Christopher Hebert, former director handling gaming operations in the Louisiana Attorney General’s office, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB). Hebert’s appointment marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first African-American to hold this crucial position. This significant development was confirmed in a press release issued by the office of Governor Jeff Landry.
In his statement via press release, Hebert emphasized the importance of proper regulation in the gaming industry, underscoring its substantial impact on the state’s economy. “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 remarked. “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 takes over the reins from Mike Johns, who retired after an influential tenure that saw, among other milestones, the launch of legal digital sports betting in January 2022. During his time with the Attorney General’s office, Hebert worked closely with Johns and the LGCB, playing a pivotal role in the development of regulations surrounding legal wagering and the introduction of digital sports betting.
The new chairman has received accolades from peers across the regulatory community. Jay McDaniel, a regulator from Mississippi, commented on Hebert’s appointment. “He is a great asset to the gaming industry and regulatory community,” McDaniel told iGB. “As a neighboring 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.”
The Louisiana gaming industry has experienced significant growth and changes over the years. The state has been home to brick-and-mortar casinos since the early 1990s. The landscape further evolved in 2020 when voters in 55 parishes approved a ballot initiative to legalize both retail and digital sports betting.
. This shift positioned Louisiana to potentially offer up to 21 wagering platforms, with sports betting operators being required to partner with existing casinos or horse race tracks.
Beyond sports betting, Louisiana’s gaming sector is robust, with over 20 physical casinos spread across the state. This growth in the gaming industry reflects its substantial contribution to the state’s economy, making the role of the LGCB and its chairman even more critical.
Governor Landry expressed his confidence in Hebert’s abilities via a statement released by his office. “I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry said. “He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry.”
Looking back, when casino gambling was first legalized in Louisiana, there were significant restrictions in place. Initially, all state casinos, except for Harrah’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter, were mandated to operate on riverboats. Over time, state laws and regulations have evolved, allowing more flexibility and enabling the LGCB to supervise the relocation of these establishments.
This evolution in the regulatory landscape continues to be overseen by the LGCB, ensuring the industry adapts and grows while maintaining robust standards of integrity and fairness.
Hebert’s ascent to the chairmanship of the LGCB comes at a pivotal time for the Louisiana gaming industry. His extensive background and history of collaboration within the sector are expected to provide the necessary leadership to steer the industry through ongoing and future challenges. Ensuring the gaming industry remains free from illicit activities and continues its vital contribution to the state economy will be among Hebert’s top priorities.
In this new role, Christopher Hebert is poised to leverage his vast experience and leadership skills to continue the legacy of effective and transparent regulation in Louisiana’s gaming sector. As the first black chairman of the LGCB, Hebert’s historic appointment also marks a step forward in the representation and inclusion within the state’s regulatory framework.
