Accel Entertainment announced a leadership transition effective February 2, 2026, with founder and long‑time CEO Andy Rubenstein moving to the role of Chairman of the Board and President‑US Gaming Mark Phelan being named Chief Operating Officer and designated future CEO.
Rubenstein will focus on long‑term governance and market expansion, while Phelan will oversee day‑to‑day operations, building on his experience managing Accel’s distributed gaming network across 10 states, 4,600 local retail partners, and 1,600 employees.
The board also appointed Karl Peterson as Lead Independent Director, strengthening corporate governance and providing independent oversight as the company scales its operations.
The transition comes as Accel continues to grow its distributed gaming footprint, having recently acquired Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Illinois and expanded into Louisiana through the acquisition of Toucan Gaming in November 2024. The leadership change is intended to maintain operational momentum while preparing the company for further scaling into new markets.
The appointment of a seasoned COO to the CEO role signals confidence in Accel’s current growth strategy and a commitment to continuity, with Phelan expected to join the board on August 7, 2026.
Accel’s business model relies on installing and managing video gaming terminals in non‑casino venues, sharing revenue with partners. The leadership shift is expected to support continued expansion and operational efficiency, reinforcing Accel’s position as a leading route operator in the U.S. distributed gaming market.
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