HAUTE LIVING Executive Q&A: Brian J. Esposito, CEO of Diamond Lake

Inside Diamond Lake: Brian Esposito on Tokenization, Technology, and the Future of Luxury Sport

Photo Credit: Brian J. Esposito

HL: DiamondLake has consistently blended advanced technology with elite experiences. How does your latest collaboration with Red Stakes elevate a luxury lifestyle ecosystem for your community, and what inspired you to bring high-stakes golf simulator tournaments into DiamondLake’s universe?

Brian J. Esposito:
At its core, DiamondLake has always been built around openness and access. That philosophy is what initially drew me to tokenization more than a decade ago, as it challenges the idea that ownership and participation should be limited to the top one percent.

Golf, by nature, has traditionally been an affluent sport. Memberships are expensive, rounds require significant time commitments, and even public courses can be cost-prohibitive for many. For a large segment of people, spending five hours on a course simply is not practical.

What Red Stakes has developed—through best-in-class simulators and a sophisticated tournament infrastructure—dramatically lowers those barriers while preserving the integrity, competitiveness, and excitement that define the sport.

We are also witnessing simulator golf enter the mainstream. These tournaments are now broadcast on major networks, similar to how Topgolf successfully bridged entertainment and traditional golf culture.

When DiamondLake’s tokenization strategy is layered on top of this ecosystem—supporting companies like Red Stakes in financing their growth while connecting our communities—it becomes a natural and strategic alignment.

Golf communities, like most sports communities, are deeply loyal. The real opportunity lies in aligning passion with participation and, ultimately, economic upside. People should be able to benefit financially from the activities and experiences they genuinely love.

HL: Your recent initiative to tokenize gaming or wagering around golf simulator tournaments signals a new frontier in digital engagement. How does the concept work, and why does it resonate with high-net-worth individuals seeking novel entertainment?

Brian J. Esposito:
We approach this space with significant intention and discipline. Both gambling and tokenization are highly regulated industries, and we take those responsibilities seriously.

Fortunately, our team and board include experienced leaders who own and operate casinos and fully understand the regulatory landscape. That expertise allows us to move forward with confidence and compliance.

What excites sophisticated investors most is efficiency. Traditional wagering systems are often slow and burdened by friction. A tokenized, blockchain-based environment enables real-time engagement, allowing participants to move in and out of positions almost instantly without reliance on outdated banking rails.

The gaming industry has undergone dramatic shifts in recent years. Platforms such as FanDuel have reshaped consumer behavior, while physical casino attendance has softened in certain markets.

People will always wager, but increasingly, they want immersive, digital-first environments. Tokenization enhances that experience by making it faster, cleaner, and more dynamic.

HL: Golf has long been associated with prestige and exclusivity. How do you see blockchain, tokenization, and competitive golf shaping the future of luxury sporting experiences?

Brian J. Esposito:
I see this evolution occurring in phases. Initially, it is not about disrupting traditional golf culture, but about expanding it.

There are hundreds of millions of people globally who are active in crypto and digital communities and may never have considered golf as part of their lifestyle. By introducing those communities to Red Stakes—its simulators, tournaments, and tokenized ecosystem—we have the opportunity to create an entirely new generation of golf enthusiasts.

These individuals already live digitally, often prefer simulator-based experiences, and intuitively understand tokenized participation.

As with every major technological shift, adoption begins with builders and early believers before gradually moving into the mainstream. Over time, this approach can organically reshape how golf is experienced without compromising its heritage, prestige, or cultural significance.

HL: DiamondLake isn’t just building a platform—it’s building a lifestyle brand. How do partnerships like Red Stakes reinforce your vision for immersive experiences that go beyond traditional digital assets?

Brian J. Esposito:
Everything we do at DiamondLake is rooted in real-world activation. While we develop our own assets, we also attract exceptional partners who value our expertise in tokenization and community building.

There is a reason global brands like Visa and American Express invest heavily in physical presences at major sporting events. Experiential activation creates lasting emotional connections.

Red Stakes understands this approach well. They are present on-site at major tournaments, collaborate with premium brands, and create physical touchpoints where people can meaningfully engage with the experience.

For DiamondLake, this creates the ideal environment to introduce tokenization in a tangible and approachable way—whether through rewards, digital wallets, or exclusive access. I have always believed in building companies one relationship at a time.

Sustainable growth does not happen overnight. It is built through trust, shared experiences, and memories that endure.

HL: So part of the strategy is drawing people out from behind screens and into real-world engagement?

Brian J. Esposito:
Exactly. Digital experiences are powerful, but authentic relationships are formed in person.

When people share meaningful experiences—particularly around sports—those moments last far longer than fleeting digital interactions.

HL: Finally, with critics questioning the sustainability and regulation of tokenized wagering, particularly in luxury markets, how is DiamondLake ensuring compliance, trust, and long-term value?

Brian J. Esposito:
Our approach is grounded in patience and expertise. We have a deep understanding of SEC regulations and U.S. banking rules, and on the wagering side, we rely on seasoned casino and sportsbook operators who are well-versed in licensing and compliance.

We intentionally combine multiple regulatory frameworks to ensure that anything we bring to market is fully licensed, lawful, and sustainable. These processes require time and capital, but that investment is essential to doing things correctly.

Importantly, DiamondLake is not driven by short-term pressure. Our structure allows us to focus on long-term value creation rather than quick headlines or temporary market spikes.

We are building methodically within high-energy industries, alongside the right partners, and with the patience required to create something enduring. That discipline is what ultimately defines lasting luxury brands.