Nevada Gaming Control Board Chair Announces Decision to Step Down

Kirk Hendrick, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), has announced his decision to step down sometime after the conclusion of Nevada's current legislative session. Hendrick, who has held the position since January 2023, made the announcement on January 23, according to CDC Gaming.

Kirk Hendrick, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), in an NGCB photo. (Source: Nevada Gaming Control Board)
Listen to this news articleLISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:

Hendrick, who was appointed by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo shortly after Lombardo's election, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Board during his tenure. In a recent conversation with Lombardo, Hendrick discussed the progress made over the past two years and the priorities still to be addressed during the upcoming legislative session. During the discussion, Hendrick informed Gov. Lombardo his intention to step down, allowing time to identify and appoint a successor to ensure a seamless leadership transition.

Related: Nevada's High-End Gaming Salons to Soon Offer Expanded Gaming Options

Hendrick, 60, emphasized his commitment to continuing his work with the NGCB in the months ahead. He stated his dedication to achieving further goals for Nevada's gaming industry, residents, and visitors before his departure.

His decision to leave the NGCB comes shortly after the departure of Brittnie Watkins, whose term on the board concludes at the end of January. Gov. Lombardo is responsible for choosing her replacement.

The NGCB, a three-member body, is responsible for discussing gaming licensing and policy matters, and then forwarding its recommendations to the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC). The chair plays a pivotal role in overseeing the agency tasked with regulating and enforcing gaming industry regulations in the state.

During his tenure, Hendrick aligned with Lombardo's directive for state agencies to streamline operations and update old regulations affecting the gaming industry.

More People News

Lifelong Ties to Vegas

Hendrick's roots in Las Vegas run deep. He graduated from Chaparral High School before earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He later completed his Juris Doctor at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California.

Hendrick has practiced law in Nevada for more than three decades, according to CDC Gaming. He began his legal career in 1991 as a litigator at a Nevada-based law firm. In 1993, he joined the Office of the Attorney General, where he worked as a criminal prosecutor for a newly created Worker’s Compensation Fraud Unit.

In 1996, Hendrick transitioned to the Gaming Division within the Attorney General’s Office. He advanced to the roles of senior deputy and eventually chief deputy, where he provided legal counsel to the NGCB and the NGC. Additionally, he served as the chief legal advisor to the Nevada Athletic Commission for several years.

In 2001, Hendrick moved back into private practice, focusing on legal issues related to gaming and sports. The following year, he became a key executive at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he remained from 2002 to 2017. After departing the UFC, he established a consulting firm, Hendrick Sports & Entertainment, in 2019.

RELATED TOPICS: People

Leave a Comment

user avatar
My Name United States of America
Rating:
0.0
Your Comment

User Comments

Comments for Nevada Gaming Control Board Chair Announces Decision to Step Down