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HORSHAM, PA – NCLGS today announced that Senator Jon Ford of Indiana, the organization’s current President and long-time board member, is retiring from the Indiana legislature to take a job in the private sector, initiating a leadership transition at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States. Delegate Shawn Fluharty of West Virginia, who was slated to become president in January, will take over as president of NCLGS effective October 15.
“Legislators, gaming regulators and gaming operators from around the country owe Senator Ford a debt of gratitude for his leadership to the industry,” said Delegate Fluharty. “Jon never discussed party affiliation or played politics. His modus operandi was about how regulated gaming can bring economic opportunities and jobs to not only his district, but the entire country. Jon will be a friend for life. He helped bring the organization to another level and I look forward to continuing that progress as President of NCLGS.”
“It’s been a great honor to serve the people of Indiana for the past decade,” Senator Ford said. “Along with education, economic development through regulated gaming has been a passion of mine in the Senate. Gaming policy in Indiana, just like at NCLGS, is a bi-partisan endeavor. You can work across party lines and if you get good results, you’ll be able to provide great jobs and economic development for your constituents.”
Senator Ford said his involvement in NCLGS helped him grow as a legislator, policymaker, and leader.
“I found working with NCLGS to be very refreshing because the organization is built around the principles of getting the best and the brightest in the gaming industry into one room to discuss the issues of the day. The organization helped me learn about all aspects of gaming, from horse racing to lotteries and casinos to digital gaming and sports betting.”
He credited the board members he worked with during his involvement with NCLGS for helping the organization grow. “Our work and accomplishments at NCLGS during the past couple years is unmatched in the regulated gaming space.”
During Senator Ford’s presidency, NCLGS has grown in size and stature. Some major accomplishments include:
- Published NCLGS resolution on responsible gaming;
- Achieved record conference attendance;
- Co-founder of popular gaming podcast called “Bet on Policy, Baby!”;
- Growth of NCLGS educational sessions and working groups outside the conferences;
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Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives;
- Increase of full-member states to 24;
- Cultivated partnerships with major gaming organizations;
- Developed diverse sponsorships;
- Reinstituted 101 lecture series.
NCLGS, founded more than a quarter-century ago, is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues related to gaming. NCLGS neither promotes nor opposes gaming but is focused on proper regulation and promoting best practices in the governance of this important industry.
NCLGS meetings are the only conferences in the United States that focus on the goals and plans of legislative decision-makers. They are also open to the public.
The next NCLGS meeting will take place January 3-6, 2024, at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Dozens of state legislators as well as regulators, gaming operators and suppliers, attorneys, lobbyists, media, and other stakeholders are anticipated to attend. The meetings help state legislators from across the country establish sound, effective gaming policies. NCLGS attendance continues to grow; the recent summer meeting in Denver had an attendance of more than 300 people, with a NCLGS-record of more than 100 legislators and regulators.
Click here to register.
For sponsorship information, contact Josh Faber at jfaber@nclgs.org or Allison McCoy at amccoy@nclgs.org.
Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin at wayne.marlin@nclgs.org.
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