BetMGM appoints Jarrod Schwarz as COO

BetMGM, a leading brand in the sports betting and iGaming sector, has announced the promotion of Jarrod Schwarz to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This marks the first time that the company has appointed an executive specifically to oversee such an expansive portfolio that combines product, customer operations, technology, and trading under one leadership role.

The decision reflects BetMGM’s ambition to strengthen its internal structure, enhance operational efficiency, and prepare the company for further growth in a highly competitive US gambling landscape.

Jarrod Schwarz’s career journey

Schwarz has been with BetMGM for nearly five years, serving as Chief Product Officer, where he played a central role in shaping the operator’s product strategy. His appointment as COO not only recognizes his past achievements but also signals the company’s confidence in his ability to guide BetMGM through its next phase of expansion.

With over two decades of experience in digital product leadership, Schwarz brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Before joining BetMGM, he contributed to high-profile projects across multiple industries.

• At Disney, he was part of the team responsible for the launch of ESPN+, a landmark initiative that expanded the company’s digital streaming portfolio.
• He held senior product leadership roles at eBay, gaining direct experience in scaling consumer platforms.
• Earlier in his career, he worked at the startup Bloomspot, which was later acquired by JP Morgan Chase, giving him valuable insights into financial technology and customer acquisition strategies.

This diverse background has given Schwarz a unique perspective on consumer engagement, technology development, and business operations, all of which will be crucial in his new role.

CEO Adam Greenblatt’s endorsement

BetMGM Chief Executive Officer Adam Greenblatt praised Schwarz’s contributions to the company’s success.

Greenblatt stated: “Jarrod has been an integral part of our incredible team, building BetMGM into one of the most recognisable and successful brands in sports betting and iGaming. He has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of our business.”

Such recognition from the company’s top leadership underscores the importance of Schwarz’s role in helping establish BetMGM as a trusted and recognizable brand within a crowded market.

Financial performance underscores the timing

The leadership changes coincide with BetMGM’s announcement of strong financial results. In its H1 2025 update, the company reported revenues of $1.35 billion, representing a 35% year-on-year increase.

This growth demonstrates the resilience of BetMGM’s business model and its ability to capitalize on the expanding sports betting and iGaming markets in the United States. The positive financial results likely provided momentum for structural reforms and leadership changes designed to sustain and build upon this performance.

A broader restructuring strategy

Alongside Schwarz’s promotion, BetMGM confirmed that it is implementing broader organizational changes. A notable adjustment is the decision to place strategy, corporate development, and selected business development responsibilities under the finance team led by Chief Financial Officer Gary Deutsch.

This structural realignment suggests a more integrated approach to business strategy and financial oversight. By aligning these functions under finance, BetMGM may aim to ensure stronger fiscal discipline, streamlined decision-making, and a unified long-term growth strategy.

Establishing new verticals for iGaming and sports

The changes also follow BetMGM’s creation of two distinct business verticals:

• iGaming, led by Oliver Bartlett
• Sports, led by Raymond Doyle

These dedicated units allow for more specialized focus, enabling the company to better respond to shifting consumer demands, regulatory requirements, and market competition. The establishment of vertical-specific leadership indicates BetMGM’s intent to maximize efficiency and innovation in both segments of its business.

Schwarz’s vision for the COO role

In response to his appointment, Schwarz expressed appreciation and enthusiasm for the new challenge.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role. It’s a privilege to continue the incredible journey we’ve been on at BetMGM, building on our momentum in sports betting and iGaming,” he said.

His statement reflects a commitment to continuity while also acknowledging the company’s aspirations to expand and evolve further.

Expanding entertainment partnerships

The announcement of Schwarz’s promotion comes shortly after BetMGM revealed a new collaboration with Fremantle, the global content production company behind The Price is Right. The partnership introduced The Lion’s Share, a custom-branded pricing game themed around the iconic show.

The agreement also includes the development of multiple exclusive slot titles based on The Price is Right, strengthening BetMGM’s branded entertainment portfolio. Such partnerships illustrate the operator’s strategy of blending traditional gaming with recognizable entertainment brands to capture new audiences and deepen customer engagement.

