The Michigan Gaming News Letter

Michigan Gaming Control Board Sets October 13 Public Meeting

The Michigan Gaming Control Board will hold its regularly scheduled public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at its Cadillac Place office in Detroit. The meeting will take place in the Board Hearing Room at 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, and will also be available virtually through Zoom. 

The Board will conduct business related to the implementation, administration and enforcement of Michigan’s casino gaming, internet gaming and sports-betting laws, along with any other matters properly before the Board. MGCB public meetings are open to the public and include an opportunity for comments, questions and suggestions regarding Board business and gaming regulation. 

Members of the public may attend in person or participate through Zoom. Those wishing to address the Board during the public-comment portion may submit the MGCB’s Public Sign In Sheet in advance or indicate through the Zoom meeting that they would like to speak. The meeting notice also provides accommodations for individuals who may need additional assistance participating in the meeting.

MEETING INFORMATION

October 13, 2026

Date of the next scheduled MGCB public meeting

10:00 a.m.

Meeting start time

Cadillac Place

3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit

In Person + Zoom

Public participation available both onsite and virtually

 

Ms. Mary J Smith, President and CEO of Four Winds Casinos was recently profiled by Indian Gaming Magazine for the September 2026 Issue 

Mary Smith, President and CEO of Four Winds Casinos, described a career path that began when she joined the organization in 2007 and progressed through finance, property management, hotel operations, development and casino operations before she moved into the COO and CEO roles. Smith is the first woman to serve as President and CEO of Four Winds and is a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

Looking ahead, Smith said increased competition will remain one of the company’s biggest challenges as new casino developments enter the market. Four Winds is focused on maintaining a strong guest experience while continuing to evaluate new technologies and operational improvements. The company has already introduced self-service kiosks to reduce wait times and is exploring additional efficiencies through vertical integration. 

Smith also emphasized the importance of adapting to changing customer expectations. Four Winds has expanded its entertainment and event offerings, including the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at its South Bend property, which features 16 meeting rooms, a ballroom, business facilities and space for concerts and special events. Smith said these types of additions are designed to meet needs that may not already be available in the surrounding market. 

Employee development remains another priority under Smith’s leadership. Four Winds operates its A.C.E.S. employee recognition program and a Tribal Development Program that provides training and professional-development opportunities for Pokagon citizens. Smith said employees are central to the organization’s success and encouraged future gaming leaders to gain broad industry experience, build professional networks and seek out mentors. 

 

Jasmine Moreland, Recognized as an Emerging Leader of Gaming (ELG) 40 Under 40 Class of 2027

Michigan Gaming Control Board employee Jasmine Moreland has been selected as an Emerging Leader of Gaming (ELG) 40 Under 40 Class of 2027 honoree. Originally founded by The Innovation Group, the ELG 40 Under 40 program recognizes professionals under the age of 40 making significant contributions to the gaming industry.

Moreland serves as the MGCB’s Director of External Affairs and Responsible Gaming, as well as the agency’s Tribal Liaison. Since joining the Board in December 2020, she has overseen responsible gaming, communications, people and culture initiatives, and government affairs, while also supporting outreach to lawmakers and external stakeholders.

LEFT TO RIGHT, JJ Burchman, Carlie Shaw, Jasmine Moreland, Christina Morris, and Brian Wyman

 

AGEM, AGA and JCM Present $185,000 to ICRG at G2E 

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, the American Gaming Association, and JCM Global presented a $185,000 check to the International Center for Responsible Gaming during G2E. The money was raised through the 27th annual AGEM & AGA Golf Classic, presented by JCM Global, held in May in Henderson, Nevada. This year’s contribution topped last year’s $180,000 donation and brings the tournament’s total support for ICRG to $3.2 million since 1999. The ICRG uses the funding to support independent, peer-reviewed research on gambling disorder and responsible-gaming practices. 

As reported by CDC Gaming, on hand for the presentation were AGEM President and CEO Daron Dorsey, AGA Senior Vice President of Membership and Events Maureen Beddis, ICRG President Michael Soll, ICRG Director of Corporate Partnerships Joshua Belkin, ICRG Director of Research and Education Travis Sztainert, ICRG board member Art Paikowsky and JCM Senior Vice President Dave Kubajak.  (Photo: AGEM, AGA and JCM Global present the Golf Classic check to the ICRG at G2E (AGEM photo)