Casino operator Penn National Gaming (PNG) announced last week the company’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Carl Sottosanti would retire from his position effective December 31, 2020. To replace him, PNG is appointing Harper Ko, who will serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, pending regulatory approvals.

The New Addition

Harper Ko is joining PNG from Everi Holdings, where she had served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer-General Counsel since 2017, and has more than 20 years of regulatory and legal experience on behalf of gaming equipment suppliers and casino operators.

“Harper brings a wealth of expertise regarding the industry’s complex regulatory and compliance requirements that will serve us well as we continue to execute our growth strategies across our land-based, interactive and sports betting platforms. We’re excited to add someone of her caliber to our team.”

Jay Snowden, President and CEO, Penn National Gaming

Ms. Ko joined Everi from Scientific Games (SG), where she served from 2014 to 2017 as Deputy General Counsel for Gaming, and spearheaded the legal integration into the SG’s Gaming of Bally Gaming, SHFL Entertainment and WMS Gaming. She also served as a strategic advisor on all material commercial transactions, customer and third-party issues and regulatory compliance and litigation.

Prior to SG, Harper Ko served as Assistant General Counsel at Bally Gaming, starting there in 2007, after previous roles as Contract Attorney with Harrah’s Operating Company and Associate Corporate Counsel at Aristocrat Technologies. Ms. Ko’s career in the gaming industry started in 2000 when she became Staff Counsel for WMS Gaming.

Harper Ko’s employer, Everi Holdings, acknowledged her departure in a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), outlining Ko’s significant contributions and strong leadership during her time at the company, and wishing her future success.

End to an Illustrious Career

Carl Sottosanti is putting an end to an illustrious 17-year-long career at Penn National, having played a critical role to drive growth and transform the company from a small regional operator into a nationwide omnichannel provider of retail and interactive betting, gaming and entertainment.

“Throughout his career at Penn National, Carl has been known for his tireless work ethic, dogged determination, and fierce advocacy in support of our company’s interests.”

Jay Snowden, President and CEO, Penn National Gaming

Carl Sottosanti, who joined PNG in 2003, led the legal and regulatory efforts for the acquisition of Hollywood Casino Corporation and Argosy Gaming, and helped with the corporate governance oversight, labor and employment matters at the company. His efforts guided Penn National through the successful integration of Pinnacle Entertainment and the stake acquisition in Barstool Sports.