Gov. Steve Sisolak, who is on his way out, declared that J. Brin Gibson, the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), will step down from his role at the end of November. Gibson’s position will be filled by Control board member Dr. Brittnie Watkins starting Dec. 1.
Watkins is set to assume the chair position and Gibson’s additional role as executive director. Before joining the NGCB in April, Watkins served as Sisolak’s general counsel from January 2019 to January 2020.
After practicing complex commercial litigation as an attorney, Watkins began her roles in public service. She specialized in various types of hotel and gaming litigation, both at trial and appellate levels.
In November 2020, Gibson was assigned the role of chairman of the control board, a position he will leave after a two-year tenure. Following this, he will be seeking a new professional opportunity.
Sandra Douglas Morgan, former chairwoman and executive director, stepped down from her roles at the NGCB in 2020 with a similar plan. She is currently the president of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sisolak made comments about the changes:
“I appreciate Brin’s unwavering leadership at the gaming control board for the past two years, as well as his ongoing advice and camaraderie. We wish him and his family only the best as he embarks on his next journey.”
“I am thankful that Brittnie Watkins has consented to carry on the remarkable and crucial tasks at the gaming control board. She is fully prepared for this position, and I am eager to witness her performance.”
Changes coming for Nevada gaming board in 2025
Expect more alterations at the NGCB in the coming months due to the impending change in Nevada’s leadership in 2025. Watkins’ tenure as the chair of the NGCB is likely to be brief.
Joe Lombardo, the incoming governor, will decide on a permanent replacement for Gibson after his inauguration as governor in January.
An entirely new NGCB could potentially be in place next year. Philip Katsaros, a current board member of the NGCB, will have his term expire at the end of January.
A completely new NGCB might entirely possibly be introduced in February.
First order of business for Nevada gambling
Only Watkins and Katsaros, the two board members, will listen to the December agenda for the NGCB.
The duo will probably have to give their consent for the operational transition of The Mirage from MGM Resorts to Hard Rock International. The latter took over the property’s operations from MGM Resorts last year.
Hard Rock already has a designated president for The Mirage. Both companies anticipate finalizing the sale before the end of the year. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts is informing its customers on how to brace for operational changes.
Hard Rock is expected to reveal some of its future plans for The Mirage in its upcoming meetings with the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) and NGCB next month.
Purpose of the NGCB
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is a government agency dedicated to overseeing the gaming industry in Nevada. It safeguards gaming customers and guarantees that operators pay the correct amount of taxes to the state.
Through meticulous regulation of all individuals, locations, practices, associations, and related activities within gaming firms, the board exercises control over the industry. The overarching objective of the Board is to guarantee that anyone affiliated with a Nevada-based gaming company adheres to the laws.
The integrity and stability of the gaming industry are maintained through stringent measures. These include in-depth investigations, rigorous licensing protocols, and strict enforcement of laws and regulations by the Board, all aimed at regulating gaming licensees.
The Board is also responsible for approving new games and technologies that casinos can utilize. Each month, the Board and NGC convene to review new gaming employees, complaints against gaming operators, new games, and determine which companies are authorized to operate in the Silver State.
While ensuring that gaming customers in the Silver State have a safe, fair, and legal environment to gamble is a significant aspect of the consumer-facing duties, the job involves more responsibilities.
As a governmental agency, the Board also has the responsibility of ensuring the state collects the appropriate taxes and fee payments. In the State of Nevada, a significant source of revenue comes from gaming taxes.
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