Virginia McDowell
Virginia McDowell serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Designated Workforce Director at Entain PLC, one of the world’s largest gaming and sports-betting groups. With over three decades of experience in casino operations, corporate governance and workforce leadership, she has become a respected voice in shaping both business performance and inclusive workplace culture..
Bio
Extensive Experience in the Gaming Industry
Before joining Entain in 2018, Virginia McDowell built an impressive career across the U.S. gaming landscape. She served as President and CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos from 2011 to 2016, leading the company through major strategic transformations. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Trump Entertainment Resorts and Argosy Gaming Company, where she gained deep expertise in operations, marketing and executive management.
Her early experience in casino operations at Tropicana Atlantic City gave her a strong foundation in customer service and compliance — skills that continue to influence her approach to leadership today. Throughout her career, McDowell has consistently driven operational excellence while championing employee engagement and integrity at every level.
A Leader in Governance and Workforce Development
At Entain, Virginia McDowell plays a key role on several board committees, including Sustainability and Compliance. As the company’s Designated Workforce Director, she acts as a vital link between Entain’s board and its global teams, ensuring that employee perspectives directly inform strategic decisions.
Her role strengthens Entain’s commitment to transparency, ethical governance and responsible business practices. Moreover, she helps guide initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion — areas she has long supported throughout her professional life. McDowell’s influence ensures that Entain’s workforce strategy aligns with the company’s broader values and long-term sustainability goals.
Championing Women and Inclusion in Gaming
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Virginia McDowell is a co-founder of Global Gaming Women, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and supporting women in the gaming industry. Through mentoring programs, education and networking opportunities, she continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Her work has earned her significant recognition, including industry awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from Gambling Insider and listings among the Most Influential Women in iGaming. These honors reflect both her personal integrity and her influence in transforming the global gaming community.
Vision and Legacy
Virginia McDowell’s leadership represents a powerful combination of operational experience, corporate responsibility and human insight. She believes that a company’s greatest strength lies in its people — and that good governance starts with listening to them.
Through her ongoing contributions at Entain, she continues to shape a culture built on accountability, inclusion and sustainable growth. Her career is a model of how experience and empathy can come together to drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving industry.