The governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, has chosen Christopher Herbert to oversee the state’s gaming operations. Herbert, who previously held a leadership role in gaming for the Attorney General’s office, has a strong background in the gaming field. He collaborated closely with Ronnie Johns, who recently retired as a prominent figure in Louisiana gaming. Herbert is the first African American to be appointed as the head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), according to a statement from Landry’s office.
“Proper oversight of the gaming sector is crucial, as gaming income continues to be a substantial part of our state’s finances,” Herbert stated in the press release. “I am both humbled and honored to be selected by Governor Landry as the first African American chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, and I promise to continue the work of my predecessors in ensuring that gaming is free from illegal and corrupt activities.”
Herbert takes over from Johns, who was in charge when Louisiana legalized online sports betting in January 2022. During his time at the Attorney General’s office, Herbert worked closely with the LGCB on gaming matters.
He was a crucial figure in setting up legal gambling rules and a trailblazer in digital sports wagering.
McDaniel, a Mississippi overseer, told iGB: “He is a valuable resource to the gaming and regulatory community.” “As neighboring gaming regions, we frequently collaborate on matters, and Chris has always been helpful and responsive. He displayed exceptional leadership during his time as Director of the Attorney General’s Office.”
Louisiana has had physical casinos since the early 1990s. In 2020, voters authorized retail and digital sports betting in 55 parishes through a ballot measure.
Former Louisiana overseer Ronnie Jones told iGB: “Chris served us well as legal counsel to the commission.” “I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who understands Louisiana gaming rules as well as Chris. On top of that, he brought complete integrity to the process. He is widely recognized and respected by other regulators and their staff.”
iGB focuses on the latest monthly outcomes from US states, examining Louisiana sports betting’s further expansion and New Hampshire’s continued spending decline https://t.co/Ni5CWA8iYP pic.twitter.com/tWYq5S0YMe
Experience and background are a perfect fit
Louisiana has over 20 physical casinos and, according to the sports betting law, can have up to 21 betting platforms.
Gaming establishments that take bets on sporting events are required to be associated with pre-existing gambling halls or horse racing venues.
“It is with great pride that I announce the selection of Christopher Herbert to lead the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry stated in an official announcement. “His expertise and history make him well-suited to oversee such a significant sector.”
When wagering on games of chance was initially permitted, all gambling houses in Louisiana, with the exception of the Harrah’s Casino in the French Quarter of New Orleans, were obligated to be situated on watercraft. State rules and regulations have undergone modifications, and the LGCB is actively involved in supervising the transfer of these establishments.
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