Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns Announces Retirement

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns informed Governor Jeff Landry on Thursday, April 4 that he will resign as chairman and board member.

Johns has more than 30 years of public service experience, including service on the Bunkie City Council, Louisiana State Mineral Board, Louisiana Workers Compensation Board, Chairman of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, 12 years in the Louisiana House of Representatives and 10 years in the Louisiana State Senate, according to a press release.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve in this very important position to regulate such a large industry in our state,” Johns said. “I would like to thank former Governor John Bel Edwards and current Governor Landry for having the confidence in me to lead this regulatory agency. I will leave the Board knowing that I have done my job as a regulator with the integrity it requires, in fairness to the industry, but in absolute compliance with our strict laws and rules on the games of chance that we must adhere to.

Johns was appointed chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board by former Governor John Bel Edwards on July 12, 2021. During his tenure, Johns developed the rules and regulations for the rollout of legalized sports betting, according to a press release.

He also worked to implement authorized human trafficking training at all casinos, racetrack casinos and all video poker truck stop casinos in Louisiana, according to a press release.

“There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to step back and make your family the number one priority,” Johns said. “I have reached this point and my wife, my daughter, my son-in-law and my five grandchildren will now be my priority in life. »

Johns will leave his current position effective June 30.

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