Gaming Intelligence Hot 50

Erika Nardini has guided Barstool from a startup blog with 12 staff to a burgeoning media empire with 180 employees, that Penn National saw enough potential in to invest $163m for a 36 per cent stake.

Nardini is the business brains behind founder Dave Portnoy’s shock tactics. She will now have support from Penn National as it rolls out sportsbooks across the US.

The Barstool sportsbook app was launched in Pennsylvania first and will form the centrepiece of Penn National’s omnichannel gaming strategy.

With media such an integral part of sports betting success Stateside, Penn will hope rising star Nardini sticks around long enough to manage a rollout that promises fireworks.