Former Tombola MD joins Caesars Interactive as VP & general manager

Caesars Interactive Entertainment (CIE) has appointed former Tombola managing director Leon Thomas as vice president and general manager of regulated online gaming, where he will report directly to CEO Mitch Garber.

Based in CIE’s Las Vegas corporate offices, Thomas will be responsible for “developing, leading and driving” strategic and operational initiatives across the regulated real-money online gaming operations for the company.  

CIE’s real-money gaming operations include WSOP.com in Nevada and New Jersey, as well as CaesarsCasino.com and HarrahsCasino.com in New Jersey, which are all available to players on desktop, mobile and tablet devices.

In his new role, he will oversee the marketing, casino, poker and operational functions, and “ensure strong communication and execution” across the Montreal, Las Vegas, New Jersey and Tel Aviv real-money gaming offices. CIE’s digital marketing, poker and human resources divisions will all report to Thomas.

“I have known Leon for the past eight and a half years and the timing was finally right for us to reunite,” said CIE CEO Mitch Garber. “Thomas brings a wealth of real-money gaming experience from his decade in the regulated European markets and we expect him to hit the ground running as we continue to build out our real-money gaming team as we work towards a bright future.”

Prior to joining CIE, Thomas was based in Gibraltar as managing director for online bingo operator Tombola for three and a half years. Before that, he spent five years at bwin.party digital entertainment, overseeing customer service, risk operations and regulatory matters.

“I’m impressed with the team Mitch has already assembled at CIE and can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and help position CIE for success in the regulated online gaming industry in the United States,” said Thomas.  “While some may see struggles for the nascent US market, I see plenty of opportunity and optimism for what I know is a fertile and large opportunity in a nation who enjoys this form of entertainment.”