Detroit, MI – [July 23, 2026] – Today Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she has appointed Jim Townsend as the chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Townsend currently serves as the director of the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School. Townsend, an attorney and former state legislator, will continue in his role as director of the Levin Center. Read the full statement below or click on the button for a pdf version.
Contact
Kyle Bule
kyle.bule@wayne.edu
313-577-2731
The MGCB is charged under Michigan law with regulating and licensing commercial casino operations, online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers and suppliers, and regulating other elements of the gaming industry that operate in Michigan.
“I am honored to be appointed to chair the Michigan Gaming Control Board,” Townsend said, “and I look forward to working with members of the Board and the MGCB’s dedicated staff led by Executive Director Henry Williams.”
“Gaming is a rapidly growing and evolving industry in Michigan that provides entertainment to our people and vital revenue to our state and communities. It also poses serious problems for adults who struggle with gambling addiction and young people who lack the experience and capacity to handle its risks. I hope my skills and experience will enable me to lead the Michigan Gaming Control Board in faithfully executing our state’s gaming laws and in serving the interest of the people of Michigan,” Townsend added.
Wayne State University Law School Interim Dean Lance Gable said, “My Wayne Law colleagues and I are thrilled with Jim Townsend’s appointment to chair the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Because the MGCB is charged with overseeing the execution of Michigan gaming laws and regulations, Jim’s experience conducting oversight as a congressional staff member and as vice chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee and his current work directing one of the country’s leading institutes on oversight and accountable governance makes him an ideal fit for the chair of the MGCB.”
Townsend’s appointment as chair of the MGCB becomes effective on August 1, 2026 for a term that expires on December 31, 2028.
See the Governor’s announcement here.