to partner with professional sports teams and offer mobile access citywide. Currently, FanDuel is the sole operator permitted by the OLG within the district, with limited mobile betting available at retail locations operated by BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.
As the city council considers expanding the market to additional operators, FanDuel has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from its partnership with OLG. Mayor Muriel Bowser has yet to approve the 2025 budget, which is facing opposition due to tax implications. If passed, the budget could open up opportunities for new operators to enter the D.C. sports betting landscape.
Despite the challenges faced by the OLG in establishing digital betting through GamBetDC, the recent partnership with FanDuel has shown promising results in terms of revenue and engagement. If FanDuel decides to pursue a Class C license, they could potentially form a partnership with a local sports team to continue their presence in the market. The evolution of the sports betting industry in D.C. reflects a shifting landscape that offers new opportunities for operators and consumers alike.
