Louisiana state Senate removes gambling board chairman

Louisiana state Senators removed the chairman of the Gaming Control Board in a surprise move.

The Senate refused to confirm the reappointment of Ronnie Jones, who held the role of chairman since 2013. 

“It was a total surprise to me,” Jones told the Associated Press. “After the Senate had adjourned, I got a call from a staffer with the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee. He said, ‘I have to tell you that you were not confirmed.’ I said, ‘Excuse me?’ He said it again, and I said, ‘Wow.’”

Governor John Bel Edwards expressed dismay of Jones’ removal. 

“I am deeply disappointed that Ronnie Jones was not confirmed after his decades of service and experience in gaming regulation,” Edwards said according to the AP. 

Edwards will now have to choose an interim chairman of the board. 

The ouster comes as Louisiana casinos reopen from COVID-19 shutdowns. 

Louisiana legislators also just passed a bill that puts sports betting on the ballot box this November pending Edwards’ signature.

Ezra Amacher

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