Jim Ananich will be the new chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), subject to approval from the state Senate.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams confirmed in a statement that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Ananich effective April 25, 2025.
Ananich’s term is due to expire Dec. 31, 2028. He succeeds Linda Forte, whose term is up, and he will represent Democrats on the board. The MGCB board is comprised of five Michigan residents appointed by the governor, with one designated as chairperson. No more than three board members may belong to the same political party.
Ananich is currently president and CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition and serves as a lecturer in state and local government at the University of Michigan-Flint. He has previously been the Michigan Senate’s minority leader, a state representative and president of the Flint City Council.
“Jim Ananich is a proven leader with a long-standing commitment to public service and the people of Michigan,” said Williams. “His legislative experience, strategic insight, and collaborative approach make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board as we continue our mission to ensure the integrity of gaming in Michigan.”
“On behalf of the entire board and staff, I also want to thank Linda Forte for her steady leadership and dedicated service over the past several years. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the evolving gaming landscape and expanding our commitment to responsible gaming.”
MGCB continues crackdown against unlicensed operators
Publicly, at least, it seems that the MGCB is one of the busier state gaming regulators in the U.S., particularly when it comes to looking to shut down unlicensed operators.
Just this week, the board issued cease-and-desist orders to BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag, accusing the Panama-based operators of violating state law by conducting illegal gambling in the state.
Last week, the regulator sent C&Ds to 11 offshore iGaming operators that, per the MGCB, are accepting customers without adhering to required consumer protection and fair play standards and accept cryptocurrency payments.
The MGCB is also one of several state regulators that are investigating prediction market sites like Kalshi and Robinhood for offering event contracts that resemble sports betting, citing consumer protection concerns.
