The casino industry is responding to the Senate’s decision not to confirm the re-appointment of Ronnie Jones as chairman of the state’s gaming control board. Casino Association of Louisiana executive director Wade Duty was surprised by the decision and says Louisiana benefitted from his time at the helm of the board.
“He recognized that it is not just a regulatory function, but also to the betterment of Louisiana to maximize the economic development side of it. He was constantly driving for continued investment, continued reinvestment in the state,” said Duty.
The retired state police deputy superintendent has held the job since 2013.
Duty says Jones captured the respect of those within the state’s gaming industry and beyond.
“He was nominated by his peers as regulator of the year in 2018. So, it’s not just the respect that the industry has for him, but also one that is shared by his counterparts,” said Duty.
Duty says the timing is tough for having a void left by the absence of Jones. Duty hopes to see the next chairman have an appreciation for the industry’s role in the state and have a background in regulatory framework.
“You don’t want a pilot to learn on the job while he’s flying the plane, so you want someone who can step in with some experience in regulatory structure behind them. I think that’s the first thing that anybody would look for,” said Duty.
Since the decision was made during executive session, there’s no public record on why Jones was ousted.
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