Mass. Gaming Commission Seeks New Director

Massachusetts Gaming Commission will begin a national search for an executive director. Current director, Karen Wells, is stepping down July after three and a half eventful years that included the pandemic. She is leaving an efficient organization different from the one she took over in 2020.

Mass. Gaming Commission Seeks New Director

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is seeking to replace its executive director, Karen Wells, who came to the job on an interim basis in 2020 and is only now seeking to move on three and half years later, WWLP News 22 reported June 20. She will step down July 14.

Before becoming executive director, Wells was the MGC’s chief investigator for years.

At upcoming meetings the commission will discuss the process for finding a replacement for Wells, who said at a recent meeting that she leaves before a well-oiled machine that is doing its job without a lot of drama.

She said, “I’ve worked across the agency since its formation with commissioners and staff who are dedicated public servants, committed to making sure the regulation of the gaming industry in Massachusetts focuses on ensuring the public confidence in the integrity of our operations. Together this team created the infrastructure for a new state agency, opened three casinos, weathered a pandemic, and launched the new legal sports wagering industry.” Wells added, “Today the agency’s core responsibilities are operating smoothly, and I have every confidence our team will continue the great work we have done together over the years.”

Previous executive directors have been Edward Bedrosian, Wells’s predecessor and the first executive director, Rick Day.

During her tenure, Wells had a few normal months before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, causing all casinos to shut down, and requirements for health and safety guidelines for casino operators. Then, she oversaw the reopening of gaming and racing in the Bay State as the pandemic receded. In September of 2020 Wells was upgraded from “interim” to simply “executive director.”

Commission Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein has nothing but praise for Wells: “Karen is the model of a leader, and her influence can be seen in everything the MGC does. The MGC’s effectiveness as a regulator is a direct reflection of Karen’s efforts and her ability to build, motivate and direct the MGC team.” She added, “Her strategic abilities and steady presence enabled the MGC to stand up a sports wagering industry committed to consumer protections in a timely fashion. We wish her the very best in the future.”

The commission also added to its duties during Well’s term. It now oversees sports betting. It is funded from the $159.67 million in licensing fees it collects from casinos, including Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor and $39.87 million in state taxes annually from gambling. The two casino resorts are taxed at 25 percent and the slots casino is taxed at 49 percent.

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