Top Gambling Enforcer Steps Down After 13 Years

David Rebuck, who oversaw New Jersey's pioneering internet gambling and sports betting industries, has retired after 13 years on the job.  Rebuck, 71, also advised over a dozen states on the emerging industry.

“This industry is never dull,” Rebuck said.  He was appointed by then Governor Chris Christie in 2011.  “There are always going to be challenges and opportunities. We wanted to be the pinnacle of regulating the industry so that the casinos would have a better chance of success while protecting customers.”

Rebuck was also in charge during a turbulent time in the state's gambling hub of Atlantic City.  Five of 12 casinos shut down during his tight reign.

In 2013, New Jersey became the first US state to legalize online casinos.  New Jersey led the nation in online gambling for 10 years until Michigan surpassed it last year in terms of the amount of money won from gamblers.  Only a handful of states currently allow i-Gaming.

In 2018, Rebuck led the creation of rules and regulations for New Jersey's sports betting industry after the state prevailed in its legal battle to overturn a federal ban on it in all but four states. That U.S. Supreme Court ruling led the way for all 50 states to offer legal sports betting if they so chose; 38 states plus Washington, D.C, currently do.

Mark Giannantonio, president of Atlantic City's Resorts casino and of the Casino Association of New Jersey, called Rebuck “a thoughtful and progressive gaming regulator who advanced so many aspects of gaming in New Jersey.”

Prime Sportsbook became the latest sports wagering site to gain approval to operate in the state under Rebuck's leadership this week.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com