Executive Director
Henry Williams was appointed Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board for a six-year term by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 17, 2021. During his tenure, he has overseen the regulation of Detroit’s three casinos, as well as iGaming, sports betting, charitable gaming (millionaire parties), fantasy contests and other gambling activities across the state, including tribal gaming compacts.
A regulator in one of the fastest-growing U.S. gaming markets, Williams’ 24 years of public service experience have significantly contributed to Michigan’s gaming industry’s growth. Under his direction, the MGCB has achieved notable progress, including legislative changes to support charitable gaming and technological advancements. Williams helped spearhead changes to provide a more sustainable, reliable funding source for charitable Millionaire Party fundraisers through internet gaming taxes ($3 million) instead of charitable gaming license fees and ticket sales held in the state Lottery Fund. This has allowed the MGCB to continue its high level of service to charities while eliminating the potential need for fee increases or limits on issuing licenses.
A future-focused leader, Williams established the MGCB’s Responsible Gaming section when he became executive director, emphasizing player welfare and implementing outreach programs. He also secured $3 million of ongoing, annual state budget funding—a first in the 25-year history of the MGCB—for ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’, the agency’s internationally acclaimed and Emmy Award-winning integrated marketing campaign to prevent gambling addiction.
As part of the agency’s focus to halt illegal gambling, Williams regularly meets with local leaders to discuss methods of combating illegal gaming across the state of Michigan. Sweepstakes casino operators and certain unregulated gaming sites have taken note of the MGCB’s continued regulatory efforts to enforce Michigan gaming laws and are subsequently making their own business decisions to cease operations in the state.
Additionally, Williams works to enhance public accessibility to the agency and remains committed to educating Michigan’s citizens and finding new ways to reach them. In March 2023, he started his ‘Double Down Michigan’ podcast to share information about a variety of gaming industry topics. His knowledge and expertise are also evident in high-profile panel discussions at industry conferences and events, where he advocates for best practices and cooperation among the states.
Williams continues to drive innovation, growth, and change at the MGCB. His continued commitment to the agency and State of Michigan, all with a dedicated focus on its citizens and ensuring the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect their interests, has earned him respect among his colleagues and the gaming industry. He has been recognized by the following organizations:
