Dreitzer Named Incoming Chair Of Nevada Gaming Control Board

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo filled one of the most high-profile government agency gaming jobs in the U.S. on Monday, naming Mike Dreitzer as incoming chair of the Silver State’s gaming control board.

Dreitzer, whose tenure will begin June 23, is replacing Chairman Kirk Hendrick, who earlier this year announced plans to step down at the end of the legislative session. In order to take over this role, Dreitzer will resign as CEO of Gaming Arts, a full-service gaming equipment supplier that has over 150 licenses.

“I’m pleased to announce Mike Dreitzer as the incoming chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board,” Lombardo said in a statement. “Mike has an extensive background in gaming compliance and brings decades of industry experience to the role. I’m confident that Mike will lead the Nevada Gaming Control Board with integrity and honor, while furthering its recent innovation and progress.”

“I’m deeply honored by this appointment to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and I’m grateful to Governor Lombardo for his confidence in me,” Dreitzer said. “I look forward to furthering the essential mission of the board, while supporting its agents and staff to ensure the highest quality gaming regulation for our state.”

What Dreitzer inherits

Nevada is the top gaming revenue generator in the United States, totaling $15.6 billion over the last 12 months from March 2024 through the most recent report published for February. The Las Vegas Strip accounted for $8.9 billion of that amount, which was down 1.1% from the previous 12-month period.

The $690.2 million in revenue from the Strip reported for February was down 13.8% from last year, but the 2024 totals included a leap day, a spike in baccarat revenue due to the Chinese New Year occurring that month, and Las Vegas serving as host for Super Bowl LVIII.

Dreitzer may also have to oversee the board’s legal efforts versus Kalshi after the trading platform won a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order earlier this month to continue offering sporting event contracts. The NGCB was unable to persuade a U.S. District Court judge in Nevada that Kalshi was offering illegal sports betting, with Judge Andrew P. Gordon saying Kalshi “has shown a likelihood of success on the merits” in his 17-page ruling.

A long history in the industry

Before arriving at Gaming Arts in 2018, Dreitzer served as the president of Australia-based Ainsworth Game Technology’s North America Division. He was also chief operating officer of BMM Test Labs as well as COO and co-founder of Global Gaming Group.

Prior to taking the chair, Dreitzer will be overseeing Gaming Arts’ acquisition by Germany-based Merkur Gaming. He will be serving the final 18 months of Hendrick’s four-year term, and the two crossed paths professionally in the state’s Attorney General’s Office.

Hendrick said: “I cannot thank Governor Lombardo enough for allowing me to lead the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Working with my fellow board members and all the dedicated board agents and employees has been the highlight of my public service career. With time left until the end of the legislative session, I am eager to get much more accomplished for the state of Nevada. Handing over the gavel to Chairman Mike Dreitzer will be a smooth transition.

“Mike and I have known each other for almost 30 years going back to our days in the Attorney General’s Office. Mike is the perfect choice by Governor Lombardo based on Mike’s long career in gaming law, government, regulatory compliance, and business.”