Rooting Out Unregulated Operators
Chris Hebert Chairman , Louisiana Gaming Control Board everything in our power to do our job on this ,” she told iGaming Business in a November interview . “ We have to be continually promoting and enhancing the BGC members ’ role in the leisure , entertainment and tourism sector , and ensuring policymakers and the wider public recognize there is a huge difference between us and the unsafe , unregulated gambling black market .”
It ’ s an overwhelming undertaking for Hurst , BGC and the sector as a whole , as many enforcement efforts so far have not been successful in mitigating black market activity . However , Hurst is wasting no time in taking on the issue and believes a unified approach will be beneficial in this battle .
“ We can also work with partner trade bodies abroad , because fundamentally , this is an international challenge . I was proud this year to sign a memorandum of understanding with the American Gaming Association and the European Casino Association . I am excited to see where that takes us and what outcomes it secures ,” she added .
“ We need to keep the pressure on and keep raising this issue ( of the black market ) in the media and with policymakers , and ensure those other stakeholders are aware they have skin in this game too .”
Hurst jumped into action quickly in her role with the BGC . Her background in the civil service as an adviser and her subsequent work in corporate affairs for U . K . gambling powerhouse Entain has prepared her for life as a prominent figure , where scrutiny from the sector and the public is often part of the role .
She spent nine years in total at Entain , with her former years with the group spent as head of public affairs for its U . K . betting brand Ladbrokes . From there she took over as group director of corporate affairs for the whole group .
The CEO is not afraid to stand her ground , and during her time in gambling has gained the respect of her peers . Elsewhere , she is a board member for the Global Gaming Woman initiative and is an active participant in its events . In 2023 she was honored with the group ’ s Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award for demonstrating “ outstanding commitment to the development and advancement of women , GGW and the community ,” the group said at the time . — Nicole Macedo
Integrity . Efficiency . Economic impact . Those are the goals for the first year for the new chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board ( LGCB ), Chris Hebert .
Being the first of anything can be daunting , especially when it means taking on a large government bureaucracy . But for Hebert , the first Black man named chairman of the LGCB , you could say his career led him to this point of success .
“ 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 said in a news release when his appointment was announced in June .
“ 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 . 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 .”
That focus on keeping the gaming economic engine running means Hebert will focus on ensuring the regulatory framework upholds ethical practices to maintain public trust in the gaming sector . Hebert said one of his primary goals in the coming year is to expand programs and resources that support responsible gaming , including education and partnering with organizations that address problem gambling . He also said he wants to modernize the regulatory infrastructure to better address emerging trends in gaming .
“ The focus of my leadership will be on fostering a balanced and forward-thinking approach to
gaming regulation that prioritizes integrity , economic growth and community well-being ,” he said . It did not take Hebert long to live up to his statement when barely two months later the board sent a cease-and-desist notice to Harp Media B . V ., the parent company of Bovada , a Curaçao-based unregulated sports betting and iGaming operator , to stop offering services in the state of Louisiana .
“ It is my sincere hope that Louisiana will join the list of restricted states based on our letter , but also that soon the federal government will use its resources to crack down on companies that don ’ t have in place the regulatory , legal , and financial safeguards necessary to operate within the U . S . betting market , not to mention the lack of protections for our citizens in the area of responsible gaming , or any contributions to economic development in the state of Louisiana ,” he said at an August board meeting .
“ I am deeply committed to ensuring the integrity of regulated gaming in our state ,” he said . “ Our board operates with a dual focus : enhancing Louisiana ’ s regulated gaming industry to maximize its economic and community benefits while protecting our citizens from the risks posed by unregulated and illegal gaming markets .
“ Gaming in Louisiana is not just about entertainment or revenue — it is a vital part of our economy and community fabric . Through responsible regulation , we ensure that gaming contributes to job creation , tourism growth and state revenue while safeguarding the interests of our citizens . My office is committed to staying innovative and forwardthinking to meet the evolving needs of this dynamic industry .”
Before taking over the LGCB , Hebert was an assistant attorney general for Louisiana for nearly 20 years , and is the former director of the Gaming Division . He is a graduate of Louisiana State University , and earned his law degree from Southern University Law Center .
He was instrumental in creating the Problem Gambling Resource Services program , which was led by the Louisiana Department of Justice , Gaming Division , in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health , Office of Behavioral Health , to bring awareness to the legal community about problem gambling and the free gambling treatment services available for all Louisiana residents .
He is a current member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and the Council of the Louisiana Law Institute . — Kathy Urban
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