Sandra Douglass Morgan - Career and Insights on Gaming Regulation

Background

• Birthplace: Las Vegas native
• Family:
  • Father retired at Nellis Air Force Base
  • Mother worked in casinos
• Education:
  • University of Nevada, Reno - Constitutional Law class spurred interest in law
  • Law School at UNLV

Early Career

• Worked at a law firm for 3-4 years
• In-house opportunity at MGM – focussed on litigation and gained insights into operations

City of North Las Vegas

• 8 years, became the first African-American city attorney in Nevada
• Period of significant economic challenges due to the downturn

Transition to Telecommunications and Gaming Regulation

• AT&T: Moved to telecommunications before joining the Gaming Commission
• Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) and Gaming Control Board (NGCB):
  • Appointed by Governor Sandoval to the NGC
  • Became chair of NGCB under Governor Sisolak
  • NGCB: 24/7 regulatory body with around 400 team members
• Emphasis on integrity and stability in regulation without political influence

Experience with MGM Resorts

• Access to excellent resources and camera footage was invaluable for litigation
• Exposure to procedural adherence and operational functioning

Insights on Nevada Regulation

• Nevada has a unique two-tier regulatory system (NGC and NGCB)
• Embraces gaming expertise due to Nevada’s vast gaming industry
• Law school (Boyd School of Law) started master of laws in gaming
• Rapid adoption of technology by regulators, expedited by COVID
  • Examples: streaming meetings, electronic documents, payment modernization

Regulatory Adaptation in Gaming

• Rapid expansion and adaptation necessary due to technological changes
• Gaming regulators often behind due to limited resources
• Proficiency in legal and regulatory protocol crucial for market entry

Role at Caesars

• Board of directors, offering strategic guidance
• Oversight includes aligning board vision with executive management
• Recently merging with Eldorado Resorts, creating a significant market presence

Other Board Positions

• Allegiant Travel Company: Continuing to grow and expand
• Covington & Burling: Joined their gaming practice group; firm known for regulatory expertise

Transition Experiences

• From operator (MGM) to regulator and back to the private sector
• Harder to go back from being a regulator due to strict regulatory frameworks
• Nevada law includes a cooling-off period before ex-regulators can join the industry

Main Regulatory Issues in US Gaming

• Rapid sports betting legalization across multiple states
• Importance of sound regulatory and legal advice due to varying state regulations
• Expected continuous focus on responsible gaming and technological integration

Closing Remarks

• Sandra's Transition: Regulatory to private sector helping inform responsible and effective operations
• Education and Policy: Strong emphasis on compliance, strategic growth, and responsible gaming practices