Flutter Entertainment Taps Barni Evans to Lead APAC and Emerging Markets

Flutter Entertainment, a major player in the global gambling industry, has announced a significant leadership change within its international operations. Barni Evans, who has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the prominent Australian brand Sportsbet for seven years, has been promoted to a new role as head of APAC and Emerging Markets. This appointment is part of a wider organizational restructuring aimed at centralizing international operations and focusing on expansion in key global regions.

New Leadership for Sportsbet

The promotion of Barni Evans triggers a realignment of executive responsibilities within Flutter Entertainment. Effective June 1, Doug Brown will assume the position of CEO at Sportsbet. Brown brings over a decade of experience within the company, having held various senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Product Officer, and Chief Growth Officer. Flutter indicated that Brown's appointment signifies continuity in strategy as Sportsbet embarks on a new phase of growth in the Australian market, particularly amidst an ongoing compliance overhaul.

Evans's tenure at Sportsbet was marked by substantial commercial expansion, solidifying the brand's position as Australia's leading online bookmaker with an estimated 45% market share. Under his leadership, Sportsbet significantly increased its investment in mobile wagering, product innovation, and in-play entertainment features. This period also saw the company navigate an increasingly stringent regulatory environment concerning advertising, consumer protection, and responsible gambling measures.

Evans expressed his gratitude for his time at Sportsbet, stating, "It’s been a huge privilege to be part of Sportsbet’s story. I’m incredibly proud of the business we’ve built and the team behind it." He expressed confidence in Doug Brown, adding, "Doug is the right person to lead the next phase as CEO. He knows the business inside out and has played a major role in getting us to where we are today." Evans also conveyed his enthusiasm for his new role, noting, "I look forward to remaining closely connected to the business while taking on this broader role across APAC and Emerging Markets."

Broader Strategic Reorganization

The executive reshuffle at Sportsbet is occurring within a larger strategic transition for Flutter Entertainment. The company has been consolidating its global business into two primary divisions: Flutter International, led by Dan Taylor, and the U.S.-focused FanDuel unit. This move aims to streamline operations and capitalize on growth opportunities in regulated and emerging wagering markets.

This latest organizational adjustment follows changes in the U.S. operations earlier this year, where Amy Howe stepped down as CEO of FanDuel. Christian Genetski was appointed to lead FanDuel's revitalization program in North America.

In his new capacity, Evans will be responsible for leading the newly established APAC and Emerging Markets division. This unit is expected to play a crucial role in re-establishing Flutter's strategic presence in Asia, particularly after the closure of its Junglee Games business in India last year. The withdrawal from India followed the authorization of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA), which effectively prohibited real-money online gaming at a federal level, resulting in a $500 million loss for the company.

Challenges in the Australian Market

For Doug Brown, the immediate focus will be on revitalizing Sportsbet's performance. The Australian wagering landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and costly. Flutter anticipates that Brown will steer Sportsbet back to its position as a top performer within the company's global portfolio, navigating challenges such as higher taxes, regulatory pressures, and slowing wagering growth that are reshaping the economics of the sector.

Brown commented on his new role, stating, "Sportsbet is a dynamic business with smart people and a lot of momentum, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the business in its next phase. My focus is simple – keep improving the experience for our customers, bringing excitement to life, and making the most of the opportunities in front of us."

Datos clave

This development is significant for PlayVideoPoker readers as it highlights the dynamic leadership and strategic shifts within major global iGaming operators. Changes at the executive level within companies like Flutter Entertainment can influence market trends, product development, and the overall competitive landscape, which in turn can affect the availability and nature of video poker and other online gaming options for players. The focus on emerging markets also suggests potential future expansion of services into new territories.

Fuente: SBC News, https://sbcnews.co.uk/sportsbook/2026/05/28/sportsbet-ceo-evans/