Mike Dreitzer and the Future of Gaming Regulation in Nevada
On Monday, October 21, Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo revealed that Mike Dreitzer would be the new chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
Current Speaker Kirk Hendrick, who was appointed for a four-year term in 2023, announced he would resign in January while continuing to serve until the conclusion of the Nevada legislative session on June 2.
As a result, Mike Dreitzer will now step into a more prominent regulatory role in the state. Nevada uniquely operates with two regulatory entities: the NGCB and the Nevada Gaming Commission, which has oversight over the board. Nonetheless, the board’s chairman handles the majority of daily operations.
Dreitzer is set to complete Hendrick’s term, which lasts until January 2027, with the possibility of reappointment for another full term thereafter.
Governor Lombardo expressed his appreciation for Hendrick in a statement: “As he prepares to step down, I am exceptionally grateful to President Hendrick for his partnership and service to our state.” He added, “Under his leadership, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has eliminated bureaucratic hurdles and made tremendous progress in modernizing and innovating gaming in Nevada.”
Dreitzer, who was previously the CEO of gaming supplier Gaming Arts, expressed enthusiasm about furthering the board’s vital mission and collaborating with its team to uphold high standards in gaming regulation for the state.
Nevada’s gaming market faces numerous regulatory challenges. Hendrick was also assigned by the Governor, along with other state agencies, to undertake an internal review aimed at updating existing regulations.
During his tenure, Hendrick’s board successfully cut 16 state regulations and hosted multiple workshops focused on payment systems. He played a significant role in facilitating a regulatory amendment set to be implemented in 2024, which permits customers to utilize betting accounts for non-gaming purchases at licensed establishments—an important milestone for the industry.
As Dreitzer steps into this pivotal role, he will navigate a turbulent period for Nevada gaming. The Las Vegas casino sector has been rocked by a significant scandal involving money laundering and illegal gambling activities.
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Under Hendrick’s leadership, the NGCB imposed fines of $10.5 million and $8.5 million on Resorts World Las Vegas and MGM Resorts for their involvement in the scandal. Moreover, a former executive affiliated with both companies, Scott Sibella, had his gaming license revoked during Hendrick’s time in office.
This scandal, which was exposed and prosecuted by federal authorities, has cast a shadow on state regulatory bodies. Additionally, an employment discrimination lawsuit filed by a staff member last September hints at internal strife.
Job rotation has been a notable issue, with the NGCB experiencing high turnover in recent years. Dreitzer will be the fifth chairman since January 2019, following Sandra Douglass Morgan, who succeeded Becky Harris. Morgan was replaced by Brin Gibson in November 2020, who then stepped down in November 2022. Brittnie Watkins briefly held the position as interim chair before Hendrick took over and is now passing the role to Dreitzer. Hendrick remarked, “Handing the gavel to Chairman Mike Dreitzer will be a smooth transition,” noting their long-standing professional relationship. “Mike is the perfect choice for Governor Lombardo based on Mike’s long career in gaming law, government, regulatory compliance and business,” he concluded. Mike Dreitzer Nevada
