Ronnie Johns, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, announced on April 4, 2024, that he’ll be retiring from his position within the Bayou State’s regulatory agency. This goes into effect on June 30, 2024, when Johns will no longer be Chairman or a member of the Board.
Oversight of retail and mobile sports betting
Johns oversaw numerous achievements during his three-year tenure as Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, including the launch of retail and mobile sports betting.
Stepping in shortly after former Governor John Bel Edwards signed HB 697, SB 142, and SB 247 into law in June 2021, Johns was tasked with overseeing the successful deployment of sports betting in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes. He developed rules and regulations for the launch of legal sports betting following its approval via a statewide referendum in 2020, which led the the Lousiana Legislature also formally approving it in 2021.
Johns and the rest of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board gave final approval for retail sports betting in November 2021. After the initial opening of the first retail sportsbook, Betfred Sportsbook at Paragon Casino Resort on October 6, 2021, Johns was tasked with ensuring eight of the 20 operators who applied had the proper resources and licensing to continue operating smoothly.
Two months later, on January 12, 2022, Johns told Covers that mobile sports betting was quickly approaching. However, due to the compliance and suitability issues with vendors, plus nine parishes opting not to approve mobile sports betting, geofencing technology was crucial to ensure online sportsbooks weren’t operational in those locations within Louisiana.
This led to the official launch of legal online and mobile sports betting in the 55 parishes that voted for its approval on January 28, 2022. Fast forward to April 2024 and the Bayou State ranked among the top legal sports betting states in profitability, recording $350 in total betting handle in March 2024.
Other achievements
Chairman Johns also oversaw two of Louisiana’s 15 legacy riverboat licenses lead to first-class land-based properties, with three more under renovations. Riverboat casinos have been present in the Pelican State since the 18th century, so Johns managed to preserve history by converting several of these riverboat casinos into functional land-based properties.
The implementation of mandatory human trafficking training across all of Louisiana’s licensed and regulated casinos, racetrack casinos, and video poker truck stop casinos is another integral achievement recorded by Johns as Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. This occurred during the past few months leading up to the announcement of his retirement on April 4, 2024.
After serving the state of Louisiana for over 37 years in various positions, Johns stated that he’s focused on prioritizing his family as his main focus in life. This comes after occupying various public service roles, including Bunkie City Council, the Louisiana State Mineral Board, the Louisiana Workers Compensation Board, Chairman of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, and over 20 years combined between Louisiana’s House of Representatives and State Senate.
