Wade Howk leaving COO role at South Korea’s Inspire casino resort

Wade Howk (pictured in a file photo) says he is departing as chief operating officer (COO) at South Korea casino complex Inspire Entertainment Resort, per a social media update. Inspire, a property with foreigner-only casino at Incheon near Seoul’s main airport, is controlled by Bain Capital. In his update, Mr Howk said he would be returning to the United States after a three-year tenure at Inspire. GGRAsia has approached the property seeking comment on whether a successor has been appointed for the COO role. Mr Howk assumed the COO job in August 2023 per his profile on social media network LinkedIn. The senior executive noted in the profile that he had been involved in the pre-opening, opening and “stabilisation” of Inspire’s operations. He observed that the property delivered positive earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in fiscal year 2025. “Opening a property of this scale was challenging, rewarding and an experience I will always be grateful for,” wrote Mr Howk in his update. The casino at Inspire opened in February 2024. The first phase of non-gaming launched in November 2023. The property was developed by U.S.-based Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. Private investment firm Bain Capital has controlled the venue since early 2025. Prior to serving at Inspire, Mr Howk had held management positions in several casino resorts in the U.S.