Indiana Gaming Commission Exec. Director Greg Small steps down, Dennis Mullen to serve as acting head

Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Greg Small will step down this month, according to an announcement from Governor Eric Holcomb's office on Wednesday. General Counsel Dennis Mullen will take over in an acting capacity starting September 23, 2024.

Small, who has been with the commission since 2016 and became Executive Director in 2021, has overseen several key initiatives, including a reorganization of the agency's law enforcement division and the launch of a streamlined licensing management system. Under his leadership, the commission also granted its first competitive casino license in over a decade, which led to the opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort earlier this year.

"Greg’s knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in leading the Indiana Gaming Commission effectively and efficiently," Governor Holcomb said in a statement.

Greg Small

Small's tenure, however, was not without challenges. Relations with key Republican lawmakers became strained, with legislators criticizing the commission for being overly punitive towards casinos and accusing it of having a "culture problem." 

The commission also dealt with the fallout of a 2019 corruption scandal involving the relocation of a casino license to Terre Haute. Former Republican state representative Sean Eberhart was sentenced to one year in prison for accepting a job with Spectacle Entertainment in exchange for his support of favorable legislation.

Dennis Mullen

Dennis Mullen, who has served with the commission since 2015, will take over as acting Executive Director later this month. Mullen holds a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and a law degree from Indiana University.

"The agency will be left in good hands with Dennis at the helm," Holcomb added.