BETTING ON RELATIONSHIPS
STRATEGIC INSIGHT FOR SUCCESS
2025ELG40UNDER40
BETTING ON RELATIONSHIPS
Tres York • Senior Director of Government Relations , American Gaming Association
Navigating the intersection of gaming and government relations , Tres York has built a reputation as a connector , bringing stakeholders together to tackle complex issues like illegal gambling and sports betting regulations .
As the senior director of government relations for the American Gaming Association ( AGA ), York leads state advocacy and regulatory engagement , working to ensure that bad policies don ’ t progress while building a broad coalition to combat illegal and unregulated gambling .
York ’ s career began in Indiana , where he interned unpaid for a former congressman , eventually earning a paid position and cutting his teeth in politics . “ I always wanted to work in politics ,” York recalls . “ It ’ s competitive and hard to break into , but that experience taught me the importance of perseverance and building relationships .”
That emphasis on relationships has been a cornerstone of York ’ s career . From Indiana ’ s legislature to the Realtor Association , and eventually to Washington , D . C ., York has leveraged connections to drive success . At the National Conference of State Legislatures ( NCSL ), he represented state legislators on federal issues , including gaming preemption . “ I spent about three years working to ensure that gaming policies remained state-focused ,” he explains . “ It was here that I began collaborating closely with the AGA .”
Now at the AGA , York manages lobbying efforts at the state level , focusing increasingly on illegal gambling . “ Illegal gambling has become a primary focus ,” he says . “ We ’ re working with state legislators , regulators , attorneys general and law enforcement to broaden the coalition and tackle this issue effectively .”
Asked about the challenges faced early in his career , York points to the learning curve in understanding the political landscape . “ You think you know how politics works from your classes , but the real-world practice of learning the issues and , more importantly , building relationships is something else entirely ,” he says . “ So much of it comes down to who you know .”
A self-proclaimed extrovert , York thrives on meeting new people and forging connections . This
outgoing personality has served him well , allowing him to build a robust network across the gaming industry and government . “ It ’ s about projecting openness and warmth ,” York explains . “ That ’ s how you gain trust , especially in a space like gaming regulation where relationships are key .”
Mentorship has also played a significant role in York ’ s development . One of his first formative mentor relationships was with former U . S . Rep . Luke Messer from Indiana , who gave York his first job in politics . York gained critical learning experiences as the congressman ’ s “ body man ,” saying , “ He was always willing to answer my questions , and I learned so much just from being in the room .”
Today , York passes on that knowledge to younger colleagues at the AGA and through speaking engagements . “ I try to offer advice where I can ,” he says . “ It ’ s important to help the next generation of leaders , especially as the gaming industry trends younger with the rise of online gaming and sports betting .”
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve , York remains focused on driving progress and fostering collaboration across sectors . With the average age of online gamers now in the mid-30s , compared to 42 for land-based casino-goers , York is well-positioned to help guide the industry into the future . “ It ’ s exciting to be part of this moment ,” he says . “ We ’ re working hard to ensure that the industry continues to innovate and thrive .”
It ’ s clear that relationships — both old and new — will continue to be at the heart of York ’ s success as he navigates the rapidly changing world of gaming . — Jack Goodin , The Innovation Group
STRATEGIC INSIGHT FOR SUCCESS
Cassie Brickman • CEO , Betting Hero
Cassie Brickman didn ’ t know her ultimate goal when she began one of her first internships at Badger Sports Properties , a Learfield property , but her unwavering priorities have propelled her to the top of her industry .
“ I knew that I loved sports , I loved entertainment , and I loved working with people ,” Brickman recalls . “ I didn ’ t know what kind of job I could have because of these things , but I knew I ’ d figure it out .”
Her focus led her to remain in sports and entertainment , eventually reaching her position as CEO of Betting Hero in 2021 . She originally joined the company as managing director , with the understanding that she would transition into the role of CEO alongside Betting Hero ’ s founders . Within a year and a half , Brickman had successfully made that transition , which she credits to her strong transferable skills .
“ Having confidence in those skills and being able to move them over to a different industry is
32 Global Gaming Business NOVEMBER 2024