GAMING AMERICA | POINTSBET
A DIVERSE FUTURE Gaming America's Henry Moore spoke with Dr Eric Lee, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PointsBet, to discuss his history, the operator's goals and the challenges facing a gaming industry seeking a more diverse future. How are you finding this new position? Oh, I am having a blast. I don’t think there is another opportunity that combines two of the hottest fields in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and technology, than the online gaming and sports betting world. It is really incredible.
Can you tell us a bit about your career and personal history to date? I spent much of my early career in higher education in a number of roles at the University of Nebraska and the Colorado University Online, which was where I was really introduced to education technology for the first time. My interest in DEI led me to Tech Systems where I partnered with Franklin Reed, who is now their Executive Director, and Ian Moses. Together, the three of us really built and implemented a DEI strategy that encompassed the company’s 120+
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physical sites and over 5,000 employees. I think that experience really led me in a completely different direction as it related to DEI and technology. That’s where it all began, and the common thread that really runs through my career is moving energy, improving organizational culture and really thinking about the way employees experience the workplace.
These were the critical factors in my joining PointsBet. I also recognize that PointsBet is an organization that – this became clear when meeting with the CEO – is completely dedicated to its mission, and allows employees to be authentic. With all of that in mind, it just felt like the right place for me.
Why PointsBet? What makes this position the right one for you?
For me, the opportunity that gaming represents in the US right now is incredible. I believe PointsBet, as an online gaming company, is at the forefront with its technology stack. I look at its evolution and the increasing demographic shifts we are going to see in online gaming, and this felt like an opportunity to make sure the company reflected that diversity. This is a chance to do that from the beginning; we have the foundation here ready to roll.
There are a couple of things. One, the opportunity for me to work directly with Michelle Carpenter, our Chief People Officer, and to work directly with Johnny [Aitken], our US CEO. The experience is one you cannot turn down. When I think about PointsBet and my decision, it comes down to leadership, and an undeniable opportunity to contribute to the building of the culture and employee experience.
Following this, why gaming and sports betting?