BetMGM’s growing market presence

BetMGM currently operates across 29 markets in the United States, offering a combination of mobile and retail sports betting as well as iGaming products. The company’s footprint continues to expand as more states regulate online gambling, providing fertile ground for further growth.

In addition to its domestic expansion, industry observers are closely watching how BetMGM positions itself for potential international opportunities. While the company has primarily concentrated on the US market, the rapid pace of global regulatory change in online gaming could present new avenues for development in the coming years.

The significance of the COO appointment

The creation of the COO position itself is noteworthy. For BetMGM, it symbolizes a transition from rapid market entry and brand establishment toward a more mature phase focused on operational excellence, risk management, and sustainable profitability.

By appointing Schwarz to this role, BetMGM has underscored the importance of experienced leadership in unifying its product, operations, and trading functions. The appointment could help ensure that customer experience, technological innovation, and operational resilience are managed holistically under one executive.

Industry context and competitive pressures

The US sports betting and iGaming industries are undergoing rapid transformation. Since the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports wagering in 2018, operators have rushed to secure market share. BetMGM, backed by its joint venture partners MGM Resorts International and Entain, has established itself as one of the key players.

However, competition remains fierce. Rivals such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Digital are also investing heavily in product innovation, partnerships, and marketing. In this environment, internal restructuring and leadership appointments become critical tools to sharpen operational focus and maintain competitiveness.

Outlook for BetMGM

Looking forward, BetMGM’s priorities are likely to include:

• Strengthening its digital infrastructure to support scaling operations across multiple states.
• Expanding its entertainment-focused gaming content portfolio to attract diverse demographics.
• Ensuring compliance with complex and evolving regulatory frameworks in each jurisdiction.
• Maintaining a balance between aggressive market expansion and sustainable financial performance.

The promotion of Jarrod Schwarz and the associated restructuring steps can be seen as strategic measures designed to address these priorities.

Conclusion

BetMGM’s decision to elevate Jarrod Schwarz to the role of Chief Operating Officer reflects both recognition of his proven leadership and a strategic move to strengthen the company’s operational framework. The restructuring of business functions, the creation of dedicated verticals for iGaming and sports, and the integration of strategy under the finance team all point toward a more mature, disciplined stage in BetMGM’s development.

As competition intensifies across the US sports betting and iGaming markets, the company’s ability to unify its product, technology, and trading operations under a seasoned executive may prove vital. With Schwarz at the helm of these critical functions, BetMGM positions itself not only to maintain its strong growth trajectory but also to adapt with agility to the evolving regulatory and consumer landscapes.

Ultimately, these changes suggest that BetMGM is preparing for long-term sustainability, balancing expansion with governance and innovation. The promotion of Schwarz marks a pivotal step in aligning leadership, strategy, and execution as the company seeks to reinforce its standing as one of the most recognized names in the gaming industry.

FAQs

What role has Jarrod Schwarz been promoted to at BetMGM?
Jarrod Schwarz has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing product, operations, technology, and trading.

What position did Jarrod Schwarz hold before becoming COO?
He previously served as Chief Product Officer at BetMGM for nearly five years.

What is Jarrod Schwarz’s professional background?
He has more than 20 years of digital product leadership experience, including roles at Disney, eBay, and the startup Bloomspot.

What did BetMGM’s CEO say about the promotion?
Adam Greenblatt praised Schwarz for his leadership, strategic thinking, and contributions to building BetMGM into a successful brand.

What were BetMGM’s financial results in H1 2025?
The company reported revenues of $1.35 billion, representing a 35% increase compared with the previous year.

What organizational changes accompanied the appointment?
Strategy, corporate development, and some business development functions have been placed under the finance team led by CFO Gary Deutsch.

Who leads BetMGM’s iGaming and sports verticals?
Oliver Bartlett leads iGaming, while Raymond Doyle heads the sports division.

What partnership did BetMGM recently announce?
The company partnered with Fremantle to launch The Lion’s Share and create exclusive slot titles based on The Price is Right.

How many US markets does BetMGM operate in?
BetMGM currently operates in 29 US markets with both mobile and retail products.

Why is the creation of the COO role significant?
It demonstrates BetMGM’s focus on operational maturity, unifying product and trading functions, and supporting sustainable growth.