On November 1, Mary Beth Thomas assumed her new role as executive director of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC). She took the job after eight years as general counsel in the Secretary of State’s office, according to TNBets.
Thomas first day marked the anniversary of the launch of four mobile sports betting operators: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Tennessee Action 24/7. Others followed.
The position was created in the summer after legislators moved regulatory functions from the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation to the SWAC.
“I believe that the lottery and sports wagering are two different areas,” Rep. John Gillespie said in May. “I believe it’s best that they focus on their respective topics.”
The lottery assumes an advisory role on January 1 and SWAC takes over as the regulatory body.
“I’ve been at my job for so long and it’s an amazing job, so it’s hard to think about leaving, and I wouldn’t leave except for such a perfect opportunity,” Thomas said.
During her time with Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Thomas handled the regulation of daily fantasy sports and charity gaming.
“He gave me the opportunity to really build it from the ground up,” Thomas said, “working with the Attorney General’s Office to draft the rules and then working with all the operators in the industry.”
She also has prior relationships with GeoComply and Gaming Laboratories International.
“I was sad when it got to be such a big job that we had to sort of pass it off to another division,” Thomas said.
