Former Florida Regulator and Illinois Legislative Counsel Join FanDuel Government Relations Department

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FanDuel Group has boosted its US-facing government relations team by hiring former Florida regulator Louis Trombetta and Illinois legislative counsel James Hartmann as government relations directors. The company says its new hires “bring a wealth of experience” as it seeks to strengthen existing relationships and build new connections in targeted states.

In the announcement, Cesar Fernandez, FanDuel’s head of state government relations, said Trombetta and Hartmann would help communicate the state-level benefits of regulated gaming.

As we continue to evolve our government relations team, we are excited to bring in two experienced professionals who understand our business, are deeply respected by legislators and can help us continue to show the positive impact legal and regulated gaming can have for states.

Florida’s ‘hub-and-spoke’ approach is a model for other states

Florida, notably, is the inception point for the “hub-and-spoke” model of online gambling used by the Seminole Tribe. The model allows online betting from anywhere in the state as long as the gaming servers are physically present on Indian land.

Since losing the 2022 sports betting referendums to California tribes, FanDuel has made a concerted effort to mend fences and find a way forward.

Given California is another tribal gaming state that wants to establish online sports betting, Trombetta’s hiring makes sense. The hub-and-spoke model could offer a way for operators and tribes to partner outside of traditional state regulation.

Experience-wise, Trombetta is a graduate of the State University of New York, College at Brockport, and the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He is also a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and previously served on the Association of Racing Commissioners International board.

Before joining FanDuel, Trombetta was the inaugural executive director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which oversaw regulation of the state’s gaming industry. The company expects his “strategic leadership and deep understanding” of regulation will be invaluable as it seeks to expand US operations.

Specifically, FanDuel said the “unique blend of legal insight and industry knowledge” gained over Trombetta’s time in the industry will “contribute significantly” to its ongoing success.

Speaking about his new role, Trombetta expressed optimism about his shift from regulation to government relations.

I’m thrilled to join FanDuel and transition from a regulatory role to working with an operator that is committed to building this industry in a sustainable manner. I look forward to contributing to their continued success and helping to shape the future of the industry.

Hartmann’s Illinois connections may prove valuable

Years back, before opposition dampened optimism, the gaming industry widely considered Illinois the next state with the best chance of legalizing online casinos.

In that light, FanDuel’s hiring of Hartmann makes similar strategic sense, given his connection to Illinois.

Hartmann began his career as a prosecutor in Chicago and New York City before transitioning into politics. Over the years, he served multiple roles in the Illinois House of Representatives before ascending to chief counsel for the Illinois Speaker of the House and House Parliamentarian.

During his time in politics, Hartmann participated in all aspects of the legislative process, including negotiating and drafting Illinois sports betting legislation. He holds a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Kentucky and a Juris doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. Further, in 2023, Chicago Magazine named him to its 40 under 40 list.

Echoing Trombetta, Hartmann expressed a keenness to put his expertise to work for FanDuel.

FanDuel has always stood out to me for the company’s innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of gaming in a responsible way. I look forward to bringing my legislative and legal expertise to the team in a way that continues to support FanDuel’s growth.