Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry named Christopher Hebert the new chief of gaming for Louisiana on Monday, 24 June. Ronnie Johns, the former head of gaming regulation in Louisiana, announced earlier this year that he was retiring. His last day will be 30 June.
Hebert worked as a gaming director in the Attorney-General’s Office. He worked with Johns in that position, and he is retiring as one of Louisiana’s most influential gaming figures. Herbert, according to Landry’s press release, is the first African-American to hold the position of chairman at the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Herbert stated via a press release that “proper regulation of gaming is essential at a moment when gaming revenues continue to play a significant role in our state’s economic growth.” “I’m both honored and humbled that Governor Landry chose me to be the first African American chairman of Louisiana Gaming Control Board and I pledge to continue the work of previous chairs in making sure that gaming is free of criminals and corrupt elements.”
Hebert has experience in the gaming field
Hebert replaces Johns who served as the Louisiana AG’s office attorney when digital sports betting was legalized in Louisiana. Hebert, in his position with the AG’s office worked closely with LGCB regarding gambling issues. Hebert was instrumental in the development of regulations for legal betting, and also launched digital sports betting.
Jay McDaniel, a Mississippi gaming regulator told iGB that McDaniel was a valuable asset for the industry. As a gaming jurisdiction neighbouring Mississippi, we’ve often worked together on issues. Chris was always helpful and responsive whenever I have worked with him. In his position as Director in the Attorney-General’s Office, he has demonstrated great leadership.
Since the 1990s, Louisiana has brick and mortar casinos. Voters in 2020 will legalise retail sports betting and digital gambling across 55 parishes through ballot initiatives.
Ronnie Jones, a former Louisiana regulator told iGB that Chris served him well as a counsel to the board. I would find it difficult to find someone with the same level of knowledge that Chris has about gaming regulations in Louisiana. He also brings absolute honesty to the table. “He is known and respected throughout the country, by regulators as well as their staff.”
The perfect combination of experience and background
Louisiana is home to more than twenty casinos, and under sports betting laws, it can host up to 21 platforms for wagering. Operators of sports betting must have a connection to an existing casino or race track.
Landry announced via press release that he was “proud to announce Christopher Hebert’s appointment as chairman of Louisiana Gaming Control Board.” He has the necessary experience to regulate a huge industry.
Louisiana’s casinos were all required to have riverboats when casino gambling first became legal. The exception was the Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Since then, state law and regulation has changed. The LGCB oversees relocations.
