Governor appoints Hebert Louisiana Gaming Control Board to head

Hebert was the director of gaming in the attorney general’s office. In this role, he worked closely with Johns, who will retire as one of the most influential figures in the Louisiana gaming industry. Herbert is the first black man appointed chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), according to a press release issued by Landry’s office.

“Proper regulation of the gaming industry is critical at a time when gaming revenues continue to constitute a significant portion of our state’s economy,” Herbert said in a news release. “I am honored and humbled by Governor Landry’s selection of me as the first African-American chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control board, and I pledge to continue the hard work of previous chairmen to ensure gaming is free from criminal and corrupt elements.”

Hebert is experienced in gaming matters

Hebert takes over the position from Johns, who served in the role when legal digital sports betting was introduced in Louisiana in January 2022. While serving in the AG’s office, Hebert worked closely with the LGCB on gambling-related matters. He played a key role in developing legal betting regulations as well as the launch of digital sports betting.

Land-based casinos have been operating in Louisiana since the early 1990s. In 2020, voters legalized retail and digital sports betting in 55 parishes through a ballot initiative.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as president of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” Landry said in a press release. “He has the experience and knowledge necessary to properly regulate such a large industry.”