“There’s a time to be an adversary and a time to say, ‘Let’s work together to get this done.’” ~ Ronnie Jones
In this episode of The Talking Shop Podcast, Ronnie Jones, former chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and current consultant, stops by to discuss his extensive career in regulated gambling.
Jones shares his 42-year journey with the state of Louisiana, primarily with the State Police, before serving as chairman of the LGCB for seven years. He reflects on the political challenges that led to his departure, and Louisiana’s five-year blackout period for regulators, which ends for him on June 2, 2025.
Jones details his role in building Louisiana’s gaming industry, including the transition of riverboat casinos to land-based resorts, a significant achievement during his tenure. He discusses the complexities of regulating diverse gaming sectors, such as riverboat casinos, video poker, and the push for sports betting, which faced resistance but was legalized just after his departure.
When the conversation shifted to advice for others (and lessons learned), Jones highlighted the need for a firm yet collaborative regulatory approach and avoiding the tension present in some adversarial regulatory bodies.
We also discussed the challenges with skill games and video poker, which Jones and I view as problematic due to their placement in non-gambling environments like bars and convenience stores, potentially exacerbating social harms.
We diverge slightly when it comes to concerns about the accessibility of online gambling and its impact on younger generations, drawing parallels to historical gambling booms and their societal effects. Jones advocates for deliberate, well-crafted legislation to avoid rushed regulations that prioritize revenue over community benefit.
Wrapping up, Jones critiques the “cash cow” mentality of legalizing gambling for state revenue, urging legislatures to prioritize clarity and responsibility.
You can find Ronnie on LinkedIn here.
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