Holding Company Targets Regulated Markets Across Four Regions with Accelerated M&A and AI-Driven Strategy
Gaming and technology holding company BTG977 has appointed Drew M. Kelley as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kelley is tasked with accelerating the company’s acquisition strategy targeting regulated gaming operators across Europe, Central Asia, South America, and Africa.
Kelley brings over 25 years of extensive financial, investment banking, and gaming sector leadership experience. His impressive career includes senior roles at Merrill Lynch & Co., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., and Jefferies LLC, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer of Global Gaming at International Game Technology (IGT). According to BTG977, Kelley has successfully led more than $100 billion in M&A, capital markets, and strategic financing transactions.
A Growth Model Focused on Operational Excellence and AI-Native Technology
BTG977 specializes in acquiring profitable, market-leading gaming operators by preserving existing brands and teams while deploying shared operational infrastructure, advanced technology, and product capabilities. In his new role, Kelley will oversee this overarching acquisition strategy, strengthening acquired businesses through institutional capital, operational expertise, and AI-native technology.
Commenting on his appointment, Drew M. Kelley stated:
“BTG977 is taking a fundamentally different approach to building a global gaming portfolio. We’re not looking to simply acquire operators and integrate them. We’re building on what makes each business successful while applying technology, operational discipline, and capital to unlock its next phase of growth.”
He added:
“For our investors, we bring unparalleled access to untapped, growing gaming markets, including traditional brick-and-mortar operators, cutting-edge online providers, and adjacent prediction and trading solutions. I’m excited to help execute that strategy and shape the next generation of gaming.”
The company’s broader corporate framework combines strategic acquisitions with AI-driven infrastructure, shared back-office capabilities, and expansion into adjacent verticals such as sports betting, prediction markets, and regulated trading instruments.
