Nevada Gaming Control Board chairman resigns

governor of Nevada has announced that the current chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, A.G. Burnett will leave his post on 22 December, to take up a new role at gaming law firm McDonald Carano after more than 20 years in gaming regulation.

Burnett, who joined the Board in 2011, was first appointed to the role of chairman in October 2012 and later reappointed for a second four-year term in January 2015. The governor has confirmed that a replacement will be named at a later date.

In a statement on the Nevada governor’s website, Governor Brian Sandoval paid tribute to the outgoing Burnett, saying: “A.G. was a fair and thoughtful regulator who impressively balanced the roles of top gaming watchdog with ensuring that our state’s leading industry maintained flexibility to innovate and achieve forward progress. He was respected by both his peers and the industry he served and I know that he will look back on his career in public service with pride.

“I would like to thank A.G. for his service to our state and wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter at McDonald Carano.”

Burnett has presided over one of the most successful gaming jurisdictions in the world, with Nevada casinos recently reporting another record-breaking month of gaming revenue, which topped $988.7m in October. He commented: “Following a nearly 20-year career in gaming regulation I have elected to retire from state service. It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the Gaming Control Board Chairman and I would like to thank Governor Sandoval for his constant support and faith in my ability.

“During my tenure, the Gaming Control Board has handled unprecedented regulatory challenges, effected numerous regulatory and statutory changes to accommodate shifts in technology, and addressed issues such as internet gaming, nightclub regulation and policy regarding cannabis in connection with gaming. I am proud of the work we have done, what we have accomplished and would like to express my gratitude to the Control Board staff for their tireless work on behalf of our state.”