UK-headquartered provider of gambling options Sportech PLC announced today that Rich Roberts is stepping down from his post as President of the company’s US-based digital business. Mr. Roberts will stay with Sportech until the end of next month.
His resignation comes shortly after the gambling operator implemented certain changes in the management responsibilities of its North American Racing and Digital subsidiary. The company has recently withdrawn from its Draft Day daily fantasy sports obligations. Sportech bought a 35% stake in Draft Day, a US-focused fantasy sports company, in 2015.
Andrew Gaughan will continue leading Sportech Racing and Digital. Ted Taylor will now head the company’s Connecticut online gambling operations. Prior to his recent appointment, Mr. Taylor was Managing Director of Sportech Venues in that same state.
Commenting on Mr. Robert’s resignation, Sportech CEO Ian Penrose said that he has been an important member of the company executive team, particularly during their activities in New Jersey back in 2015, which proved to be extremely successful.
Of his stepping down from his role, Mr. Roberts himself said that he has enjoyed his time with Sportech quite a lot and that he is proud with what has been achieved during his tenure in certain major online gambling initiatives.
Mr. Roberts assumed the role of President of Digital in the summer of 2014. Prior to his appointment as head of Sportech’s online gambling operations, he was an independent non-executive director at the gambling company. Mr. Roberts is also stepping down as member of Sportech’s Board of Directors.
It has recently been announced that the gambling company had been paid the amount of £93 million related to its VAT legal dispute with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs over the ‘Spot the Ball’ game. Sportech filed its original legal claim in 2009. The company argued that it should receive £40 million plus interest in compensation for being required to pay VAT on the afore-mentioned game in the period between 1979 and 1996.
Sportech experienced several ups and downs over the past seven years but was most recently ruled in favor of by the Court of Appeal. The latest ruling may be appealed by HMRC in the Supreme Court.
