The landscape of gaming regulation is ever-evolving, and few have navigated its challenges more adeptly than David Rebuck. As the former Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), Rebuck recently announced his retirement after an impactful 13-year tenure marked by transformative innovations and unwavering commitment to effective oversight.
Rebuck’s regulatory journey began amid a significant restructure ordered by then-Governor Chris Christie. This encompassed the consolidation of oversight from two distinct bodies and the introduction of novel digital gaming formats. Rebuck’s directive was clear: be effective, innovative, and swift.
The operational environment upon his arrival was daunting. The Casino Control Commission had lost over a third of its staff, and Rebuck was to navigate further reductions. Tasked with executing reforms, he faced a complex balance of maintaining both efficiency and popularity, with no guarantee of success.
Under Rebuck’s leadership, the NJDGE established ten committees focusing on areas from financial reporting and licensing to revenue certification. Crucially, industry representatives were invited to participate, solidifying a cooperative relationship where operators were empowered to actively shape the regulatory framework. This approach ensured regulations remained dynamic, reflecting the industry’s realities and enabling annual reviews for needed adjustments.
One notable element of the New Jersey regulatory scheme that remained untouched was the state’s gaming lab, tasked with testing slot machines and gaming technologies. Unlike other jurisdictions, New Jersey retained this function in-house, with its lab earning unparalleled esteem industry-wide. Rebuck’s consultations with operators and suppliers affirmed its value, cementing the state’s commitment to continued operation of its own lab.
The advent of internet gaming (igaming) posed a significant challenge for Rebuck’s team. Rather than replicating European models which embraced a wide array of digital entities, New Jersey’s approach vested igaming authority within its existing casino operators. This strategy not only streamlined regulatory oversight but also fostered cross-promotion, encouraging digital players to engage with brick-and-mortar establishments. Notably, New Jersey agilely implemented igaming within a span of nine months, a testament to the efficiency of Rebuck’s governance.
As Rebuck steps away from his role, the industry reflects on a legacy that transcends the regulatory sphere. He has been a mentor to peers, disseminating a core philosophy that robust regulation lays the foundation of public trust, a crucial component of the gaming industry’s financial vitality and expansion across the United States. His leadership has continued the NJDGE’s tradition of regulatory excellence set by predecessors G. Michael Brown, Anthony Parrillo, and Tom Auriemma.
David Rebuck’s tenure has illustrated that meticulous, ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders and the unwavering pursuit of regulatory efficacy are essential for the prosperity of the gaming world. The former director’s contributions to the industry will be formally recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming East Coast Gaming Congress conference, scheduled for April 17-18 at the Hard Rock Atlantic City.
Beyond this accolade, Rebuck’s influence will continue to resonate in the counsel he has offered to regulators nationwide and in the enduring success of New Jersey’s gaming industry, which stands as a testament to the virtues of his seasoned leadership. His tenure sets an outstanding example not only for New Jersey but for any governing entity striving to achieve what he terms the ‘platinum standard’ of regulation.
