Marco Tasso appointed Global Lottery COO at Brightstar Lottery

Marco Tasso will take on a newly created executive leadership position at Brightstar Lottery following the planned departure of Renato Ascoli from the company’s Global Lottery division. The appointment represents a significant leadership development for the organization as it continues to strengthen its position as a dedicated lottery-focused business operating across multiple international markets.

The company confirmed that Renato Ascoli will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Global Lottery on June 30, 2026. From July 1, Marco Tasso will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Lottery, taking responsibility for a broad range of operational and commercial functions across the business.

The leadership transition comes during a period of strategic focus for Brightstar Lottery as it continues to optimize its operations and support future growth opportunities within the global lottery sector.

Leadership transition marks a new chapter

The appointment of Marco Tasso signals the beginning of a new phase for Brightstar Lottery’s global lottery operations. While the company has emphasized continuity within its leadership structure, the creation of a dedicated chief operating officer role highlights the importance of operational efficiency and execution as key priorities.

Under the new structure, Marco Tasso will oversee many of the core functions that support the company’s lottery business worldwide. These responsibilities include technology, product development, product management, sales, marketing, customer support, field services and supply chain operations.

By consolidating these areas under a single executive leader, Brightstar Lottery aims to strengthen coordination across departments while maintaining a focus on innovation and customer service.

The company believes the new structure will support its long-term objectives as it continues to serve lottery customers across a range of regulated markets.

Renato Ascoli concludes a distinguished career

The transition also marks the conclusion of an extensive career for Renato Ascoli, who has spent approximately two decades in leadership positions within the company and the broader lottery and gaming sector.

Throughout his tenure, Ascoli contributed to the development of lottery products, technology initiatives and commercial strategies that helped support the company’s growth and international presence.

During those years, he held several senior positions and worked across multiple markets, gaining experience in areas ranging from operations and product development to customer engagement and business strategy.

His departure has prompted recognition from senior executives and board members who highlighted his contributions to both the company and the wider lottery industry.

Marco Sala, Executive Chair of the Board at Brightstar, praised Ascoli’s impact on the organization.

He said:

“Renato has made a tremendous impact on our company and the lottery industry. His broad experience across lottery product development, technology and commercial strategy helped us to continuously deliver innovative solutions and services to our lottery customers. I want to thank and congratulate him for his many career accomplishments.”

Marco Tasso brings extensive industry experience

Marco Tasso enters the new position with more than 20 years of experience across lottery operations, commercial management and supply chain leadership.

Before his appointment, he served as Chief Operating Officer for International and Italy Operations. In that role, he worked across several strategic business functions and gained extensive experience managing large-scale operational activities.

His career also includes senior leadership positions such as Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Services and Senior Vice President of Global Lottery Marketing.

These roles provided him with direct responsibility for several of the areas that now fall under his expanded remit as Global Lottery COO.

Beyond his work within Brightstar and its predecessor organizations, Marco Tasso has also held executive positions connected to lottery management operations in the United States.

Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Northstar Lottery Group, where he oversaw the private management contract for the Illinois Lottery. He later managed similar lottery agreements in Indiana and New Jersey.

Tasso also held leadership positions at Lottomatica, working across instant lottery products, lotto operations and commercial services.

This broad experience has given him insight into both business-to-business and business-to-consumer operations across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory environments.

Brightstar focuses on operational excellence

The appointment of Marco Tasso reflects Brightstar Lottery’s commitment to strengthening operational performance and supporting sustainable growth.

As lottery operators continue to adopt new technologies and expand digital engagement strategies, suppliers are increasingly required to provide efficient services, innovative products and reliable operational support.

The newly established COO position is intended to help Brightstar coordinate these activities more effectively on a global scale.

Chief Executive Officer Vince Sadusky emphasized the importance of the transition while acknowledging Ascoli’s long-standing contribution to the company.

He said:

“As Renato prepares to step down, I want to thank him for his many years of service and steadfast commitment to our business and people. Having Marco as a part of our senior leadership team supports the company’s vision and strategic goals. As we strengthen our focus on growth, transformation and operational execution, Marco’s insights and experience will help shape the lottery operating organization and optimize it to deliver results.”

The comments underline the company’s confidence in Marco Tasso and its belief that his experience can support future strategic objectives.

Looking ahead

As Brightstar Lottery continues to evolve as a standalone lottery-focused business, leadership continuity remains an important priority. The transition from Renato Ascoli to Marco Tasso has been structured to provide stability while positioning the company for future opportunities.

Industry observers often view executive appointments as indicators of strategic direction and the creation of this role suggests an increased focus on operational integration and execution.

With extensive experience across marketing, supply chain management, lottery operations and executive leadership, Marco Tasso is expected to play a central role in shaping the next phase of Brightstar Lottery’s development.

Conclusion

The appointment of Marco Tasso as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Lottery represents an important milestone for Brightstar Lottery. As Renato Ascoli prepares to conclude a distinguished career spanning two decades, the company is entrusting a seasoned executive with responsibility for many of its most important operational functions.

Marco Tasso brings significant experience from across the lottery sector, including leadership positions in international operations, supply chain management, marketing and lottery administration. His appointment reflects Brightstar Lottery’s commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth and long-term stability.

While leadership transitions often mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, Brightstar’s approach demonstrates a focus on continuity and experience. As the company continues to serve lottery customers around the world, Marco Tasso will play a key role in guiding its operational strategy and supporting its future ambitions in the global lottery industry.

FAQs

Who is Marco Tasso?
Marco Tasso is a senior lottery industry executive who has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Lottery at Brightstar Lottery.

When will Marco Tasso begin his new role?
Marco Tasso will officially assume his new position on July 1, 2026.

Who is stepping down from Brightstar Lottery?
Renato Ascoli will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Global Lottery on June 30, 2026.

What responsibilities will Marco Tasso oversee?
He will oversee technology, product development, sales, marketing, customer support, supply chain operations and field services.

How much industry experience does Marco Tasso have?
Marco Tasso has more than 20 years of experience in lottery operations and executive leadership roles.

What was Marco Tasso’s previous position?
He served as Chief Operating Officer for International and Italy Operations.

What is Brightstar Lottery?
Brightstar Lottery is a lottery-focused company that provides technology, products and operational services to lottery operators.

Did Marco Tasso work outside Brightstar?
Yes. He previously served as CEO of Northstar Lottery Group and held leadership positions at Lottomatica.

Why was the COO role created?
The position was created to strengthen operational coordination and support the company’s strategic goals.

What does this leadership change mean for Brightstar Lottery?
The company expects the transition to support operational efficiency, business growth and long-term strategic execution.