Zynga hired Maytal Olsha, a former online-gambling executive, as its chief operating officer of new markets, ahead of the game maker’s plans to offer real-money wagering next year.

Olsha, who was previously a senior vice president at 888 Holdings, will help oversee gambling strategy and development at Zynga, the company said yesterday in an e-mailed statement. She will report to Executive Vice President Barry Cottle.