PENN Entertainment has brought in former Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) chair Ronnie Jones as an independent non-director member of the Board.
Jones will join the company’s Compliance Committee, which is chaired by another independent non-director member, Thomas Auriemma, and also includes newly elected PENN Board members Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez.
“Ronnie is a well-respected leader in the regulated gaming space, and with his background and experience we’re pleased to add him as an independent member of our Compliance Committee,” said PENN Entertainment CEO and president Jay Snowden. “Ronnie’s wealth of industry experience will be an asset to the important work of the committee, which is central to our longstanding commitment to gaming industry compliance and integrity.”
Jones served as chair of the LGCB from 2013 to 2020, as part of a 45-year career in public service to the state, which included more than 30 years with the Louisiana State Police.
As chair, he was responsible for overseeing operational integrity of all gaming in the state, including 15 riverboat properties, land-based casinos, four racetrack slot gaming facilities and more than 2,000 licensed video poker establishments.
His work helped lay the foundation of legislative support for the legalization of sports betting in the state, which occurred in 2022.
Shares in PENN Entertainment Inc (NASDAQ: PENN) closed 0.84 per cent lower at $17.65 per share in New York Monday.