Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Burnett Resigned

A.G. Burnett, who has served as chairman of the state Gaming Control Board since November 2012, has resigned to join the attorney’s team at McDonald Carano, a law firm in Reno he once clerked for, according to a press release issued Monday afternoon by Gov. Brian Sandoval’s office, as stated by Las Vegas Review Journal.

Sandoval indicated he’d name a replacement for Burnett at a later date. His last day on the job will be Dec. 22.

In a telephone interview, Burnett said he’s ready for a new challenge after checking off several accomplishments over the years.

“When I was appointed, a drew up a list of things I wanted to get done,” Burnett said. “Internet gambling. Nightclub regulations. Daily fantasy sports. We checked all of them off.

“When I was reappointed, I made another list,” he said. “Skill-based gaming. Hybrids. Marijuana use. On that last one, we drew a line on it and it wasn’t easy. And we checked all those off.”

Burnett said family matters also entered into the decision, agreeing to take a job with a firm he once clerked for, in a position that will take financial pressure off his wife, a teacher.

Burnett will work with McDonald Carano’s gaming and administrative law group, joining attorneys A.J. “Bud” Hicks, Greg Giordano and Dennis Gutwald. He’ll have to wait out a year-long “cooling-off” period before representing clients before Nevada regulators. He said he would follow the leads of former gaming regulators Dennis Neilander and Mark Clayton who made similar moves from regulator to private practice.

“In addition to his vast experience with Nevada gaming licensing matters and regulatory requirements, A.G. brings tremendous knowledge relating to the issues that are presently roiling the gaming industry including matters relating to the potential spread of interstate sports betting opportunities and internet gaming developments,” said Hicks. “He will be an invaluable resource for our present clients and for new clients as they enter the industry.”