The Michigan Gaming Control Board is getting a new leader following the state's launch of sports and online betting.
Richard Kalm, who was appointed executive director of the board in 2007, is resigning from the post, the agency announced Friday. Taking his place will be the board's deputy director of operations, Henry Williams, who was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
"The mission of the Gaming Control Board is to ensure the conduct of fair, honest gaming," Whitmer said in a news release from the governor's office. "With the nomination of Henry Williams, I am confident that the board will continue protecting and advancing the interests of Michiganders and the state."
Kalm has offered to remain in the role until his successor is approved by the Michigan Senate. He said he remained at the helm to launch sports betting and online gaming in Michigan, which was accomplished early this year.
"I've had a great run and accomplished my final goal with the successful launch of online gaming and sports betting," Kalm said in a release issued by the board.
If confirmed, Williams will serve a six-year term. He began working for the gaming control board in 2001.
Kalm took the executive director position in 2007 while Detroit's three commercial casinos — Greektown Casino-Hotel, MotorCity Casino Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit — were still building their hotels. A year later, he was tasked with protecting state interests during the 2008 bankruptcy of Greektown casino, owned at the time by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and a group of Detroit developers.
Kalm led the long-anticipated launch of retail sports betting in March 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Michigan. He then oversaw the subsequent state-ordered closures and eventual safety restrictions at the Detroit casinos over the past year.
Online betting in Michigan went live Jan. 22 as the first state to license both commercial and tribal casinos for mobile and sports betting.
"I have worked closely with Henry for 14 years and promoted him to his current MGCB position as deputy director," Kalm said. "I believe Gov. Whitmer has made a good choice in appointing Henry to be the next executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board."
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April 23, 2021 at 11:18PM
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Whitmer names new executive director of Michigan Gaming Control Board - Crain's Detroit Business
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