Robbie Johns, one of Louisianaβs leading gambling regulators, announced his intention to resign, citing family matters as the reason. The Republican was largely responsible for overseeing the launch of sports betting in the state.
For context, the gambling revolutionary is set to officially depart on June 30. His resignation will end 37 years of public service. Johns was appointed at the helm of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board in 2021, ahead of the launch of legal sports betting in the state.
The vertical now contributes almost $100 million in taxes every year. According to Johns, his team wanted to regulate and implement betting in a way that inspires confidence in players, operators and lawmakers.
In addition to overseeing the legalization of sports betting in the Pelican State, Johns was also responsible for attracting additional investments from casino companies. Thanks to him, Caesars rebuilt its Horseshoe Casino in the wake of its destruction by Hurricane Laura.
Johns also successfully prompted the refurbishing of properties such as the Louisiana Live! Casino, Belle of Baton Rouge and The Queen Baton Rouge.
He also hopes to convince The Cordish Companies to make a $300 million investment into Louisiana Live! that would allow the property to compete with the nearby casinos in Oklahoma.
On the matter, Johns previously said that this last investment would not only benefit the casino but would grow the entire Shreveport-Bossier market. He pointed out that the new Horseshoe casino in Lake Charles expanded the market instead of cannibalizing it.
Johns Wants to Spend Time with His Family
Johns confirmed that his departure was not initiated by Governor Jeff Laundry and explained that he wants to spend more time with his family. In an interview with USA Today Network, he elaborated:
Iβm about to be 75 years old, and Michelle and I have things we want to do, and this is a full-time job. Itβs time.
Robbie Johns
Johns added that he departs with the knowledge that he did his job as a gambling regulator with robust integrity and absolute adherence to Louisianaβs strict gaming laws. He noted that βthere comes a time in everyoneβs life when they should step back and make their family the number one priority.β Johns concluded that he had arrived at that point.
