Affinity Gaming, which was purchased by private equity managing firm Z Capital Partners last year, has a new leader. In a press release from last week, the company announced that it has appointed Anthony “Tony” Rodio to run the company as its new CEO.
Rodio has been around gaming for more than 30 years. He was previously with Tropicana Entertainment, serving as the company’s president and CEO, where he led the company to an increase of net revenue by over 50% and was at the helm when the company conducted a renovation of Tropicana Atlantic City worth $200 million. Before signing on with Tropicana, he held a number of different positions at both Harrah’s and Hollywood Casino.
According to the Chairman of Affinity’s board of directors and Z Capital Partners CEO, James Zenni, “We are committed to Affinity Gaming becoming a leader in the local casino market and Tony’s career accomplishments make him uniquely qualified to lead the Company in its next phase of growth and development. Tony is one of the top executives in the gaming industry and I’m confident that he is the right person to drive Affinity’s continued growth and enhanced commitment to the player experience. I look forward to working closely with him in this new role.”
Affinity oversees 11 casinos in four states around the U.S. They include three in Colorado—Golden Mardi Gras Casino, Golden Gates Casino and Golden Gulch Casino—and Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It has an additional four in Vegas, as well as one in Iowa and two in Missouri. The company was purchased in February 2017 for $580 million.
Of being tapped to steer the company, Rodio stated, “It is an honor to join the Affinity team and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Z Capital, an experienced and proven investor in the gaming industry. I look forward to leading Affinity in its next phase of growth and I am excited to partner with our management team and general managers to enhance the experience for our valued customers.”
Rodio will replace Michael Silberling, who has been Affinity’s CEO since 2014. Silberling left at the beginning of October to take a position as the senior VP and chief operating officer for Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment.
