NJ gaming figurehead retires; illustrious award beckons

Article by : Charles Perrin Mar 6, 2024

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David Rebuck has prompted a management reshuffle at the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) in the wake of his retirement.

Having worked for the state for 36 years, Rebuck, 71, has decided to step down after becoming the agency’s longest-serving director following a 13-year stint in the position.

Rebuck was a major figurehead on the New Jersey iGaming scene, and among his list of accomplishments, include:

• Legalizing NJ online casinos in 2013, the first state to launch such activities.
• Bringing sports betting to the fore in 2018.
• Promoting DGE’s Responsible Gaming Initiative in 2023.
• Implementing enhanced advertising measures for the NJ online casino and sports betting industries.

In a news release issued by the Office of the Attorney General, Rebuck lauded the DGE team.

He said: “I have always said the achievements at DGE have not been the result of any one person.

“I have been privileged and grateful to work with an amazing team at DGE and to serve under two governors and eight attorney generals.”

Meanwhile, Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University School of Business, was quick to recognize Rebuck’s achievements.

She said: “Director Rebuck is a man of great character who has ably led the DGE through important milestones in the past 13 years.

“His integrity and investment in innovation contributed to the successful launch of internet gaming and sports betting in the state.

“Rebuck has always been generous with his time and expertise serving on numerous panels and public forums and sharing his knowledge with other gaming jurisdictions as they look to New Jersey for the highest standards in gaming regulation.”

To mark his contributions at DGE and his career, Rebuck will pick up a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual East Coasting Gaming Congress (ECGC) on April 18 at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. In doing so, he will be just the fifth person to receive such a prize.

Deputy director Mary Jo Flaherty, who began her career with DGE in 1979, has now assumed the role of interim director.

Among her list of extensive duties will include casino licensing, financial analysis and reporting, and ethics compliance.

Under Rebuck, NJ’s online casino revenues have continued to soar, and in January, digital operators hauled in $183.3 million, representing a 1.65% monthly and almost 20% yearly increase.

Given Rebuck’s success, whoever succeeds him permanently has big shoes.