Light & Wonder’s iGaming Division Names Simon Johnson as CEO

Light & Wonder, a well-known leader of traditional and real money online casino management and entertainment systems, has recently picked Simon Johnson as the new CEO for their iGaming Division.

As iGaming CEO, Johnson will report directly to Light & Wonder President and CEO Matt Wilson. He will also now join the group’s executive leadership team.

“Simon has been with Light & Wonder since 2017; he has been instrumental in driving the international commercial efforts,” the group said.

Simon Johnson wrote on his LinkedIn account that he is looking forward to making an impact and lead Light & Wonder’s iGaming division,

“As we embark on a new year, I am energised by the opportunities ahead. I am eager to work with our incredibly talented igaming team across the world.”

Since 2017, Johnson has been with Light & Wonder, most recently serving as SVP and International Managing Director. He was a driving force in advancing the company’s commercial operations across global gaming markets. 

Before joining Light & Wonder, Johnson held leadership positions in various industries, including investment banking, private equity, telecommunications and financial technology. 

His experience includes mergers and acquisitions and overseeing cross-border transactions, managing operations for multinational companies as well as startups. Namely, Johnson’s career spans leadership roles in investment banking, private equity, telecommunications and financial technology.

Light & Wonder’s iGaming Keeps Getting Momentum

The appointment of Johnson as iGaming CEO continues the strong 2024 Light & Wonder has had. According to their Q3 report, revenue from iGaming increased by 5.7% year-on-year to $74 million (£60 million/€72 million). 

The group stated that this growth reflected continued momentum in North America and Europe, as well as new content launches. Their report also noted that player spending on iGaming during Q3 hit $22.8 billion.

In November 2024, Light & Wonder announced a partnership with Stakelogic to bring a range of slot and live casino games to its content marketplace. The agreement was part of an ongoing strategy to enhance its offerings in regulated markets across Europe and the United States.  

This direct integration will see Stakelogic’s game-changing content offered to leading operators in key regulated markets in Europe and the US. The integration includes hot releases like DRAGON’S DAWN, MANIMALS, AND TIKI TIKI HOLD ‘N’ WIN all making their way to the content marketplace.

In addition, Stakelogic’s range of classic online slots will also be included in the deal. This portfolio combines the nostalgia of old-school fruit machines with the innovation of modern-day slots, providing one of the best classic slot experiences on the market.

These strong moves in the tailend of 2024 leading up to key leadership changes in early 2025 is setting up Light & Wonder’s iGaming division to be one of the best online casinos to watch out as this year unfolds.