Michigan Gaming Control Board names new executive director

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said to Upper Michigan Source: “The mission of the Gaming Control Board is to ensure the conduct of fair, honest gaming. With the nomination of Henry Williams, I am confident that the board will continue protecting and advancing the interests of Michiganders and the state.”

Henry L. Williams, Jr. currently serves as the deputy director of the casino operations division for the Michigan Gaming Control Board. In his role, he provides oversight of the Enforcement Section, Employee Licensing, Gaming Lab, and the Disassociated person program. Williams has worked for the board since 2001, previously serving as a regulation and enforcement officer, regulation manager of the employee licensing section, and then acting deputy director before becoming deputy director of the casino operations division.

“This appointment affirms my life lessons to my daughter--what hard work, dedication, commitment, and treating people fairly with dignity can do. I will be able to continue serving the citizens of the great State of Michigan as I have done over the past 24-years with pride and sincere joy," said Williams.

“I’ve had a great run and accomplished my final goal with the successful launch of online gaming and sports betting,” outgoing executive director Richard Kalm said Friday. “My career has been devoted to public service, and I have enjoyed serving the people of Michigan since 2007 as MGCB executive director. Our agency’s mission has grown since my initial appointment, and I am proud of the MGCB’s accomplishments during my tenure.”

“Mr. Williams is the consummate professional; he treats everyone with respect and courtesy regardless of position, both at the casinos and with his colleagues at the MGCB. We know Mr. Williams to be fair, respectful, and honest, with his primary mission is preserving and protecting the integrity of gaming in Michigan,” said Bruce Dall, President of Motor City Casino.

John Drake the Vice President and General Manager of Greektown Casino, and David Tsai the President and COO of MGM Grand Casino stated: “In our view, there is no person more qualified than Mr. Williams to take the helm of the MGCB at this time. His decades of experience, and his understanding of both the casino industry and agency that regulates us are simply unique.”

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. It provides Detroit commercial casino gaming operations licensing and regulation, licenses and regulates online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers, and suppliers, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming, and audits tribal gaming compact agreement compliance. The executive director performs duties assigned by the five-member board related to the regulation of three casinos in Detroit and supervises the employees of the board.

Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marygrove College.