Jim Evans, until recently California Jerry Brown’s deputy press secretary, has been appointed chairman of the California Gambling Control Commission.
He replaces Richard Lopes, who is quitting under a cloud after a former top executive of the commission has been accused of having improper access to confidential information pertaining to a card room client of his.
The five-person commission licenses and regulates the Golden State’s $10 billion gaming industry.
Evans, 45, has worked as the governor’s spokesman for two years. Before coming to work for Brown he was spokesman for the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. He was previously a consultant and newspaper reporter.
His appointment is generating some criticism, centering on Evans’s lack of experience, especially legal experience. Some accuse the governor of corruption giving Evans a political kickback.
His predecessor Lopes, had 20 years of experience in the California Justice Department, critics say.
The issue of Evan’s legal experience is important to some because of the possibility that the legislature may legalize online poker, either this year, or soon.
