Melissa Riahei Named Executive Vice President & General Counsel at USDG

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- US Digital Gaming Inc (USDG) today named Melissa M. Riahei as its Executive Vice President and General Counsel, signaling a new chapter for the Company, as it advances its mission to provide the first and only US-based "end to end" business solution for legalized online gaming.

Riahei, the General Counsel of the Illinois Lottery since 2007, is one of the gaming industry's most respected leaders in legal compliance, public policy and online innovation.  She played a pivotal role in the 2010 structuring of an unprecedented public-private partnership for the private management of the Illinois Lottery.  She also led the efforts of the State of Illinois in seeking federal approval for the sale of lottery tickets on the Internet, allowing Illinois to be the first state in the nation to move towards the implementation of a comprehensive, legally compliant Internet gaming program.

"Melissa is one of the true superstars and pioneers of the American online gaming industry," explained Richard "Skip" Bronson, USDG's Chairman.  "She brings unparalleled expertise and experience, as USDG continues to refine our technology platform and build a series of unique partnerships across public sector and private industry platforms."

"I am thrilled to join the USDG team and share in this exciting and strategic vision for the future of legalized gaming in the United States," Riahei said.  "The progress and positioning of USDG, to date, is amazing and I knew that together, we could reach new heights as the online segment leader."

Prior to joining the Illinois Lottery, Riahei was Deputy Chief Legal Counsel in the Governor's Office and a litigation attorney in the Chicago law firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon, LLP.

About US Digital Gaming Inc (USDG)

USDG are developers of the first and only US-based "end to end" business solution for legalized online gaming, devised for operators and state regulators.  The California-based company is headed by long-time leaders and pioneers in the gaming and technology industries.

SOURCE US Digital Gaming Inc (USDG)