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Christopher Hebert named new Louisiana gaming chief

Christopher Hebert named new Louisiana gaming chief
On Monday, June 24, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry named Christopher Hebert as the new gaming chief. Former head regulator Ronnie Johns will retire on June 30.
“Proper regulation of the gaming industry is crucial at a time in which gaming revenue continues to be a substantial part of our state’s economy,” Herbert said via press release. “I am both humbled and honored that Governor Landry has tapped me as the first African-American chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control board and I vow to continue the hard work of previous chairmen in ensuring that gaming is free from criminal and corrupt elements.”

Hebert experienced in gaming matters

Hebert takes over from Johns, who was in charge when legal digital sports betting started in Louisiana in January 2022. In his job with the AG's office, Hebert worked closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board on gambling issues. He helped create rules for legal betting and launch digital sports betting.
“He is a great asset to the gaming industry and regulatory community,” Mississippi regulator Jay McDaniel told iGB. “As a neighbouring gaming jurisdiction, we have often collaborated on issues and Chris has always been helpful and responsive any time I’ve worked with him. He has shown great leadership in his role as director in the attorney-general’s office.”
Louisiana has had brick-and-mortar casinos since the early 1990s. In 2020, voters legalised retail and digital sports betting in 55 parishes via ballot initiative.
“Chris served us well as counsel to the board,” former Louisiana regulator Ronnie Jones told iGB. “I would be hard pressed to find another person who has the knowledge base that Chris has on gaming regulation in the State of Louisiana. Beyond that he brings absolute integrity to the process. He is well known around the country by other regulators and their staffs and is respected by all.”

Experience, background a perfect match

Louisiana has over 20 physical casinos and can have up to 21 betting platforms under the sports betting law. Sports betting operators must be linked to existing casinos or horse race tracks.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry said via press release. “He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry.”
When casino gambling was first legalized, all Louisiana casinos, except Harrah’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter, had to be on riverboats. State laws and regulations have changed, and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board is now helping to oversee the relocations.

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