Louisiana has appointed Christopher Herbert as their new Gaming Control Board Chairman

Earlier this year, Louisiana Gaming Chief Ronnie Johns announced he was going to retire. June 30 is going to be his last day and the state just recently named his successor. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry appointed Christopher Herbert as the new Gaming Control Board Chairman, replacing Ronnie Johns. Before being promoted, Herbert was a director in the attorney general’s office who handled gaming. Mr. Herbert worked directly with Ronnie Johns and has vast experience in the industry. 

Ronnie Johns will retire as one of the most influential figures in the history of Louisiana gaming. Christopher Herbert is the first black man to be named Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB). He had this to say via a press release from Governor Landry’s office.

“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 Herbert. “I am both humbled and honored that Governor Landry has tapped me as the first African-American chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and I vow to continue the hard work of previous chairmen in ensuring that gaming is free from criminal and corrupt elements.”

Christopher Herbert has plenty of experience to help him exceed in his new role

In January 2022, digital sports betting became legal in Louisiana. At that time, Christopher Herbert was working closely with the LGCB to tackle gambling issues. Herbert was a key player in helping develop regulations and legal wagering. Additionally, he was a big factor in digital sports betting legalization. Other gaming regulators have applauded Herbert for collaborating with them in the past. They believe Herbert is more than qualified to be the new chairman of the LGCB. 

Louisiana has more than 20 physical casinos. Under the sports betting law, they can have up to 21 wagering platforms. However, sports betting operators must be tethered to an existing casino or racetrack. When casino gambling was legalized in Louisiana, every casino except for  Harrah’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter had to be on a riverboat. Since then, the LGCB has changed that regulation.