New interactive gambling chief for Churchill Downs

US horseracing giant Churchill Downs Inc. has appointed a new overall chief for its interactive gambling operations on Twinspires.com, Luckity.com and Bluff Media.

James E. “Ted” Gay, most recently senior vice president and chief strategy officer at the Louisville company, was appointed on Monday to be president of Churchill Downs Interactive.

Twinspires.com is Churchill’s advance-deposit wagering platform for online betting on horse races; Luckity.com is a social media game site, set up as a “sweepstakes” that pays cash to winners. Acquired by Churchill in February, Bluff Media has publications geared to poker enthusiasts, including player rankings.

Bluff Media does not engage in real-money gambling, but Churchill Downs Inc. filed an interactive gaming application in Nevada in July.
“Throughout Ted’s tenure with the company, he has played a strong leadership role in the development of CDI’s online strategy and initiatives,” Churchill’s president and chief operating officer, William C. Carstanjen, said in a statement.

“He was an essential part of our leadership team in the acquisitions of AmericaTAB and YouBet.com. He also led the acquisition of Bluff Media and currently oversees its operations.

“Most recently, Ted has led the strategic thinking behind, and development of, Luckity.com.

“He has developed a deep level of experience and dynamic skill set that makes him the right person to take on this new position and help lead the company further into the online space.”

Gay, who assumes his new duties immediately, is based in Louisville but will move to Mountain View, California in early 2013.