Accel Entertainment Announces Leadership Transition

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Accel Entertainment, Inc. (“Accel” or the “Company”), a leading distributed gaming operator in the United States, announced today 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.

Andy Rubenstein commented, “After 17 years, and having built a deep bench of talent, I am confident that transitioning day-to-day leadership to Mark will enable Accel to continue to capitalize on our many growth opportunities. Accel has grown into a public company that is a leader in the route gaming industry, operating across 10 states, partnering with over 4,600 local retail businesses, employing more than 1,600 people, and generating billions of dollars in municipal and state tax revenue over the years in the states we serve. As Chairman, I look forward to continuing my close work with Mark and the Board, as we look to extend Accel’s position as an industry leader and build new value for shareholders.”

“On behalf of the Board, we are grateful to Andy for his outstanding leadership and the foundation and culture of integrity he established that defines Accel today,” said Karl Peterson. “After careful consideration and discussions with Andy, the Board is confident that now is the right time to effect this transition, as the Company continues to grow and evolve into a scaled, multi-state enterprise. We believe Andy’s new role will allow him to leverage his long-standing local and industry relationships and regulatory experience to help further position Accel to capitalize on promising growth opportunities, including expanding into the Chicago VGT market.”

As Chief Executive Officer and President, Mark Phelan will lead Accel with a continued focus on disciplined execution and operational consistency.

“Accel has a strong foundation, long-standing partnerships, and a culture built on accountability,” said Mark Phelan. “My focus will be on execution — improving the experience for our location owners and players, driving consistent performance across our markets, operating with discipline, identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities, and working to create long-term value for shareholders. I am honored that Andy and the Board have selected me to lead Accel and I am excited to build on Andy’s long-term goal to make Accel the clear leader in the U.S. Locals Gaming Market.”

“Mark has a deep understanding of the distributed gaming business and a demonstrated record of effective execution,” concluded Mr. Rubenstein. “He understands Accel’s markets, partners, regulators, and players, and has shown the judgment and discipline required to lead the Company at scale. I am very confident and excited about his ability to lead Accel through its next phase of growth.”

About Accel Entertainment

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) is a growing provider of locals-focused gaming and one of the largest terminal operators in the United States, supporting more than 28,000 electronic gaming terminals in over 4,600 third-party local and regional establishments and 20 self-operated gaming locations across ten states. Through exclusive long-term contracts, Accel serves licensed non-casino locations including bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, gaming cafes, and fraternal and veteran establishments. Accel also owns and operates a racino venue.

Accel provides its local partners with a turnkey, full-service, capital-efficient gaming solution that encompasses manufacturing, content, payments, loyalty, 24/7 customer service, data analysis and reporting, and cash logistics. The Company’s racino, Fairmount Park – Casino & Racing, opened in April 2025 and features approximately 260 electronic gaming machines, food and beverage amenities, a sports book, pari-mutuel betting, and 55 days of scheduled thoroughbred horse racing each year.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding the Company’s prospects, leadership transition, governance structure, opportunities, and growth and other strategies. The words “predict,” “estimated,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “continue,” and similar expressions or the negatives thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our current reasonable expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Accordingly, forward-looking statements, including any projections or analysis, should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, the inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by us that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.