The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is making history with the appointment of a new chairman.
Gov. Jeff Landry has named Christopher Hebert as chairman of the LGCB, making him the first Black resident in the state’s history to hold the coveted position. In his role, Hebert will help lead the LGCB in maintaining a fair, safe, and profitable gaming market.
“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. 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,” said Hebert.
He will be taking over for Ronnie Johns, who is relinquishing his role at the end of June after being appointed chairman of the LGCB in 2021.
Hebert previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, a role he held for 19 years. He has expertise in gaming as the Director of the Gaming Division and was integral in creating Louisiana’s framework for sports betting.
Hebert will ensure Louisiana remains a safe gaming market for residents and visitors.
The LSU and Southern University Law Center grad is a National Council on Problem Gambling member and helped establish the Problem Gambling Resource Services program, which has resources provided by the Louisiana Department of Health.
Hebert’s first big order of business as chairman is overseeing Louisiana’s reversal on college player prop betting. The LGCB will no longer accept the wagers after Aug. 1.
The ban follows a nationwide call by NCAA president Charlie Baker to shutter the props. Louisiana will join Ohio and Maryland as regulated markets to issue the ban in 2024.
