Hard Rock Casino NL has appointed Cristiano Blanco as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Paul Strikers. This marks Blanco’s first CEO position, following a leadership change at the Dutch operator.
The casino is managed by iCasino BV, which obtained its license from the Netherlands Gambling Authority last May. Strikers, who was formerly CEO of Novomatic Netherlands, founded iCasino BV and led it since July 2022. He will continue with the company, focusing on public affairs and overseeing money laundering reporting.
Blanco’s tenure as CEO began on December 1. He previously served as Chief Experience Officer at DAZN Bet for a brief period after joining in August 2024. His career also includes a three-year period with ComeOn Group, from June 2021 to June 2024, where he was Chief Product Officer overseeing a large team across various sectors.
Blanco, a former professional poker player, also worked with the Kindred Group for over four years. He joined as Group Head of Casino in February 2017 and later became Group Head of Gaming in March 2018. His industry experience is further enriched with roles at BetBright and Betclic.
Currently, Hard Rock Casino NL operates exclusively as an online casino. The brand adheres to responsible gambling principles by only allowing registrations from individuals aged 24 and above.
Upon his appointment, Blanco expressed his enthusiasm for joining an iconic global brand, stating that Hard Rock Casino NL matches his personal values. He aims to enhance the operator’s growth and establishment in the Dutch market.
Strikers commented on the transition, expressing confidence that Blanco’s extensive experience from Kindred and ComeOn will be highly beneficial for the company’s ventures in the Dutch online casino market.
The original announcement about Blanco’s appointment can be found on EGR Intel.
