Sports Betting Power Players

After over a decade in sports media, integrated communications, and social marketing, Scott Warfield spearheaded the growth initiatives division of NASCAR, enhancing both esports and sports betting and growing fan engagement. He joined the PGA Tour in December 2020, and as vice president of gaming Mr. Warfield oversees all aspects of sports betting strategy, from commercial partnerships to data and privacy issues, as well as responsible gaming advocacy.

Scott Wexler serves as a managing director at Ostroff Associates, one of the leading government relations firms in New York State. He has over 35 years of experience in government relations. Scott has worked on a wide variety of issues over the years, including economic development, financial services, gaming, hospitality, insurance, labor, procurement, small business, and tax policy. His work in the gaming space has included working on traditional lottery games, online lottery games, casino gaming, mobile sports betting, and the regulation of alcoholic beverages in these locations.

How will sports betting evolve in the next five years?
New York State is going to experience an enormous growth in sports betting over the next five years. The launch of mobile sports betting will cause an explosion in the number of sports betting participants, driving huge competition for customers.

What is your favorite sports team?
Buffalo Bills.

Do you root for the underdog or the favorite-to-win?
Underdog (if the favorite is not my team).

Yankees or Mets?
Mets.

Andrew Winchell joined the FanDuel government affairs team in January 2019 and focuses on state-level legislative affairs related to fantasy sports and sports betting. Previously, Andrew served as chief of staff to New York State Senator John Bonacic, then chairman of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee. During that time, Andrew participated in the drafting of the New York State fantasy sports law, sports betting legislation, and other legislative and budget proposals related to gaming.

How will sports betting evolve in the next five years?
There will be further expansion of mobile sports betting throughout the U.S. as more states pass legislation. Additionally, I expect the market to grow in existing states as more and more customers convert from the illegal, offshore market to legal, regulated operators.

What is your favorite sports team?
I can’t choose between my top two – New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers.

Do you root for the underdog or the favorite-to-win?
If one of my favorite teams is not playing, gotta love an underdog story.

If you like to wager, what is your favorite betting story?
Sweating it out waiting to hear the decision in McGregor/Diaz 2 at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas in August 2016 – the enjoyment of the rest of my trip was dependent on a McGregor win.

Yankees or Mets?
Yankees, though nothing but respect for the Mets and their fans.