The former Amazon and Facebook executive steps into a key role at the global lottery technology provider, highlighting the growing importance of data and AI in regulated gaming systems.
Scientific Games has appointed Rich Wasserman as Senior Vice President of Product Engineering, bringing a technology veteran from companies such as Amazon, Facebook and Stitch Fix into the lottery industry. The Atlanta-based firm, which provides systems and services to more than 150 government-sponsored lotteries worldwide, is signaling a continued focus on digital infrastructure and advanced analytics.
Wasserman’s background spans large-scale consumer platforms and data-intensive environments. At Amazon and Facebook, he worked on complex systems powered by analytics and machine learning, while his most recent role at Stitch Fix involved overseeing engineering and data science teams focused on automation and platform optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and a degree in Computer Science, credentials that underscore a career rooted in technical depth.
Lottery systems, though often associated with retail ticket sales, have become increasingly sophisticated. Governments rely on providers like Scientific Games not only for physical terminals and instant games but also for digital platforms, cybersecurity, analytics and player engagement tools. As more jurisdictions expand into online lottery offerings and integrate mobile channels, the underlying technology must balance performance, security and regulatory compliance.
By bringing in leadership from major consumer tech firms, Scientific Games appears to be drawing on expertise honed in high-scale, data-driven ecosystems. The challenge will be translating those lessons into an industry shaped by public accountability and government oversight, where innovation must coexist with strict operational safeguards.
Executive appointments rarely capture public attention, yet they often signal strategic priorities. In this case, the addition of Wasserman suggests that Scientific Games sees engineering and data science not as back-office functions but as central to its competitive position. As digital expectations rise across sectors, even traditional lottery providers are recalibrating around technology leadership.
