Louisiana Appoints First Black Gaming Chief
The Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, has named Christopher Hibbert as the state’s new gaming chief. The previous leader of the regulatory group, Ronnie Johns, had previously announced his departure, with June 30th being his final day.
Christopher Hibbert has been chosen as the new leader of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Hibbert previously held the role of gaming director for the Attorney General’s Office. In this position, he collaborated closely with Johns, who is retiring as one of the most influential figures in Louisiana gaming. According to a statement from Landry’s office, Hibbert is the first person of African descent to be appointed as the head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB).
“At a time when gaming income continues to be a vital part of our state’s economy, proper oversight of the gaming industry is essential,” Hibbert stated in the press release. “I am honored and humbled to be chosen by Governor Landry as the first African American leader of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, and I promise to continue the efforts of my predecessors to ensure that gaming is free from criminal and corrupt influences.”
Hibbert has significant experience in gaming matters.
Hibbert takes over from Johns, who was in place when Louisiana launched legal digital sports betting in January 2022. During his time in the Attorney General’s Office, Hibbert worked closely with the LGCB on gaming matters.
He was a crucial figure in setting up legal gambling rules and a trailblazer in digital sports wagering.
“He is a valuable resource for both the gaming sector and the regulatory group,” Mississippi regulator Jay McDaniel told iGB. “As neighboring gaming areas, we often collaborate on issues, and Chris has always been helpful and responsive. He has displayed exceptional leadership as the Director of the Attorney General’s Office.”
Louisiana has had physical casinos since the early 1990s. In 2020, voters authorized retail and digital sports betting in 55 parishes through a vote.
“Chris has done an excellent job serving as legal counsel to the Commission,” former Louisiana regulator Ronnie Jones told iGB. “I would be hard-pressed to find anyone else who understands Louisiana gaming law as well as Chris. In addition to that, he brings complete integrity to the process. He is well-regarded throughout the nation by other regulators and their staff and is held in high esteem by all.”
iGB examined the most recent monthly results from states across the US, further analyzing the growth of Louisiana sports betting and the continuous decrease in spending in New Hampshire https://t.co/Ni5CWA8iYP pic.twitter.com/tWYq5S0YMe
Experience and background are a perfect fit
Louisiana has over 20 physical casinos and, under the sports betting law, can have up to 21 betting platforms.
Gaming companies that take bets on sporting events are required to collaborate with established gambling venues or horse racing facilities.
“It is with great pride that I announce the selection of Christopher Herbert to lead the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry stated in a public announcement. “His expertise and history make him well-suited to oversee such a significant sector.”
When wagering at casinos was initially permitted, all gambling establishments in Louisiana, with the exception of Harrah’s Casino in the French Quarter of New Orleans, were mandated to operate on riverboats. State laws and regulations have undergone revisions, and the LGCB is actively involved in supervising this transition process.
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