Michigan’s Henry Williams Named 2024 American Gambling Awards Regulator of the Year

Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, has been voted the 2024 American Gambling Awards Regulator of the Year.

The Gambling.com Group, producer of the American Gambling Awards, will host the winners, judges and other invited guests at an exclusive VIP dinner  on Nov. 21 at Torrisi, an acclaimed Michelin Star (2023) restaurant in New York City.

iGaming Doesn’t Cannibalize Brick-and-Mortars; No Sports-Betting Tax Hike Expected: Williams 

Michigan is one of the most gaming-active states in the nation, with 26 casinos (three commercial, 23 tribal), in-person and mobile sports betting, and online casino gaming, known as iGaming. Michigan is one of only a half dozen states with legal iGaming. 

During a recent interview on Gambling.com's “The Edge,” William said the state’s online casinos do not take business away from brick-and-mortar casinos. That argument has surfaced in some states by those who opposed iGaming.

“We haven’t seen that at all,” Williams said.

The executive director also said iGaming creates jobs for live dealers.

“We have more occupational licensees for dealers at the live studios than we have in some of our casinos,” Williams said.

On the issue of taxation, Williams said there doesn’t appear to be an effort to increase the tax on sports betting in Michigan, as has happened in other states recently.

“I haven’t heard anything about increasing taxes here in Michigan,” he said.

Cracking Down On Lawbreakers

Since taking over as the board's executive director on May 17, 2021, Williams has led an effort to stop the spread of unregulated gambling in Michigan. This includes cracking down on unregulated skill games, social and sweepstakes casinos, and offshore casinos and sportsbooks.

On Gambling.com’s “The Edge,” William spoke about the state’s get-tough stance on illegal gaming.

“You can’t operate in this state without having proper licensing to do so,” Williams said. “We have to keep bad actors out.”

At this year’s International Masters of Gaming Law Spring Conference, Williams said those who don’t follow the law will be held accountable.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board has made it a priority to do everything we can to protect our state’s citizens from illegal gambling market operators and our legitimate gaming industry from being tarnished by its illegal counterparts,” he said.

In 2023, the board’s investigations, in partnership with the Michigan attorney general’s office, resulted in 79 machines used for illegal gambling being seized, nine people receiving criminal gambling convictions and 24 others being arraigned on illegal gambling charges, the board reported.

The year, the board has sent cease-and-desist letters to two U.S. online gaming companies and one overseas for offering online gaming in the state without being licensed.

‘Gold Standard’

In the gaming industry, Williams has been an industry trailblazer in assuring gaming is operating successfully and with integrity.

Before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer named him to the post, Williams, a Marygrove College graduate in political science, spent the previous 20 years as the board’s deputy director of casino operations. He also is a licensed social worker. 

Charles Gillespie, Gambling.com Group co-founder and chief executive officer, said the company is “thrilled to recognize Henry Williams as the 2024 American Gambling Awards Regulator of the Year.”

“Under Henry’s leadership, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has set a gold standard for regulatory excellence, creating a safe, transparent and thriving market,” Gillespie said. “Henry’s proactive approach to combating illegal gambling — from issuing cease and desist letters to pursuing criminal prosecutions — is the example we need to continue reclaiming this industry back from offshore operators.”

Williams said he is “deeply honored” to receive the American Gambling Awards Golden Eagle.

“This achievement reflects not just my efforts, but the collective dedication of the entire Michigan Gaming Control Board,” he said. “Together, we are committed to creating a transparent and fair gaming environment that prioritizes consumer protection and responsible gaming. As we move forward, I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure Michigan continues to lead in regulatory innovation and consumer advocacy.”

American Gambling Awards Categories

The Gambling.com Group’s annual American Gambling Awards highlight the top companies, products and executives in the regulated U.S. online gaming market. The awards were first presented in 2019. Winners receive a Golden Eagle trophy in recognition of their achievements in the industry.

This year’s winners were selected by a panel of 20 judges, including industry leaders such as BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and FanDuel CEO Amy Howe. These three executives also judged last year's awards nominations.

Williams is the winner in one of the 12 categories below:

1. Online Casino of the Year
2. Gaming Product of the Year
3. Betting Product of the Year
4. Online Sportsbook of the Year
5. Platform Provider of the Year
6. Data Service Provider of the Year
7. Payment Service Provider of the Year
8. Responsible Gaming Award
9. Dealmaker of the Year
10. Policymaker of the Year
11. Regulator of the Year
12. C-Suite Gaming Executive of the Year

For more information, visit www.gambling.com/us/awards.