For New Jersey, David Rebuck’s retirement marks the end of an historic era in legalized sports betting.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the retirement of Rebuck on Thursday. As the director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), Rebuck almost singlehandedly ushered in the new chapter of legalized sports betting.
“Throughout his career, David Rebuck has exemplified professionalism, innovation, and leadership as the gaming industry transformed, first with the legalization of internet gaming in 2013 and them with the new era of sports gaming in 2018,” said Platkin.
Rebuck’s regulatory expertise and foresight will leave a mark on New Jersey – one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the restriction. Within a month of the court’s decision, New Jersey passed legislation enabling both retail and online sports betting.
As director of New Jersey’s DGE, Rebuck helped shape the regulatory framework for all the states that followed.
“His extensive knowledge of the gaming and casino industry has made New Jersey a recognized regulatory leader and pacesetter in the United States,” Platkin added.
Industry-wide regard
In 2019, Rebuck won Regulator of the Year at the American Gambling Awards. In April, Rebuck will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the East Coast Gaming Congress.
“I have always said the achievements at DGE have not been the result of any one person. I have been privileged and grateful to work with an amazing team at DGE and to serve under two governors and eight attorneys general,” Rebuck said of his contributions.
Meanwhile, DGE’s deputy director Mary Jo Flaherty will take over as interim director.
“Mary Jo is a respected and talented lawyer, and brings with her over 40 years of experience of regulating the gaming industry with DGE," Platkin said.
Sports betting in New Jersey has developed into a robust sector in Rebuck’s 13-year tenure as DGE director. Just last year, the Garden State generated over $1 billion in sports betting gross revenues.
