Shimon Akad is a prominent executive in the global iGaming industry, best known as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Playtech, a leading online gaming platform provider. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1999 from the College of Management Academic Studies, then began his gaming career as General Manager of Plaza Gaming (2006–2010). In 2011 Akad joined Playtech as Vice President of Operations, and he climbed the ranks to become COO, overseeing day-to-day operations and global expansion. Today he directs thousands of employees and plays a key role in Playtech’s push into new markets (especially North America) and innovations like live casino gaming.
Early Life and Education
- 1996–1999: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), College of Management Academic Studies. Akad’s legal background gave him a strong foundation in business and regulatory matters.
- 2006–2010: General Manager, Plaza Gaming. He managed operations at this gaming company before moving to Playtech.
These early roles prepared Akad for the regulated gaming sector. By 2011 he had joined Playtech, one of the world’s largest gaming suppliers, marking the start of a decade-long career at the company.
Climbing the Ranks at Playtech
Shimon Akad joined Playtech in 2011 and swiftly rose through management to become Chief Operating Officer. As COO, he oversees the company’s global operations and platform strategy, including product development, project management, and support services. He leads a team servicing operators in 65+ markets worldwide and focuses on expanding Playtech’s online casino and live gaming offerings. Under his leadership, Playtech has built an award-winning omni-channel platform (Playtech ONE) that delivers slot games, live tables, and sports betting to millions of players. Notably, Akad was appointed COO in mid-2015, reflecting his decade of experience at Playtech and his role in its continued growth.
Career Highlights:
- 2011: Joined Playtech as Vice President, Operations.
- 2015: Promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Playtech.
- Present: Leads Playtech’s product and platform strategy, with a focus on regulated markets worldwide.
Major Partnerships and Achievements
Under Akad’s guidance, Playtech has forged key industry partnerships and expanded into new jurisdictions. For example:
- 888 Holdings (2022): Akad announced a multi-state U.S. agreement to deliver Playtech’s Live Casino and RNG games to 888casino in New Jersey and beyond. He called this deal “an exciting step in our expansion in the U.S.”.
- DAZN Bet (2023): He secured an exclusive deal with the sports-betting operator DAZN Bet to supply Playtech’s casino and live games in Europe and Latin America. Akad praised DAZN Bet as “a disruptor on the scene” and looked forward to expanding that partnership.
- MGM Resorts (2024): Shimon Akad was a key figure in a landmark live casino collaboration with MGM Resorts. This deal launched the “Live from Vegas” concept, streaming games from the Bellagio’s casino floor to online players globally. He oversaw this innovative expansion into the North American market, bringing a land-based Las Vegas experience to players worldwide.
Other achievements under Akad’s tenure include launching Playtech PAM+ account management across major markets and rolling out Playtech Sportsbook and live studios with casino resorts. These partnerships have cemented Playtech’s reputation for cutting-edge gaming software and helped the company service 65+ markets with 3,000+ employees.
Industry Recognition and Influence
Shimon Akad’s leadership at Playtech has been recognized by the gaming community. Under his watch, Playtech won the 2016 Global Gaming Awards trophy for “Best Digital Industry Supplier,” which Akad credited to the company’s “core focus for continued innovation”. In industry publications he has frequently emphasized innovation and responsible growth. For instance, in a 2025 industry poll he was cited for overseeing Playtech’s North American strategy and live casino breakthroughs. Akad is also a regular speaker at conferences (such as ICE London and Global Gaming Expo), where he shares insights on regulated market expansion, affiliate partnerships, and technology trends. His tenure at Playtech – spanning over a decade – highlights his role as a trusted executive in online gaming.
Conclusion
Shimon Akad’s career exemplifies how deep industry expertise and strategic vision can drive growth in online gambling. From his early days as a gaming manager to leading Playtech’s global operations, Akad has combined legal acumen and product focus to benefit operators and players alike. He continues to guide Playtech’s push into emerging markets and new gaming verticals.
For readers interested in iGaming leadership, stay updated by following Playtech’s official channels or industry news outlets. You can also connect with professionals like Shimon Akad on LinkedIn or gaming industry forums to learn more about the ever-evolving online casino and sports betting landscape.