Accel Entertainment Appoints New Chairman and COO
Accel Entertainment "announced that Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Andy Rubenstein, has been named Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, and Accel's President - US Gaming, Mark Phelan, has been appointed to the additional role of Chief Operating Officer. As part of these leadership changes, which are effective immediately, Karl Peterson has been appointed as the Lead Independent Director of the Accel Board. In addition, Mr. Phelan has been selected to succeed Mr. Rubenstein as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective August 7, 2026. Mr. Phelan is also expected to join the Accel Board at that time. These changes reflect the Board's long-term commitment to strong corporate governance and a leadership succession strategy."
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- Board Leadership Change: Andy Rubenstein, founder and CEO of Accel Entertainment, has been appointed chairman of the board, indicating a significant shift in governance aimed at enhancing decision-making efficiency and strategic direction.
- New COO Appointment: Mark Phelan, president of US Gaming at Accel, has been appointed chief operating officer, and will succeed Rubenstein as CEO on August 7, 2026, which is expected to drive operational efficiency improvements within the company.
- Future Leadership Planning: Phelan's transition to CEO will also see him join Accel's board, ensuring continuity in management and laying a solid foundation for the company's long-term strategic development.
- Market Expansion and Capital Management: In its latest earnings report, Accel highlighted its market expansion and capital discipline, securing a $900 million credit facility, demonstrating the company's proactive positioning in industry consolidation and financial robustness.

- Market Potential Assessment: Accel Entertainment is evaluating the potential introduction of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in Chicago, with an estimated $64 million in incremental annual tax revenue for the city, highlighting significant market potential.
- Revenue Expectations: According to the City Council Office of Financial Analysis, the total annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) from Chicago's VGTs could reach $1 billion, providing a substantial boost to the existing $3 billion revenue, indicating strong market demand.
- Implementation Timeline: Although full implementation may take up to 10 years, Accel anticipates that the Chicago VGT market could start generating revenue as early as Q3 or Q4 of 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in entering this market.
- Capital Deployment Strategy: Accel plans to leverage its strong balance sheet and existing infrastructure to assess its capital deployment strategy for the Chicago market, ensuring competitiveness and sustainable growth in this new market.
Accel Entertainment Overview: Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL) is a small-cap gaming stock that operates as a distributed gaming or route operator, placing video gaming terminals (VGTs) in non-casino locations, which makes it less volatile compared to traditional casino stocks.
Market Position and Growth Potential: The company controls approximately 28,000 VGTs across 10 states, with significant revenue from Illinois. Analysts suggest that potential gaming expansion in various jurisdictions could further enhance Accel's market position.
Financial Strength and Strategy: Accel boasts a strong balance sheet and is expected to generate substantial free cash flow. The company is pursuing a prudent mergers and acquisitions strategy to mitigate risks associated with competition in its primary market.
Investment Considerations: While Accel is viewed as a hidden gem with growth potential, it was not included in the Motley Fool Stock Advisor's list of top investment recommendations, which highlights the importance of thorough research before investing.
- Market Expansion: Accel Entertainment's acquisition of Dynasty Games' route operation assets adds 20 active locations and 123 electronic gaming terminals, which is expected to enhance its financial performance in 2026 and solidify its market position in Nevada.
- Customer Engagement Boost: The transaction will leverage Accel's operational expertise and the Gamblers Bonus® Loyalty Program to enhance customer interaction, driving incremental growth over the coming years and strengthening the company's competitive edge in the gaming market.
- Strategic Milestone: CEO Andy Rubenstein stated that this acquisition marks an important milestone in Accel's Nevada growth strategy, signifying the expansion of operations into new areas such as Gardnerville and Verdi.
- Industry Reputation: With over 30 years of service in Northern Nevada, Dynasty Games' acquisition by Accel will further strengthen its trust and reputation in the local market, benefiting both companies' customers in the long term.

Transaction Overview: Accel Entertainment has acquired the route operation assets of Dynasty Games, expanding its Nevada operations with 20 new locations and approximately 123 electronic gaming terminals, which is expected to positively impact its 2026 financial results.
Strategic Growth: The acquisition enhances Accel's market presence in Northern Nevada, establishing operations in several new areas and leveraging its operational expertise and loyalty programs to drive customer engagement and growth.
Company Background: Accel Entertainment is a major provider of locals-focused gaming in the U.S., operating over 28,000 electronic gaming terminals across various establishments, including bars and restaurants, and recently opened a racino venue.
Forward-Looking Statements: The press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Accel's future performance and market opportunities, emphasizing the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with such projections.

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