Louisiana Gaming Control Board readying Ronnie Johns successor
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is preparing for a change at the top after Chairman Ronnie Johns confirmed he will be retiring.
Johns, who spent nearly four decades in public service, has been one of the pre-eminent Louisiana gaming regulators, and he served as LGCB Chairman for just under three years.
A Republican, Johns, who ushered in sports wagering and oversaw the state’s biggest gambling expansion in over 30 years, will be stepping away from the scene, but he wasn’t asked to stand down by Gov. Jeff Landry (R).
Instead, Johns asked to retire and his resignation will be effective June 30.
It is expected a decision on Johns’ successor will be confirmed before then by Gov. Landry.
Explaining his decision to retire, Johns admitted he wanted to spend more time with his family.
He said: “I’m about to be 75 years old and Michelle and I have things we want to do. It’s a full-time job.
“There comes a time in everyone’s life when they should step back and make their family the No.1 priority. I have arrived at this point.”
Before being nominated to the LGCB, Johns enjoyed a long political career, serving in a variety of roles which he did with distinction.
But during his tenure running the LGCB, Johns oversaw significant change in one of the US’ richest gaming states.
He managed to court over $1 billion or more in new investment from casino companies who upgraded or transformed their riverboat properties.
This included supervising the $200 million overhaul of the Isle of Capri Lake Charles riverboat damaged by Hurricane Laura, turning it into a rebranded brick-and-mortar casino.
More recently, Johns ensured the state wouldn’t lose a casino after the DiamondJohns riverboat’s future became imperiled.
Indeed, the Cordish Companies are the masterminds behind a new project, in which they have invested $270 million to give Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, in which the property will be complete with over 1,000 slot machines, 40 table games, and a sportsbook.
While Johns’ stint as LGCB Chairman is drawing to a close, he shook up gaming in a way that few in the state would have previously imagined, and his legacy remains undisputed.
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