Fanatics Betting and Gaming has appointed Alex Smith as Chief Legal Officer, with responsibility for overseeing legal, regulatory and compliance strategy across its igaming and sports betting operations.
Smith, who joined Fanatics Betting and Gaming in 2021 as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Compliance, will report to Chief Executive Officer Matt King and join the company’s executive team. In his new role, he will lead legal, compliance, regulatory and government affairs functions as the operator continues to expand its igaming and sportsbook presence across regulated US markets.
The company also confirmed the appointment of Sara Tait as Senior Vice President and Head of Legal and Regulated Industries. Reporting to Smith, Tait will oversee legal matters related to regulated gaming products, including igaming and sports betting, and will manage relationships with federal and state regulators.
Tait’s responsibilities include contributing to government affairs initiatives, supporting compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining licences and registrations across jurisdictions where Fanatics Betting and Gaming operates. She will also work on consumer protection measures as part of the company’s broader compliance framework.
Fanatics Betting and Gaming has expanded its igaming and sports betting operations in the United States through a state-by-state rollout strategy, operating within a regulatory environment that requires licensing and compliance at both the federal and state levels.
The appointments come as igaming and sports betting operators continue to invest in legal and compliance functions to support expansion across regulated markets, where regulatory oversight and licensing requirements remain central to market entry and ongoing operations.
“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 Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “As we continue to grow, Alex is the perfect person to lead our legal and regulatory functions into the future.”
“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.”
