Michigan Gaming Control Board: Executive Director Kalm Stepping Down, Deputy Williams Next Leader

Please rephrase your request.

Michigan’s gambling regulator is appointing a new leader amid the launch of online sports betting and internet gaming in the state.

After over 13 years as the executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, Richard Kalm revealed on Friday morning that he would be resigning from his position. Shortly thereafter, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her selection for the role, appointing Henry Williams, currently serving as the deputy director, to take over the position.

Kalm will remain in his position until the Senate approves Williams, the head of the regulator’s casino operations division.

Gretchen Whitmer appoints Henry Williams to six-year term

Williams, who has been employed at the MGCB since 2001, was appointed by Whitmer to serve a six-year term.

Before becoming a member of the MGCB, Williams worked as a social worker and probation officer.

In a separate statement from the Kalm announcement, Whitmer emphasized that the primary objective of the Gaming Control Board is to guarantee the practice of fair and honest gaming.

I have full confidence that by nominating Henry Williams, the board will persist in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of both Michiganders and the state.

Williams, a graduate of Marygrove College, resides in Detroit.

“In the Whitmer release, Williams expressed that this appointment serves as a testament to the life lessons I have imparted to my daughter, highlighting the transformative power of hard work, dedication, commitment, and treating others with fairness and dignity.”

With immense pride and genuine joy, I will continue my dedicated service to the esteemed citizens of Michigan, just as I have faithfully done for the past 24 years.

Michigan online gambling was Richard Kalm’s final hurdle

Kalm outlined in the announcement that his ultimate goal was to overcome the last obstacle by successfully introducing expanded online gambling this year.

In a news release, Kalm expressed his satisfaction with a successful journey and the fulfillment of his ultimate objective in launching online gaming and sports betting. He stated that his entire career has been dedicated to public service, and he has found joy in serving the residents of Michigan as the executive director of MGCB since 2007. He acknowledged that the agency’s mission has expanded significantly since his initial appointment and expressed pride in the achievements of MGCB during his tenure.

In December 2019, Whitmer approved broader gambling legislation. Following that, Kalm was responsible for overseeing the implementation process, which involved drafting regulations in 2020 amidst the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since its launch on Jan. 22, online sports betting and online casinos have proven to be immensely successful.

Besides avoiding any significant setbacks, internet gaming generated a total revenue of $204.2 million and contributed $35.6 million in state tax revenue during its initial 69 days.

In the initial 69 days, Michiganders accumulated a total of $776.5 million in online sports wagers. These figures were recorded until the end of March. Furthermore, the MGCB is responsible for regulating retail sports betting operations within Detroit’s casinos.

When the revenue numbers for April are released, Michigan’s sports betting handle is projected to surpass $1 billion, thanks to the process that was initiated in March 2020, along with the implementation of statewide online sports betting.

Many changes in MGCB during Kalm’s tenure

Kalm assumed the position in 2007 and effectively managed the regulation of Detroit casinos during that time.

The year 2010 witnessed the inclusion of pari-mutuel horse racing regulation within the state by the MGCB. Additionally, in 2012, the MGCB took over the responsibility of overseeing charitable millionaire parties, previously managed by the Michigan Lottery.

In addition, the agency ensures that Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes adhere to their compacts with the state.

The MGCB relocated its headquarters from East Lansing to the New Center Area in downtown Detroit, a new location that is conveniently situated near the city’s downtown casinos.

Kalm, having obtained his degree from Wayne State University and successfully completed the FBI National Academy, dedicated over three decades of his career to serving at the Macomb County sheriff’s office.

Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Kalm, and he was subsequently reappointed in 2013 by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Can you please rewrite the following sentence:<br><br>”I am going to the store to buy some groceries.”