Legislation
US – J. Brin Gibson steps down as Nevada’s Gaming Control Board Chair & Executive Director
By Phil - 16 November 2022
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced the resignation of J. Brin Gibson, the chair and executive director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Gibson, who was appointed in November 2020, will leave at the end of the month to pursue a new professional opportunity. Gibson informed the Governor’s Office of his intent earlier this year.
Board member Brittnie Watkins will take on the role as chair and executive director. The Governor appointed Watkins to the Gaming Control Board in April 2021.
“I am grateful to Brin’s steady leadership at the Gaming Control Board over the last two years, and his continued counsel and friendship to me,” said Governor Sisolak. “We wish him and his family nothing but the best for Brin’s next chapter. I am grateful that Brittnie Watkins has agreed to continue the incredible and important work at the Gaming Control Board. She is more than ready for this role, and I am excited to see her work.”
Gibson formerly served as Gov. Sisolak’s general counsel from January 2019 until January 2020, before he left to pursue a new career opportunity. Gibson also recently assisted the Governor’s Office during two special legislative sessions this summer.
While serving as Gov. Sisolak’s general counsel, Gibson served as the Chief Legal Counsel regarding ethics, transactional and legislative matters as well as protection of state interests in the gaming and cannabis industries. In this role, Gibson acted as the Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Sisolak and all Executive Branch agency directors and Cabinet members.
Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, he served dual roles as the First Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the Gaming Division within the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. In these roles, he supervised all regulatory and administrative law action for the Office of the Attorney General and oversaw a staff of nearly 400 lawyers and legal support professionals.
In his role as the Chief of Gaming, he acted as the chief legal counsel to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Nevada Gaming Commission, and Nevada Gaming Policy Committee, where he handled all legal actions against Nevada gaming licensees by the Board and Commission, including regulatory issues and violations. Gibson was also appointed to two separate terms by former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to serve as the Commissioner of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada.
“I am humbled and honored to have served as chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board at this critical moment for Nevada,” Gibson said. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I know there is so much more ahead for my colleagues. I want to thank Governor Sisolak for giving me this opportunity, and for his leadership and support over the years.”
Gibson earned his bachelor of arts, master of public policy and juris doctor degrees from Brigham Young University.
The Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s mission is to govern Nevada’s gaming industry through strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations and related activities. They protect the integrity and stability of the industry through their investigative and licensing practices, and enforce laws and regulations, while holding gaming licensees to high standards. Through these practices, the Commission and the Board are able to ensure the proper collection of taxes and fees that are an essential source of revenue for Nevada.
