In a landmark development for the state of Louisiana, Christopher Hebert has been appointed as the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB). The appointment, announced through a press release from the office of Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, marks the first time an African-American has held this prestigious position, setting a new milestone in the state’s gaming regulatory landscape.
Hebert has previously served as a director managing gaming affairs in the attorney general’s office, where he closely collaborated with previous LGCB Chairman Ronnie Johns. Johns, a highly respected figure in Louisiana’s gaming world, has been instrumental in shaping policies and regulations, making his retirement significant for the industry. His tenure includes overseeing the launch of legal digital sports betting in January 2022.
Upon his appointment, Hebert expressed his honor and commitment in a press release: “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,” said Hebert. “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’s role within the AG’s office saw him actively involved in various gaming-related issues. His contributions include developing regulations for legal wagering and assisting in the launch of digital sports betting. His efforts and experience in this sector have not gone unnoticed. Jay McDaniel, a fellow regulator from Mississippi, lauded Hebert’s appointment, stating, “He is a great asset to the gaming industry and regulatory community. 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 state of Louisiana, which has allowed brick-and-mortar casinos since the early 1990s, saw a significant evolution in its gaming industry in 2020 when voters in 55 parishes approved a ballot initiative to legalize retail and digital sports betting. This growing segment of the gaming industry offers substantial economic benefits, driving substantial revenue streams for the state.
The latest monthly figures indicate continuing growth in sports betting in Louisiana, depicting an upward trend in the state’s gaming market.
. This development is particularly relevant as the state faces a competing decline in gambling spending in neighboring states such as New Hampshire. This places further emphasis on the need for robust and ethical regulation to ensure fair play and integrity in the industry.
Former LGCB member Ronnie Jones highlighted Hebert’s qualifications and integrity. “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 currently hosts more than 20 physical casinos and, under existing sports betting laws, can operate up to 21 wagering platforms. These operators must be associated with existing casinos or horse race tracks, ensuring that the gaming environment remains regulated and monitored. The state’s history of requiring riverboat casinos, except for Harrah’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter, has evolved as well. Recent changes in state law and regulations have enabled the relocation of these venues to more suitable settings, ensuring better oversight and regulation.
“We are proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” announced Attorney General Landry through a press release. “He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry.”
With Hebert at the helm, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board is poised to continue its mission of ensuring that the gaming industry operates within a legal and fair framework, free from corruption and criminal activities. The state’s commitment to stringent regulation will likely continue to enhance public confidence in an industry that significantly contributes to Louisiana’s economic landscape.
