Ronnie Jones, who served as chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board from 2013 to 2020, has been hired as an advisor to the U.K.-based gaming firm Entain as it seeks to expand its sports betting business in a joint venture with MGM Resorts International. Jones said Entain approached him last fall to serve on an advisory panel consisting of gaming regulators from several states.
Jones said he asked the Louisiana Board of Ethics for guidance, explaining he would have no role lobbying state lawmakers or regulators. Instead he would use his background as a gaming regulator to “assist the company in establishing best practices generally.”
Jones was unexpectedly removed from chairing state gaming board when state Senator Karen Carter Peterson vetoed his reappointment after he was nominated by Governor John Bel Edwards. Jones originally was appointed by then-Governor Bobby Jindal in 2013, after a 33-year career with Louisiana State Police.
Jones stated, “After 45 years of serving the state I was hoping I could continue that service for a year or two. Unfortunately and surprisingly I found no support for that from others. But much later doors began to open and I will be better for the lessons I have learned.”
State Senator Ronnie Johns said, “Ronnie Jones was one of the best gaming regulators that our state has ever had and one of the most ethical people I think I’ve ever met.”
