Light & Wonder has confirmed the appointment of Steve Beason as President of Digital and Sports Betting for Scientific Games’ lottery unit.

 The appointment sees Beason return to Scientific Games, where he previously served Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the firm’s Lottery System division between 2005 and 2016.

Following his executive tenure at Scientific Games, Beason would serve as a technology executive for Inspired Entertainment, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and IGT’s former GTECH division.

Steve’s experience and hands-on team approach make him a perfect fit to complement our Executive Leadership Team,” said Scientific Games CEO Pat McHugh.

“He’ll add immediate value across our technology, operations, content, and services offerings with a global view on commercially developing our business. 

“Under Steve’s leadership, as we continue to accelerate growth, our digital product innovation will enhance each of our existing product lines expanding play and promotion of lottery games.”

Beason joins Scientific Games as the unit completes its $5 billion sell-off to US investment fund Brookfield Business Partners agreed by Light & Wonder the new entity of Scientific Games, following its business transformation. 

The divestment will see Scientific Games take full ownership of the former US Nasdaq group’s lottery technology and systems unit.  

Scientific Games will be led by a new executive team formed by CEO Pat McHugh and CFO Jim Bunitsky.  

“Our recent successes in Denmark, Hungary, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, where we deliver integrated programs for lottery instant games, draw games and sports betting across retail and digital channels, have created opportunities and an exciting need to expand our technology leadership across all lottery categories and consumer experiences,”  McHugh concluded.