Melissa G. Helton, with over 20 years of experience in recreation and gaming services, serves as the president and general manager of FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. In her role, she oversees the general operations and strategic planning of the racecourse, which includes in-season horse racing events, off-track betting, and various eateries. Leveraging her expertise in leadership and strategic planning, Ms. Helton also collaborates with horse jockeys and ensures the well-being of horses post-races.
Ms. Helton’s career preparation included earning a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Indiana University Southeast in 2003. Reflecting on her journey, she credits much of her success to the guidance and mentorship she received from individuals like her first boss, who imparted invaluable lessons about the industry. As a woman thriving in a male-dominated field, she takes particular pride in her role in transforming the company culture at FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. By fostering an environment of openness and transparency through initiatives like an open-door policy, she has made significant strides in creating a more inclusive workplace. Additionally, she embraces the philosophy that listening to others is a key to learning and growth, encapsulated in her motto, “If you stop and listen to everyone, you’ll learn more than you see.”
Before her current role, Ms. Helton held positions in operations at Caesars Indiana, Tropicana – Belle of Baton Rouge, the Apache Gold Casino Resort, Centaur Gaming, and the Del Lago Resort & Casino, where she eventually became senior vice president of finance. Beyond her professional endeavors, she actively engages with her community as a board director of the regional chamber of commerce and serves in a similar administrative capacity with the local department of agriculture.
Ms. Helton takes pride in her role as a catalyst for positive change in company culture, particularly in fostering open communication among her team members. Additionally, she finds satisfaction in being a successful woman in an industry traditionally dominated by men, having achieved her current position through her own determination. She attributes much of her success to the guidance of influential mentors, including her first boss, who imparted valuable lessons about the recreation industry. Looking ahead, Ms. Helton aims to oversee the completion of construction on a new casino on the Fairmount grounds, slated for 2024.
Attention to Detail and Innovation
Ms. Helton’s approach to work is characterized by her meticulous attention to detail. She thrives on understanding every aspect of projects to ensure the right individuals are assigned, resulting in the delivery of top-notch products for all stakeholders. Her tenure at Fairmount Park, which began in 2020, has been marked by significant strides in reshaping the company culture. One of her notable contributions is the establishment of an open-door policy, fostering transparency among teams and enhancing overall communication.
Under Ms. Helton’s leadership, her team has expanded services to include simulcast betting, live horse racing, and a Sportsbook, distinguishing Fairmount Park as one of only two properties in the state offering this feature under the prestigious FanDuel brand. Embracing the latest technology is a cornerstone of their strategy, a philosophy Melissa enthusiastically champions, recognizing its continual evolution and the competitive edge it affords. “With our Sportsbook, we’re constantly at the forefront of technological advancements,” she asserts.
Vision for FanDuel’s Future
Ms. Helton acknowledges the current challenge facing them: a shortage of horses. Many people lost their farms during COVID due to financial constraints, leading to a significant decline in available horses. This scarcity is now impacting several tracks across the US as individuals have exited the industry. Constructing the casino will benefit FanDuel by stimulating purse amounts, attracting horsemen from other states.
Over the next few years, Ms. Helton’s primary goal is to oversee the construction and opening of the casino. This endeavor will involve the entire team, ensuring a smooth transition from planning to execution. Ms. Helton is eager to spearhead this initiative, marking a significant milestone for the company and its property. Additionally, she aims to foster the company’s ongoing growth and development while serving as a mentor for women in the industry.
Recognized Excellence
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Helton has garnered a plethora of awards and accolades, showcasing her exemplary performance in the field. Earlier this year, she clinched two esteemed titles: the Top General Manager of the Year 2023 and Empowered Woman of the Year awards. Her achievements were further highlighted when she graced the Nasdaq billboard in NYC as one of the “50 Fearless Leaders.” The pinnacle of her recognition awaits as she prepares to accept the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at IAOTP’s Annual Award Gala in December 2024, set to unfold at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Additionally, she has been honored as part of the Who’s Who of Professional Women.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Helton attributes her success to her unwavering perseverance, diligent work ethic, and the invaluable guidance of her mentors. As a trailblazer in a predominantly male-dominated industry, she remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and transparent work environment at FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. Her efforts to enhance communication and reshape the organizational culture have earned accolades from the firm.
Ms. Helton’s vision extends beyond past achievements as she sets her sights on leading the firm into uncharted territories. This includes overseeing the completion of the resort’s new casino, a venture that symbolizes her commitment to propelling the business forward and securing its enduring success. She aims to solidify her position as a driving force in the industry, poised to navigate the company toward a prosperous future.
