Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams Recognized as Black Executive on the Rise

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) is proud to announce that Executive Director Henry Williams has been named a 2024 Black Executive on the Rise by CDC Gaming Reports and African Americans in Gaming. This prestigious recognition highlights Williams’ 23-year career marked by exceptional leadership and innovation in Michigan’s gaming industry.

“I am so honored to be recognized by CDC Gaming Reports and African Americans in Gaming, and to be in the company of such accomplished gaming industry leaders,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “I would especially like to thank Kim Barker Lee, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Bally’s Corporation, who was recognized with this same honor last year and wanted to pay it forward by recognizing me this year. I get up every day to go to a job I love where it’s a privilege to witness—and be part of—an industry that thrives on progress.”

Williams began his career as a regulation officer at MotorCity Casino, where he quickly demonstrated a commitment to integrity and fairness. His background as a Detroit social worker profoundly influences his focus on responsible gaming, driven by a personal experience with a struggling single mother facing tough choices.

“In the world of gaming, I oversee a multibillion-dollar industry that requires individuals who are determined, focused, and resilient,” Williams added. “My advice to others who want to do the same is to not be defined by the struggles you may face, do not let anyone tell you what you canand can’t achieve, and don’t ever stop believing in yourself. I never thought I’d have the job that I do today, but I do and I’m so proud to serve the great State of Michigan.”

This recognition not only celebrates Williams’ achievements but also underscores the ongoing need for increased diversity in gaming, where Black professionals hold just 5.6% of executive roles. Williams joins other distinguished honorees including Demi Adebowale and Marcus Glover, reflecting the growing impact and potential of Black leaders in the industry.

Governor signs MGCB Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

On July 24, 2024, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) Henry Williams issued a statement in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature of the Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025 budget into law, commenting:

“As the Executive Director of the Gaming Control Board, I am pleased to express my gratitude for Governor Whitmer’s decision to sign the budget bills that will have positive implications for our agency, the state, and the well-being of Michigan citizens. Earmarked funds will not only bolster our operational capabilities, but also reinforce our dedication to address compulsive gambling issues head-on. By expanding our team and investing in our prevention and awareness campaigns, the MGCB is taking proactive steps to ensure a safer and more responsible gaming environment for all in one of the fastest-growing U.S. gaming markets.”

The MGCB will be providing $6 million in total contributions to the state’s Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund and another $3 million to the ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’ advertising campaign.

As of Thursday, June 27, $1.9 million of the state’s FY2025 budget will be used to accommodate 14 new full-time MGCB employees. Funding for the FY2025 budget will take place at the start of the state’s fiscal calendar year on October 1, 2024.

NCPG National Awards Announced

The National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”) circulated the announcement of their 2024 National Awards recipients. The awards ceremony for recipients took place on Friday, July 19, at the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2024. These recipients were awarded based on their accomplishments during the 2023 calendar year. See recipients below:

Don Hulen Annual Award for Advocacy

Derek Longmeier

Joanna Franklin Annual Award for Direct Service

Mary Drexler

Jim Wuelfing Annual Award for Prevention

BetBlocker

Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence

Jade Luchauer

Jeffery M. Beck Recovery Ambassador Award

Stephen Matos

Service Award

Michael Buzzelli

Denise Phillips Community Outreach and Multicultural Wellness Award-

Dr. Michelle L. Malkin

Gift Responsibility Campaign Award

New York State Gaming Commission

Corporate Social Responsibility Award

Caesars Entertainment

Media Award

Fox 28 Columbus

Affiliate Public Awareness Award

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling

Corporate Public Awareness Award

PGA Tour

Affiliate Newsletter Award

Minnesota Alliances on Problem Gambling

Corporate Newsletter Award

North Carolina Education Lottery

Affiliate Multicultural Communications Award

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling

Corporate Multicultural Communications Award

Wisconsin Lottery

Affiliate People’s Choice Award

Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling

Corporate People’s Choice Award

Ohio for Responsible Gambling

Corporate Website Award

Ohio for Responsible Gambling

Michigan Gaming Control Board In-Person and Virtual Public Meeting Notice and Agenda

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) issued a public notice, to announce the upcoming public meeting.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 9:30 am and will take place in the Cadillac Place Board Hearing Room at the MGCB’s Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062.

During the meeting, official Board business concerning implementation, administration, and enforcement of all governing Michigan gaming law, in addition to other matters that may be brought properly before the Board, will be conducted. The meeting agenda can be found here.

There will be time allotted for public comment during the meeting, during which attendees are welcome to ask questions, voice comments, or provide suggestions. To participate, submit a Public Sign In Sheet form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 9:30 am on the day of the meeting.

Attendees may attend in-person, via zoom, or by telephone. To join via zoom, please use this link.

To join via telephone, please use this information:

USA 646 931 3860

Webinar ID: 981 9761 2954

For additional resources and information regarding meeting details, please refer to the official MGCB website at Board Meeting Schedule and Agendas (michigan.gov)

Nominations for G&T Awards

Global Gaming Business Magazine (“GGB”) opened the nominations for the 2024 GGB Gaming & Technology Awards on Wednesday, June 25th.

Nominations can be submitted at https://ggbmagazine.com/ggbs-gaming-technology-awards/.

Categories for submission include:

Best Sports Betting Product
Best iGaming Product
Best Table Game Product or Innovation
Best Slot Technology
Best Consumer Service Technology
Best Productivity Enhancement Technology

The award is designed to celebrate prestigious members of the industry for their contributions to enhance the gaming experience. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges, announcing the winners at G2E (Global Gaming Expo) in October of this year.

The deadline for nominations is August 23, 2024.