Racing Queensland has announced the appointment of Jason Scott as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for the almost $2 billion racing industry in the Sunshine State. Mr Scott, who most recently served as Vice President Trading, VIP and Retail Operations for BetMGM in the United States, will bring a wealth of experience and a strong network across Queensland to his new role.

Prior to his stint at BetMGM, Mr Scott served as the CEO of Ladbrokes Australia from 2017 to 2019. Racing Queensland’s selection process identified Mr Scott’s wagering background and experience as key strengths, making him the strongest candidate for the role. He will be tasked with enhancing the organisation’s innovation of the racing calendar, increasing commerciality, and delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure, including stimulating wagering growth and increasing pari-mutuel betting on Queensland product.

Mr Scott’s appointment comes at a critical time for the racing industry in Queensland. The recent commencement of the Palaszczuk Government’s more sustainable funding model, which sees 80% of Betting Tax revenue reinvested back into the industry, has allowed a $31 million boost to prize money in 2023.

New Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott

Racing Minister Grace Grace expressed her excitement about the appointment, stating that Racing Queensland and the broader industry have overcome significant challenges and gone from strength to strength since the Palaszczuk Government came to office in 2015. She is looking forward to working with Mr Scott to ensure that the best is yet to come for racing in the Sunshine State.

Mr Scott is also keen to get started and build on the solid platform that Racing Queensland has established. He acknowledged the Queensland Government’s great support of the racing industry and expressed his ambition to lead the industry’s ambitious and clearly defined strategy with the Board and Management.

RQ Chair Steve Wilson AM said that Mr Scott’s appointment was highly coveted and that it became clear during the recruitment process that he was the outstanding candidate. Mr Wilson is confident that the record-breaking returns to participants and the $450 million of catalytic infrastructure projects, such as the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club, will change the face of racing in the Sunshine State over the next five years.