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

The appointment of a new leader is on the horizon for Michigan’s gambling regulator, as online sports betting and internet gaming gain momentum in the state.

After serving as executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board for over 13 years, Richard Kalm revealed his decision to step down. Shortly thereafter, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Henry Williams as the new deputy director, filling the vacant position.

Until Williams, who is in charge of the regulator’s casino operations division, is approved by the Senate, Kalm will continue to remain in his role.

Gretchen Whitmer appoints Henry Williams to six-year term

Williams, who has been with the MGCB since 2001, was selected by Whitmer for a six-year tenure.

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 expressed that the Gaming Control Board’s objective is to guarantee the execution of fair and honest gaming.

I am confident that the nomination of Henry Williams will ensure the continued protection and advancement of Michiganders’ interests and those of the state by the board.

Williams, a Marygrove College graduate, resides in Detroit.

“In the Whitmer release, Williams expressed how this appointment reinforces the valuable life lessons I have imparted to my daughter – the power of perseverance, unwavering dedication, unwavering commitment, and the importance of treating others with fairness and respect.”

With pride and genuine joy, I am confident in my ability to carry on serving the remarkable citizens of the State of Michigan, just as I have wholeheartedly done for the past 24 years.

Michigan online gambling was Richard Kalm’s final hurdle

Kalm emphasized in the announcement that his ultimate goal was to overcome the last obstacle and successfully launch expanded online gambling this year.

In a news release, Kalm expressed his satisfaction, stating, “My journey has been exceptional, and I have achieved my ultimate objective with the triumphant introduction of online gaming and sports betting. I have dedicated my career to public service, and it has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Michigan as the executive director of MGCB since 2007. Over the course of my tenure, our agency’s mission has expanded, and I take pride in the achievements of the MGCB.”

In December 2019, Whitmer approved the enactment of broadened gambling legislation. Subsequently, Kalm took charge of overseeing the implementation process, which included the formulation of regulations amidst the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Since its launch on January 22, online sports betting and online casinos have experienced remarkable success.

Not only did internet gaming generate a total revenue of $204.2 million within the first 69 days, but it also contributed $35.6 million in state tax revenue, all without any significant setbacks.

In the initial 69 days, Michigan residents placed online sports bets amounting to $776.5 million. These figures encompass data up until the conclusion of March. Additionally, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is responsible for supervising retail sports betting operations within Detroit’s casinos.

When April’s revenue numbers are released, Michigan is expected to surpass the $1 billion mark in sports betting handle, thanks to the launch of a process in March 2020 and the implementation of statewide online sports betting.

Many changes in MGCB during Kalm’s tenure

During that time period, Kalm was appointed in 2007 to oversee the regulation of the Detroit casinos.

The regulation of pari-mutuel horse racing was additionally included under the MGCB’s jurisdiction in 2010. The oversight of charitable millionaire parties was also transferred from the Michigan Lottery to the MGCB’s responsibility in 2012.

The agency is responsible for monitoring the adherence of Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes to their compacts with the state.

The MGCB’s headquarters underwent a relocation from East Lansing to downtown Detroit’s New Center Area, which now positions them in closer proximity to the city’s downtown casinos.

After graduating from Wayne State University and the FBI National Academy, Kalm dedicated over 30 years of his career to the Macomb County sheriff’s office.

Kalm was initially appointed by former Governor Jennifer Granholm and subsequently reappointed in 2013 by Governor Rick Snyder.