BTG977 names Drew M. Kelley CEO to drive gaming operator acquisitions

Former IGT Global Gaming CFO takes the top role as the holding company targets regulated markets across four regions.

BTG977 has appointed Drew M. Kelley as Chief Executive Officer, tasking the gaming and technology holding company with accelerating its acquisition strategy for regulated gaming operators.

Kelley brings more than 25 years of experience across gaming, casino and hospitality, investment banking, and financial leadership. His career includes senior roles at Merrill Lynch & Co., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Jefferies LLC, and he most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Global Gaming at International Game Technology (“IGT”). BTG977 said he has led over $100 billion in M&A, capital markets, and strategic financing transactions.

BTG977 said it acquires profitable, market-leading gaming operators across Europe, Central Asia, South America and Africa, with a model focused on preserving existing brands and teams while deploying shared technology, operational infrastructure, and product capabilities. In the CEO role, Kelley will lead BTG977’s acquisition strategy and oversee efforts to strengthen acquired operators through institutional capital, operational expertise, and AI-native technology.

“BTG977 is taking a fundamentally different approach to building a global gaming portfolio,” said Drew M. Kelley, Chief Executive Officer of BTG977. “We’re not looking to simply acquire operators and integrate them. We’re building on what makes each business successful while applying technology, operational discipline, and capital to unlock its next phase of growth. For our investors, we bring unparalleled access to untapped, growing gaming markets, including traditional brick-and-mortar operators, cutting-edge online providers, and adjacent prediction and trading solutions. I’m excited to help execute that strategy and shape the next generation of gaming.”

The company said its broader strategy combines acquisitions with AI-driven infrastructure, shared back-office capabilities, and expansion into adjacent products, including sports betting, prediction markets, and regulated trading instruments.