PlayStar names Peter Ekmark as new CEO

October 4, 2023
By

He brings nearly two decades of industry experience to his new role.

Operator PlayStar has appointed Peter Ekmark as its new CEO. Ekmark will succeed outgoing CEO Per Hellberg, who has served in the role for the past two-and-a-half years.

Ekmark brings to his new position nearly 20 years of iGaming industry experience. Prior to joining PlayStar, he worked for seven years at Kindred Group. During this career, he has also held executive leadership positions with Vera&John Casino, JackpotJoy, William Hill and Internet Vikings.

Ekmark has served on PlayStar’s Board of Directors since September 2022.

Ekmark expressed his eagerness to step into his new role and took a moment to thank Hellberg for his contributions to the company.

He commented, “I’m incredibly excited to be taking over the role of PlayStar CEO and would like to take the opportunity to extend my thanks to Per Hellberg for the amazing foundations he has put down for the company in New Jersey and the US in general.

“Having already overseen incredible growth in our first year of operation, I’m confident we as a team can use the extensive iGaming and business management experience I’ve accumulated to help PlayStar cement its position in New Jersey and also expand into other regulated states.”

The company recently celebrated a full year of operation in New Jersey and offered Garden State players access to several daily prizes, as well as a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize.

The US-based iGaming operator launched in New Jersey last fall, with a goal of “challenging the industry with a focus on personalization, engagement and customer experience.”

State-by-State

Product Spotlight

CasinoTrac

CasinoTrac is reducing handpay downtime by nearly 90% with SlotSUITE's Self-Pay & W-2 G printing at the slot machine.
GA HUDDLE #087

John Connelly - Interblock preparing to launch online by the end of year

John Connelly, the Global CEO of Interblock, joins the Huddle to talk about:
- The company's conversion to the online space
- The performance of ETGs
- Interblock's new philanthropic efforts
- The trend of companies going private
- And more!
GA HUDDLE #086

Michael Hershman - Dispelling casino 'myths:' New York needs to lose fear of the unknown

Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, joins Tim Poole on the Huddle to put forward his case that the Freedom Plaza is the way to go for one of New York's casino licences. He fields a variety of questions - not shying away from any of them - on why 'myths' about casinos and a fear of the unknown should be dispelled, as well as acknowledging the strength of rival bids and discussing opposition to the project.

As the Tribal gaming sector congregates once more in the Golden State, is it too cliché of me to suggest we are heading for a golden era of Tribal gaming? With the industry set to meet at the Indian Gaming Association t...

10-11-From-the-top
From The Top: Will youth be served by Sports Betting?
Two recent interviews in our Huddle podcast revealed to Las Vegas correspondent Brian Joseph just how young sports betting entrepreneurs are becoming.
12-GA-MAR-10-year-v2
The Global Gaming Awards: Rewarding Excellence
The 10th edition of the Global Gaming Awards took place in Las Vegas last year. Gaming America looks back... and ahead to this year's.
16-18-IGA-Preview
Preview: Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention
Gaming America looks ahead to the 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention and what attendees can expect when they arrive at the Anaheim Convention Centre.
20-22-GA-Mar-888-Holding-article
888 and the US Market: A cautionary tale
Gaming America explores the risk of resting on your laurels and the challenge of remaining relevant in a rapidly expanding market.