Christopher Hebert has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), making history as the first African-American to hold the position. The significant appointment was announced via a press release from Governor Jeff Landry’s office. Hebert previously served as a director in the attorney general’s office, focusing on gaming issues. In this role, he worked closely with Ronnie Jones, the outgoing chairman, who is retiring as an influential figure in Louisiana’s gaming industry.
“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,” Hebert expressed through the 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.”
Christopher Hebert’s closely-monitored transition has been a smooth one, facilitated by his extensive experience in the attorney general’s office where he was a pivotal player in creating regulations for legal wagering and the launch of digital sports betting. His connection with the LGCB on gambling issues has been robust, making him an exceptional candidate for the chairman role.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as he succeeds Jones, who oversaw the launch of legal digital sports betting in Louisiana in January 2022. “He is a great asset to the gaming industry and regulatory community,” said Jay McDaniel, a Mississippi regulator. “As a neighboring gaming jurisdiction, we have often collaborated on issues, and Chris has always been helpful and responsive whenever I’ve worked with him. He has shown great leadership in his role as Director in the Attorney General’s office.”
Louisiana’s journey into the gaming sector has seen its fair share of evolution since brick-and-mortar casinos were introduced in the early 1990s. In 2020, the state’s voters legalized retail and digital sports betting across 55 parishes through a ballot initiative. This progressive move has underscored the importance of having experienced regulation to maintain the integrity and prosperity of the gaming industry.
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“Chris served us well as counsel to the Board,” said Jones. “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.”
Louisiana’s gaming landscape today encompasses more than 20 physical casinos, and under the current sports betting law, the state is permitted to have up to 21 wagering platforms. These operators must be associated with existing casinos or horse race tracks, a regulation that ensures a controlled and well-monitored environment for gaming activities.
In his statement, Governor Landry expressed confidence in Hebert’s ability to manage this vast and dynamic industry. “I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry’s statement read. “He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry.”
Regulations have notably evolved since casino gambling was first legalized in Louisiana. Initially, all casinos except Harrah’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter had to operate on riverboats. However, changes in state law and regulations have allowed for relocations, an initiative the LGCB continues to oversee.
Hebert’s comprehensive knowledge and proven track record position him as a leader ready to guide Louisiana’s gaming sector into a promising future. As he steps into this historic role, Hebert’s commitment to maintaining high regulatory standards and fostering a fair, transparent gaming environment promises to build on the solid foundations laid by his predecessors.
