Mike Dreitzer appointed as Nevada Gaming Control Board chair
The appointment of Mike Dreitzer as Nevada Gaming Control Board chair marks a pivotal point for the state’s gaming landscape. Nevada sits at the heart of America’s casino and betting industries, making any shift in regulatory leadership far more than a local affair. Dreitzer’s arrival comes amid industry turbulence, regulatory reform, and new market pressures—a combination that demands not only deep experience but also innovative thinking.
Leadership change at a crucial moment
On June 23, 2025, Mike Dreitzer will officially step into his role as chairman, succeeding Kirk Hendrick, who led the Board through several transformative years. The transition, described by Hendrick himself as smooth, reflects a shared history between the two men that stretches back nearly three decades to their days at the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. This strong working relationship should help ensure continuity, even as the industry faces fresh challenges and evolving expectations.
The NGCB is no ordinary regulatory agency. As the most public-facing watchdog of Las Vegas and greater Nevada, it plays a central role in preserving the industry’s reputation and stability. But the last few years have seen a rapid turnover at the top: Dreitzer will become the Board’s fifth chair since January 2019. Leadership stability has become almost as crucial as regulatory modernization itself for an industry so often in the headlines.
The state of gaming in Nevada
Dreitzer takes the helm at a time of notable challenge. In February 2025, statewide gaming revenue fell to $1.22 billion—a 9.3% decline year-on-year. Las Vegas Strip revenues dropped even further, down nearly 14% from the previous year. These figures underscore a volatile market, affected by everything from shifting consumer preferences and new competition to broader economic forces.
Table games and slots felt the squeeze. High-profile offerings such as baccarat and blackjack were especially hard-hit, amplifying concerns about the sustainability of established business models. For experienced observers, this signals not just a cyclical blip, but a new phase for an industry that must adapt to technological change, regulatory scrutiny, and evolving customer behaviors.
The regulatory landscape and Dreitzer’s credentials
What qualifies Mike Dreitzer for such a high-stakes role? His resume is uniquely broad, spanning senior executive positions at Gaming Arts, Ainsworth Game Technology, BMM Testlabs, and the co-founding of content supplier G3. But perhaps most relevant is his earlier work as Deputy Attorney General for Nevada, where he represented both the NGCB and the Nevada Gaming Commission in regulatory matters.
This mix of private sector leadership and public sector legal know-how positions Dreitzer as a figure capable of understanding the aspirations of operators while steadfastly defending the public interest. As outgoing Chair Hendrick noted, Dreitzer’s deep roots in gaming law, regulatory compliance, and business make him a “perfect choice” for this moment.
Recent regulatory progress and remaining hurdles
Hendrick’s tenure was marked by aggressive reform. Under pressure from Governor Joe Lombardo, the NGCB launched a sweeping internal review, cutting 16 outdated or redundant state regulations. The Board also made tangible advances in modernization, most notably approving a regulatory amendment in 2024 that enabled wagering accounts to be used for non-gaming purchases at licensed properties—a move cheered by many as a small but meaningful step toward a more seamless visitor experience.
However, Dreitzer inherits a Board still under scrutiny. Money laundering and illegal bookmaking scandals have rocked the industry, with multimillion-dollar fines imposed on prominent operators like MGM Resorts and Resorts World Las Vegas. These high-profile cases were prosecuted by federal authorities, inviting questions about the NGCB’s effectiveness and oversight. Meanwhile, an employment discrimination lawsuit filed against the Board last year hints at internal friction that Dreitzer will need to address.
Challenges ahead and the path to modernization
For Dreitzer, the mandate is clear: advance modernization while ensuring robust compliance. Operators and technology suppliers have expressed frustration with slow regulatory approvals, seeking a more agile and responsive regulator.
- Eliminate roadblocks to innovation—where rules impede progress, advocate for reform,
- Maintain rigorous standards for compliance and consumer protection—public trust is the currency of regulated gaming,
- Guide the Board through transitions in gaming technology, payments innovation, and the evolving legal landscape ahead.
Dreitzer’s commercial experience, especially at equipment suppliers and testing labs, may help bridge the gap between new technologies and regulatory approval—an area of constant negotiation in Nevada’s dynamic market. His first tests will involve balancing the needs of operators eager for fresh solutions, with the Board’s responsibility to maintain the highest standards.
Broader social and market relevance
Why should anyone outside Nevada pay attention to these developments? Simply put, Nevada is more than just a regional gaming hub. Policies set in Las Vegas often become models for other jurisdictions, both in the U.S. and around the world. From cashless betting and innovative payments to standards for anti-money laundering controls, the NGCB’s actions have global significance.
Moreover, the industry’s post-Covid resurgence—four years of record-setting performance prior to 2025—has now given way to uncertainty. Revenue declines, evolving consumer behaviors, and the risk of controversy make regulatory leadership more important than ever. Dreitzer’s challenge will be to safeguard Nevada’s reputation for fairness while guiding it into a future defined by change.
