IGC Executive Director Sara Gonso Tait Will Step Down Next Month

Sara Gonso Tait, the executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) since 2016, is resigning from her position next month.

She has led some significant changes in the state’s gambling industry.

Governor Holcomb is of the belief that her collaboration with the IGC will create enduring impacts on the gaming scene in Indiana.

Serving as the executive director, Sara showcased a strategic vision that greatly benefited the Indiana Gaming Commission, resulting in substantial economic development while upholding utmost integrity. Her innovative leadership has had a positive influence on Indiana, an impact that will persist even after her tenure at the Commission.

The Indiana Gaming Commission assists with sports betting.

Gonso Tait’s tenure at the IGC has seen a significant number of changes.

She had her hands on the wheel when sports betting kicked off in Indiana in 2019.

While legalizing sports betting is one aspect, the actual implementation of it is a completely separate challenge.

Indiana was primarily navigating unexplored territory in its attempt to establish regulations for the state’s industry.

At that point, it had merely been a year since the Supreme Court invalidated the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This repeal eradicated the federal prohibition on sports gambling, thereby allowing states such as Indiana to establish their own sectors.

During Gonso Tait’s tenure, the IGC established sports betting standards that have been recognized nationwide. If you were to create an optimal sports betting market from the ground up, the majority of the commission’s rules and regulations would likely be included in your blueprint.

Since 2019, the successful implementation of sports betting by the commission has resulted in Hoosiers wagering $4 billion on sports.

Sara Gonso Tait’s Enduring Legacy in Indiana

The commission’s efforts to bring multiple riverboat casinos inland were also initiated by Gonso Tait.

This resulted in Caesars Southern Indiana relocating to a new building and the construction of the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

During her tenure with the IGC, Four Winds, the only tribal casino in Indiana, also evolved into a full-fledged casino.

With a sense of accomplishment, Gonso Tait is departing from the commission.

My departure from the Indiana Gaming Commission comes with a sense of accomplishment, having achieved significant goals. I am confident that my tenure has been beneficial for the agency, industry, and the state. My role as the executive director has exceeded my expectations and has been an honor and privilege. I wouldn’t exchange this experience for anything. I am deeply grateful to Governor Holcomb and his office for their unwavering support, trust and the opportunity for growth.

After her last day with the IGC on Sept 10, she will transition into the private sector.

Greg Small faces a baptism of fire.

Greg Small is being appointed as the next executive director of the IGC by Gov. Holcomb.

Small is presently holding the position of General Counsel for the commission.

Before being promoted to the IGC’s top position by then Governor Mike Pence, Gonso Tait held the same role.

As the lead lawyer for the commission, Small has been deeply involved in the IGC’s recent conflicts with Spectacle Entertainment. This experience could prove to be extremely beneficial during what may be a very eventful first year for him in his role as the executive director.

The new anti-corruption rule created by the IGC in response to the Spectacle scandal is now under scrutiny.

Several Indiana legislators are indicating that they might bring up the rule as a major topic in the upcoming General Assembly. A number of individuals involved in the Indiana casino industry are unhappy with the conditions of the new rule, particularly the requirement to disclose their financial details.

Gonso Tait has maintained her stance on the rule up until now. As news breaks of her leaving the commission, it is likely that her position won’t be shifting in the upcoming weeks.

When Small takes over, he will have to make some important decisions.

He has two options: he can adjust the rule, or he can follow Gonso Tait’s example by supporting the IGC’s initial decision.

The rule was just renewed by the commission this morning, implying that it could potentially be the policy going forward.

Issues at Terre Haute Hard Rock Casino

Another significant challenge for Small on the agenda will be the Hard Rock Casino in Terre Haute.

Its sister casino in Gary is already open for business, but construction on the Terre Haute project hasn’t even started yet.

Until recently, Lucy Luck Gaming was the parent company of the casino, until the IGC removed them from the project.

The commission is accepting new applications to manage the casino until Sept. 22. This deadline falls just over a week into Small’s tenure as the Executive Director of the IGC.

Ensuring things start progressing correctly will be a significant priority for Small early on, as the project is significantly behind schedule.

2022 Indiana Online Casinos

Aside from a potential conflict with legislators and issues in Terre Haute, Small may have to handle the next significant development of gambling in Indiana.

Indiana did not succeed in legalizing online casinos this year, but the state plans to attempt again in 2022.

Should the legislation be approved this time, Small will assume a position identical to Gonso Tait’s role in sports betting, but for online casinos. Under Small’s leadership, the task of establishing new rules and regulations for the state's market will fall on the IGC.

Implementing online casinos properly could be a vital aspect of Small’s first year in his role, given the significant revenue and taxes they generate.

Taking everything into account, Indiana’s gambling industry is currently experiencing significant activity.

When Small assumes Sara Gonso Tait’s position in September, he will be extremely busy. His first year as the new executive director of the gaming commission will be packed with challenges as he navigates through the complexities of the role.