Brightstar Lottery has introduced new leadership as it presses ahead with its first full year of operations under a new brand identity and business model.
The company, formed last year via the rebrand of International Gaming Technology (IGT), has promoted Marco Tasso to become the new Chief Executive Officer of its Global Lottery division.
Tasso has been working for Brightstar as Chief Operations Officer for International and Italy Operations, his latest senior role with the company after 20 years working across its B2C and B2B operations – dating back to the firm’s many years as IGT.
Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of Tasso’s tenure as Brightstar’s head of Italy operations was the firm’s successful bid to become Italian National Lottery operator last year, leading a consortium of Allwyn, Ariana 2001 and Novomatic Italy.
He replaces Renato Ascoli in the Global Lottery CEO role, who will step down on 30 June.
“Renato has made a tremendous impact on our company and the lottery industry,” said Marco Sala, Executive Chair of Brightstar’s board.
“His broad experience across lottery product development, technology and commercial strategy helped us to continuously deliver innovative solutions and services to our lottery customers.
“I want to thank and congratulate him for his many career accomplishments.”
Brightstar establishes position
Brightstar Lottery came into being in June 2025 when IGT took on a new identity, reflecting its renewed focus solely on lottery operations.
Founded in 1975, IGT’s focus eventually diverged into two fields – one being digital gaming and the other being lotteries.
Last year, the IGT Digital and Gaming division was divested to hedge fund Apollo Global Management, with the remaining lottery business opting to become Brightstar.
The following year saw Brightstar move quickly to consolidate its position in global lotteries, securing it the aforementioned Italy contract as well as other European deals, such as with the German state of Saxony, and with US state lotteries like Missouri and Texas, among others.
In his new role, Tasso will be responsible for all areas relating to Brightstar’s global lottery operations.
His remit covers technology, product development, marketing, sales and product management, the supply chain, customer support and field services.
He will report directly to Vince Sadusky, Brightstar’s Chief Executive Officer.
Sadusky remarked: “As Renato prepares to step down, I want to thank him for his many years of service and steadfast commitment to our business and people.
“Having Marco as a part of our senior leadership team supports the company’s vision and strategic goals. As we strengthen our focus on growth, transformation and operational execution, Marco’s insights and experience will help shape the lottery operating organization and optimize it to deliver results.”
