Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick announces resignation

Kirk Hendrick, who has served as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board for the past two years, announced his resignation and plans to step down following the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session. The announcement was made on Wednesday after a recent meeting with Governor Joe Lombardo.  

In a brief statement addressed to board members and staff, Hendrick reflected on the progress made during his tenure and outlined plans to achieve further goals before his departure. A date for Hendrick’s departure hasn’t been determined, but Nevada legislative sessions run 120 days and generally end in June.

“I recently had a great conversation with Gov. Lombardo and we discussed how much the board has accomplished since he appointed me as chairman two years ago,” Hendrick said. “We also discussed more to still be accomplished including the board’s priorities for the legislative session beginning next month. Our conversation concluded with me informing the governor of my intention to resign as board chair following the legislative session.”  

Hendrick stated that he will remain engaged with board operations until a successor is appointed. “My announcement today allows Gov. Lombardo time to find the next board chair and provides for a smooth transition of leadership,” he stated.

“It also allows me to tell all the amazing board agents and employees as well as Nevada’s gaming industry, citizens and visitors that I am dedicated to accomplishing much more over the next several months.”  

His announcement follows the recent decision by fellow board member Brittnie Watkins, who declared last week that she would not seek reappointment when her term expires at the end of January. Watkins had briefly served as interim chair before Hendrick’s appointment in early 2023.  

During his tenure, Hendrick prioritized regulatory streamlining, overseeing amendments and repeals of numerous gaming regulations to facilitate the approval process for new games and reduce financial reporting burdens for operators.

Under his leadership, the board handled licensing applications for major properties, including Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Station Casinos’ Durango development. Additionally, the board took initial steps in licensing executives for the Seminole Indian Tribe’s transition of The Mirage into Hard Rock Las Vegas.  

Hendrick’s leadership also saw the board overseeing disciplinary measures against former Las Vegas casino executive Steve Wynn, but his tenure was not without controversy.

Critics have raised concerns over the board’s response to illegal gambling operations within Nevada casinos, particularly at properties owned by MGM Resorts International and Resorts World Las Vegas. A regulatory complaint filed by Hendrick in August regarding alleged illegal bookmaker activity at Resorts World remains pending review by the Nevada Gaming Commission.  

Before joining the board, Hendrick built an extensive career in gaming and sports law. He previously served as general counsel for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Las Vegas and held key positions within the Nevada Attorney General’s Gaming Division, providing legal counsel to the Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission.

His legal career also included roles as chief deputy for the statewide Gaming Division and legal counsel for the Nevada Athletic Commission. After leaving public service, he joined the law firm Jones Vargas, focusing on gaming and sports law before moving on to UFC, where he later became chief operating officer and executive vice president.