Louisiana Appoints First Black Head of Gaming Control Board

Louisianas chief executive, Governor Jeff Landry, has named Christopher Hibbert as the state’s new gaming overseer. The prior head of regulation, Ronnie Johns, had previously declared his departure, with June 30 being his final day.

Christopher Hibbert has been selected as the new leader of Louisiana Gaming.
Hibbert previously served as the director of gaming for the Attorney General’s office. In this position, he collaborated closely with Johns, who retired as one of the most influential figures in Louisiana gaming. According to a statement released by Landry’s office, Hibbert is the first African American to be appointed as the head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB).

“Appropriate oversight of the gaming sector is vital at a time when gaming income continues to be a significant component of our state’s financial well-being,” Hibbert stated in the press release. “I am both humbled and honored that Governor Landry has chosen me as the first African American head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, and I promise to continue the efforts of my predecessor to ensure that gaming is free from criminal and corrupt influences.”

Hibbert possesses extensive experience in the gaming industry.
Hibbert assumes the position from Johns, who was in place when Louisiana launched legal digital sports betting in January 2022. During his time at the Attorney General’s office, Hibbert worked closely with the LGCB on gaming matters.

He played a key role in establishing the guidelines for legal wagering and introducing digital sports betting.

“He is a valuable member of the gambling and regulatory community,” Mississippi regulator Jay McDaniel told iGB. “As a neighboring gambling jurisdiction, we often work together on issues, and Chris has always been helpful and responsive every time I have collaborated with him. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his position as Director of the Attorney General’s Office.”

Louisiana has had physical casinos since the early 1990s. In 2020, voters approved retail and digital sports betting in 55 parishes through a referendum.

“Chris served us well as a board advisor,” former Louisiana regulator Ronnie Jones told iGB. “I would be hard-pressed to find anyone else who understands Louisiana gambling regulations as well as Chris. On top of that, he brought complete integrity to the process. He is well-known and respected by other regulators and their staff across the nation.”

iGB examined the latest monthly results from states across the US, further analyzing the growth of Louisiana sports betting and the continued decrease in spending in New Hampshire https://t.co/Ni5CWA8iYP pic.twitter.com/tWYq5S0YMe

Experience and background are a perfect match
Louisiana has over 20 physical casinos and, according to 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 racing facilities.

“It is with great enthusiasm that I announce the selection of Christopher Herbert to lead the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry stated in a press release. “His expertise and history make him well-suited to oversee such a significant industry.”

When wagering on casino games was initially permitted, all Louisiana casinos were mandated to be situated on riverboats, with the exception of the Harrah’s Casino in the French Quarter of New Orleans. State laws and regulations have undergone modifications, and the LGCB is actively assisting in the transition to land-based casinos.

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