Fanatics Betting and Gaming has announced new leadership appointments as the company continues to scale its sports betting and iGaming operations.
Alex Smith has been promoted to Chief Legal Officer, where he will oversee legal, regulatory, compliance, and government affairs strategy for the business. Smith, who joined the company in 2021 as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Compliance, played a central role in launching Fanatics Sportsbook across multiple states and driving its rapid expansion.
In his new role, Smith will serve on the executive team and report directly to CEO Matt King, helping guide the company’s legal and regulatory direction as it grows its footprint in sports betting, iCasino, and emerging prediction markets.
At the same time, Sara Tait has been appointed Senior Vice President and Head of Legal and Regulated Industries. Reporting to Smith, she will lead key regulatory and legal initiatives, including managing relationships with federal and state regulators, supporting government affairs, overseeing licensing and compliance, and advancing consumer protection efforts.
Tait brings experience as a former gaming regulator along with private sector expertise, positioning her to support the company’s expansion in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
These appointments come as Fanatics Betting and Gaming continues to build out its leadership bench to support growth across regulated gaming markets in the United States.
KEY QUOTES
“Alex was one of our first hires and he helped build our legal and regulatory apparatus that has allowed us to launch products rapidly in legal sports betting, iCasino and prediction markets. As we continue to grow, Alex is the perfect person to lead our legal and regulatory functions into the future.”
Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming
“Sara is a well-respected former gaming regulator who also has experience in the private sector, making her the ideal choice to lead critical legal and regulatory efforts. The legal and regulatory landscape for sports betting, iCasino and prediction markets are constantly changing and having someone that has been on both sides of the regulatory landscape will be invaluable to us as we continue our growth trajectory.”
Alex Smith, Chief Legal Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming
