Mississippi Gaming Commission Chair Al Hopkins recently passed away, just a few days shy of his 82nd birthday. The longtime Gulfport attorney had chaired the gaming commission since 2015.
Hopkins was reconfirmed for his third term as head of the MGC less than one year ago. At his Senate reconfirmation hearing last year, Hopkins faced some opposition because he would not commit to keeping the rules on casino locations.
State Senator David Blount, chair of the Senate Gaming Committee, opposed Hopkins although he previously voted for him. The situation resulted in a fight on social media with Governor Tate Reeves. However, all but eight senators ultimately supported Hopkins’ reconfirmation.
During Hopkins’ tenure as gaming commission chair, legalized sports betting was permitted on casino properties in Mississippi.
