Chief Exec Change At Major U.s. Online And Land Racing Firm

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Aug 29, 2014

William Carstanjen takes up the reins at Churchill Downs

Top US internet and land gaming and racing operator Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has appointed William Carstanjen as its new CEO.
In a statement Wednesday, the company announced that incumbent Robert Evans will stand down but continue to serve the group as chairman of the board of directors.
Previously CDI's chief operating officer and president, a position he has held since March 2011, Carstanjen has been with the company since 2005 in legal and development management positions prior to his appointment as chief operating officer.
"Over the last several years we have transformed Churchill Downs into a diversified growth company while continuing to strengthen and invest in our traditional horse racing business," Carstenjen said this week.
"Today, CDI is better positioned strategically and operationally, and is stronger financially and organizationally, than perhaps at any time in its 140-year history."
Among Carstenjen's achievements at CDI was the company's move into online wagering via TwinSpires.com, and the acquisitions of Youbet.com, AmericaTab, and Bloodstock Research Information Systems. He was also an important driver of the company's regional casino gaming diversification and the growth of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby events.
In stepping down to take up his role of chairman of the board, Evans commented:
"In Bill Carstanjen and Bill Mudd [who has been promoted to chief financial officer] we have two proven senior executives who are well known by our major shareholders and who can continue to profitably grow the company and deliver exceptional returns to our shareholders."
Since joining CDI seven years ago, Mudd has been responsible for all of CDI's financial activities, managing the company's capital structure, leading CDI's information technology group (2007-2011), and, since 2011, leading the company's business development activities.

Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


Latest News

Casinomeister Went Down, But Not Out — The Website’s Back in Action

Casinomeister website experienced some downtime, and as always, we’re here to tell you exactly what happened.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 12, 2025
Casinomeister Went Down, But Not Out — The Website’s Back in Action

Extra Love From Pragmatic Play: Win Up to 4 Amazon Vouchers

This Valentine’s Pragmatic Play has brought extra love for Casinomeister players. Cast your line and win up to 4 Amazon vouchers!

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 12, 2025
Extra Love From Pragmatic Play: Win Up to 4 Amazon Vouchers

Lottomart Celebrates Casinomeister Award Win With an Exclusive Bonus

Lottomart won the Casinomeister Award for the best customer service in 2024, and they decided ot mark this occasion with an exclusive promo.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 12, 2025
Lottomart Celebrates Casinomeister Award Win With an Exclusive Bonus

It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

It’s that time of the year again! Casinomeister Awards for 2024 have been announced, and we give you all the highlights.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 5, 2025
It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Casinomeister has a introduced a detailed new rating system for sweepstakes casinos, making it easier to find the right place to play.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 3, 2025
New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!