Indiana’s gaming industry, a significant contributor to the state’s economy, is set to undergo leadership changes. On September 20, 2023, Greg Small, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC), announced his decision to step down after three years in the role. The announcement was made public by Governor Eric Holcomb, who praised Small’s invaluable contributions to the IGC and highlighted the smooth transition to Dennis Mullen, the agency’s general counsel, who will serve as interim executive director until a permanent replacement is found.
Small’s resignation marks the end of a pivotal era for the IGC, but it also opens up an opportunity to reflect on the commission’s evolving role in Indiana’s gaming landscape and the future of gaming regulation under new leadership.
Greg Small’s Legacy at the Indiana Gaming Commission
Greg Small’s tenure as executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission can be characterized by a period of regulatory stability and strategic advancements in Indiana’s gaming sector. Small joined the IGC in August 2015, initially serving as general counsel. His rise to executive director in September 2021 followed years of consistent leadership in the legal and regulatory domains.
During his time as executive director, Small played a key role in guiding the state’s gaming industry through new developments, including the introduction of competitive licensing, most notably overseeing the approval for Indiana’s 13th casino. This was the first competitive casino license granted in over a decade and led to the opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort, a major milestone for the state.
Small’s leadership not only paved the way for new opportunities in the gaming sector but also ensured that the IGC operated efficiently and effectively amid the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving gaming industry. As more states move to modernize their gaming regulations, Indiana, under Small’s guidance, became a model for effective regulatory governance.
His contributions to Indiana’s gaming industry are underscored by Governor Eric Holcomb’s remarks, where the governor highlighted Small’s expertise and extensive knowledge as central to the commission’s success during his time in office.
Indiana Gaming Commission: A Pivotal Role in Indiana’s Economy
The Indiana Gaming Commission plays a central role in regulating and overseeing the state’s gaming industry. As an agency tasked with ensuring the integrity of gaming activities, the IGC is critical not only in terms of regulatory oversight but also as a contributor to the state’s broader economic well-being. Indiana’s gaming industry generates significant revenue, contributing to public funding for infrastructure, education, and other state priorities.
As executive director, Small was responsible for ensuring that casinos, sports betting operations, and other gaming activities adhered to state and federal regulations. His ability to balance economic development with rigorous oversight is one of the hallmarks of his tenure. The introduction of Terre Haute Casino Resort stands as one of the most tangible achievements during Small’s time at the helm. This casino is not only a new venue for entertainment but also a potential driver of local economic growth and employment.
The gaming industry is a rapidly evolving landscape, especially with the expansion of online sports betting and technological advancements that are reshaping how people engage with gaming. Small’s leadership ensured that Indiana remained ahead of the curve in regulatory matters, ensuring both player protection and market growth.
Dennis Mullen Takes Over as Interim Executive Director
With Greg Small stepping down, Dennis Mullen, general counsel of the IGC, has been appointed as interim executive director. Mullen’s temporary appointment signals continuity within the commission, given his extensive experience in gaming law and regulatory affairs.
Mullen, who has served as general counsel for the IGC, brings a wealth of legal expertise to the interim role. His experience will ensure that the agency remains stable during the transition period. While the search for a permanent executive director is ongoing, Mullen’s steady hand will provide reassurance to stakeholders, including casino operators, legislators, and the public.
Governor Holcomb expressed confidence in Mullen’s abilities to guide the agency through this interim period, stating, “The agency will be left in good hands with Dennis at the helm.” Mullen’s tenure as interim director will likely focus on maintaining the commission’s day-to-day operations while keeping the regulatory landscape on course. His leadership will also be critical as the IGC seeks to find a permanent replacement for Small, one who can continue to navigate the complexities of the gaming sector.
The Future of Indiana’s Gaming Industry
The departure of Greg Small from the IGC comes at a crucial time for the gaming industry, not just in Indiana but across the United States. As more states explore expanded gaming options, including online casinos and mobile sports betting, Indiana’s regulatory framework will continue to evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.
For Indiana, the next executive director will have to balance innovation with regulation, ensuring that new gaming technologies and platforms operate within a legal framework that prioritizes consumer protection. The next leader of the IGC will also be tasked with ensuring that the state’s gaming industry continues to contribute to Indiana’s economic growth while maintaining transparency and fairness.
The selection process for a permanent executive director will likely focus on finding someone with a strong understanding of the complexities of gaming law, as well as an ability to navigate the political and economic forces that influence gaming regulation.
Greg Small’s Next Chapter: Fliff and Beyond
As Greg Small moves on from the IGC, his next venture will take him into the private sector. He announced via LinkedIn that he has accepted a role with Fliff, a company that blends social gaming with sports prediction, where he will serve as head of legal and government affairs.
Fliff represents an innovative approach to gaming, combining elements of social gaming with the excitement of sports wagering in a legal and compliant manner. Small’s expertise in gaming regulation will be a tremendous asset to Fliff as it navigates the complexities of the legal landscape for social gaming platforms. In his new role, Small will likely focus on expanding Fliff’s reach while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, much as he did during his time with the IGC.
This move marks a new chapter in Small’s career and represents a growing trend of former regulators transitioning to leadership roles within the private gaming industry. With his deep knowledge of gaming law and regulatory frameworks, Small is well-positioned to make a significant impact at Fliff, helping to shape the future of social gaming in the U.S.
A Legacy of Stability and Growth
As Greg Small departs from his role at the Indiana Gaming Commission, he leaves behind a legacy marked by regulatory stability, economic growth, and a forward-thinking approach to gaming governance. His tenure saw Indiana’s gaming industry expand, with new casinos and betting opportunities that promise long-term benefits for the state’s economy.
With Dennis Mullen stepping in as interim executive director, the IGC is in capable hands as it searches for Small’s permanent successor. The future of Indiana’s gaming industry is bright, and with continued leadership focused on innovation and regulation, the state is well-positioned to remain a leader in the U.S. gaming market.