David Rebuck retires as New Jersey DGE director

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has appointed Mary Jo Flaherty as interim director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to replace David Rebuck, who is retiring after 13 years in the role.

Rebuck is the longest-serving director in DGE’s history and is retiring after a total of 36 years of service to the state, having begun his career as deputy Attorney General in January 1988.

“Throughout his career, David Rebuck has exemplified professionalism, innovation, and leadership as the gaming industry transformed, first with the legalization of Internet gaming in 2013 and then with the new era of sports gaming in 2018,” said Attorney General Platkin. “His extensive knowledge of the gaming and casino industry has made New Jersey a recognized regulatory leader and pacesetter in the United States.

“With Dave’s departure, however, I am pleased to announce that deputy director Mary Jo Flaherty will assume the role of interim director. Mary Jo is a respected and talented lawyer, and brings with her over 40 years of experience of regulating the gaming industry within DGE. I am grateful for her stepping up to lead the Division at this critical time.”

Rebuck was nominated by Governor Chris Christie in April 2011 to be DGE director and was officially sworn in on 24 January 2012.

His tenure began shortly after the introduction of new casino regulations which effectuated the most significant overhaul of the Casino Control Act to date.

Under Rebuck’s leadership, DGE re-examined the entire set of existing casino regulations to ensure consistency and efficiency, with a complete new set of regulations adopted in December 2011.

Rebuck also led DGE through additional innovative changes to the gambling industry in New Jersey, with the state becoming the first in the country to launch legalized online casino gambling in 2013. This was followed in 2018 by legal sports wagering, after a protracted legal battle led by New Jersey, for which Rebuck was named as a 2018 Gaming Intelligence Hot 50 honouree.

In addition to overseeing the launch of new forms of gaming, Rebuck oversaw the launch of DGE’s Responsible Gambling Initiative last year and implemented enhanced advertising standards for New Jersey’s casino and sports betting industry. He also spearheaded new initiatives to improve casino security and safety in the Tourism District in Atlantic City.

“I have always said the achievements at DGE have not been the result of any one person,” said Director Rebuck. “I have been privileged and grateful to work with an amazing team at DGE and to serve under two governors and eight attorneys general.”

The casino and sports betting industry in New Jersey has achieved notable revenue milestones in recent years.

In 2023, total gaming revenue reached an all-time high of $5.78 billion, with internet gaming win reaching $1.92 billion, which broke the record of $1.66 billion set in the prior year. Sports wagering handle, including futures wagers, was $11.97 billion, and gross revenue from sports wagering exceeded $1 billion for the first time in New Jersey history.