In a 34-1 vote, the Michigan Senate recently approved the 6-year appointment of Henry Williams as executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Williams had been the deputy director of the agency’s Casinos Operations divisions which regulates Detroit casinos, issues occupational licenses, houses the agency’s Gaming Lab and manages self-exclusion programs. He replaces Richard Kalm, who resigned in April following the January launch of online gambling in Michigan.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated, “The mission of the Gaming Control Board is to ensure the conduct of fair, honest gaming. With the nomination of Henry Williams, I am confident that the board will continue protecting and advancing the interests of Michiganders and the state.”
Williams will oversee ongoing Covid-19 health and safety restrictions at the casinos as they reopen from last year’s shutdowns. Detroit’s three casinos will continue to operate at 30 percent capacity. Michigan’s online sports betting, which went live January 22, also will be within Williams’ jurisdiction.
Williams’ state government career began in 1997. Prior to that, he held various positions as a juvenile justice worker, family independence specialist, protective services worker and probation officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Marygrove College. Williams and also is a licensed social worker in Michigan.
