Louisiana Gaming Control Board appoints its first African American chair
Christopher Hebert said he was “humbled” to be joining Pelican State’s gaming regulator after almost two decades as the state’s assistant attorney general
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) has named Christopher Hebert as its new chair, becoming the first African American to serve in the role.
Prior to this move, he spent more than 19 years as an assistant attorney general for the State of Louisiana, with the past eight years also as director of the Gaming Division.
In this role, Hebert helped created sports wagering regulations for the Pelican State’s launch of online sports betting at the start of 2022.
There, he played a key role in creating the Problem Gambling Resource Services program led by the Louisiana Department of Justice and Gaming Division alongside the Louisiana Department of Health and Office of Behavioral Health.
Hebert is also a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and the National Council on Problem Gambling.
He will replace Ronnie Johns at the top of the LGCB, with the 75-year-old stepping down at the end of the month having led the body since 2021.
On the appointment, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry noted Hebert’s experience in the industry as a reason for bringing him to the LGCB.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” he said.
“He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry. I look forward to the great work he will do for our State and our economy.”
Commenting on his move, Hebert said he was humbled to become the first African American chair of the LGCB.
He added: “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.
“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.
“We will continue to regulate in a fair manner which ensures that our gaming licensees are able to operate in an environment that generates healthy revenue for the state through economic development.”
In April, Louisiana announced it was banning prop betting on college athletes, with the change coming into effect from August 1.
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