Jim Townsend Appointed Chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board

Jim Townsend appointed to lead the Michigan Gaming Control Board

The appointed Chair, James H. (Jim) Townsend, of Royal Oak, will serve a term representing Democrats on the Board through December 31, 2028, while his designation as Chair will remain in effect at the pleasure of the Governor. The newly appointed Board Chair must also receive the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.

Announcing the appointment, Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, praised Townsend’s qualifications for the role.

“Jim Townsend is a proven leader whose legal, legislative, and economic development experience make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Board,” Williams said.

He added: “I look forward to working alongside him as the Board carries out its critical mission on behalf of Michigan residents.”

Leadership transition at the MGCB

Townsend has been appointed to succeed Jim Ananich, who is resigning from the Board at the end of July. As the newly appointed Chair, Townsend will work alongside the current Board members:

• Joni M. Thrower Davis
• Mark Evenson
• Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds
• Andrew T. Palms

The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates commercial casino gaming, internet gaming, sports betting, and other licensed gambling activities in the state. The regulator plays a key role in ensuring compliance with gaming legislation while protecting the integrity of Michigan's regulated gambling industry.

Extensive experience in law, public policy and oversight

The appointed Chair currently serves as Director of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University.

Before joining the Levin Center, Townsend practiced law in the Detroit office of Butzel Long, where he was a member of the firm's Corporate and Real Estate Practice Group. He also represented Michigan's 26th District in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017, gaining extensive legislative and public policy experience that contributed to his appointment.

Strong academic and professional background

Townsend's academic credentials include:

• A degree in History with Highest Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan.
• A Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
• A Juris Doctor (cum laude) from Wayne State University Law School.

His combination of legal expertise, economic development experience, public policy knowledge, and legislative service was highlighted by the MGCB as a key reason he was appointed to lead the Board during this new phase of its regulatory work.

Oversight experience expected to strengthen the Board

Townsend's background in oversight and governance is expected to support the Board's ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, accountability, and effective regulation of Michigan's gaming sector. His experience across academia, government, and private legal practice positions him to address the evolving challenges facing both land-based and online gaming markets.

Next Board meeting scheduled for August 4

The Michigan Gaming Control Board confirmed that its next public meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Cadillac Place in Detroit.

The meeting will be the first chaired by the newly appointed Board leader, assuming his appointment receives the required Senate approval and officially takes effect on August 1.

Continued focus on responsible gaming

Alongside the leadership announcement, the MGCB reaffirmed its commitment to responsible gambling initiatives throughout Michigan.

The regulator continues to encourage players to access available support services, including the Disassociated Persons List, the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and a free license for Gamban's gambling blocking software through its partnership with the responsible gaming provider.

The Board reiterated that its mission is to ensure fair and honest gaming while protecting the interests of Michigan residents through effective regulation, oversight, consumer protection, and responsible gaming programs. With Townsend appointed as its new Chair, the regulator aims to continue strengthening Michigan's gaming framework while maintaining public confidence in the state's regulated gambling industry.