Fanatics Betting and Gaming (FBG) has promoted Alex Smith to chief legal officer, and brought in former Indiana gambling regulator Sara Tait as head of legal and regulated industries.
Reporting to CEO Matt King, Smith becomes a member of the FBG executive team after joining the company in November 2021 as vice president of legal and regulatory compliance. Prior to that, he spent nearly three years at FanDuel.
“Alex was one of our first hires and he helped build our legal and regulatory apparatus that has allowed us to launch products rapidly in legal sports betting, iCasino and prediction markets,” said King. “As we continue to grow, Alex is the perfect person to lead our legal and regulatory functions into the future.”
Reporting to Smith, Tait will have wide responsibilities spanning multiple strategic subject matters within FBG, specifically serving as legal counsel to the regulated gaming and markets products.
She spent more than ten years at the Indiana Gaming Commission, including as executive director until September 2021. Since then she has worked as a partner at law firms Ice Miller and Duane Morris.
“Sara is a well-respected former gaming regulator who also has experience in the private sector, making her the ideal choice to lead critical legal and regulatory efforts,” said Smith. “The legal and regulatory landscape for sports betting, iCasino and prediction markets are constantly changing and having someone that has been on both sides of the regulatory landscape will be invaluable to us as we continue our growth trajectory.”
Commenting on her appointment, Tait said: “Choosing to join Fanatics Betting & Gaming was a clear decision for me, rooted in the company’s incredible talent, strong leadership and strategic vision. I look forward to leaning into this new role and making an impact.”