Black Cow names industry veteran Ernie Lafky as Chief Product Officer

Black Cow Technology, the provider of advanced and flexible software tools to the global gambling sector, has named industry veteran Ernie Lafky as Chief Product Officer.

Lafky will have oversight of Black Cow’s transition to a gaming content provider with a focus on its pioneering Multiplayer solution.

Lafky is one of the most experienced product specialists in the industry, where, over a 20-year career, he has worked at some of the biggest providers in the business.

He joins Black Cow from IGT, where he was Senior Director of its PlayDigital Game Studios, having also held senior positions at the likes of GSN and PlayStudios.

His career began with a stint at WagerWorks (later acquired by IGT), where he produced the first Wheel of Fortune online slot game.

He’s also led design teams at GSN and played a hands-on role developing popular social casino products at PlayStudios.

Most recently, he oversaw global online slot development at IGT PlayDigital, managing teams across four countries.

He brings all of this experience to Black Cow, which has emerged as a pioneer in multiplayer online gambling technology following the launch of its Multiplayer RGS.

This is the first truly transactional Multiplayer RGS with the capability to build multiplayer gameplay across any game format and facilitate any kind of interaction between players.

This includes everything from slots and table games to crash, plinko, lottery, live dealer, bingo, team games and even non-gambling events.

Max Francis, Founder and CEO of Black Cow, said: “Ernie is one of the most experienced and respected product specialists in the industry, and I can’t think of a better person to fill the CPO role at Black Cow. 

“The industry is in the very early days of multiplayer, but with our powerful Multiplayer RGS and Ernie on board, we can continue to push technological boundaries and help our partners unlock the full potential the vertical has to offer.”

Ernie Lafky, Chief Product Officer at Black Cow, said: “Joining Black Cow as CPO is a dream come true. This role brings together everything I’ve learned in iGaming and social casino over two decades. 

“Since I started in this industry, I have wanted to create online multiplayer slot games. And now Black Cow and its talented engineering team have invited me to bring this new vertical to market. 

“Multiplayer games will bring a new level of engagement and entertainment to our players, and Black Cow provides the technology needed to deliver this at scale.”

Tony Plaskow, Commercial Director at Black Cow, added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Ernie to the Black Cow team as we look to establish ourselves as a leader in the multiplayer space. 

“Our Multiplayer RGS is unrivalled in its flexibility, capability and power, and we look forward to supporting operators and suppliers as they further explore the vertical.”