Following the appointment of Chris Hebert as the new Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board by the Governor, Attorney General Liz Murrill has appointed Dawn Himel as his successor.

Himel joined the LADOJ in 2010 and previously served as the Deputy Director of the Gaming Division. She has also served as the Section Chief of Licensing and Compliance for the Gaming Division. Himel earned her Juris Doctor and a bachelor’s degree in Civil Law from the Paul M. Hebert School of Law at Louisiana State University. She is a member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, International Masters of Gaming Law, International Association of Gaming Advisors, North American Gaming Regulators Association, and iGB Executive. She is also the recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Gaming Award for Regulatory Individual Demonstrating Excellence in Gaming Regulatory or Enforcement Environment. 

“Dawn is a great person for this role. While previously serving as the Deputy Director for our Gaming Division, Dawn has earned the respect of her colleagues with her vast knowledge and experience serving Louisiana’s gaming industry. I’m confident in her ability to uphold the mission and values of the Louisiana Department of Justice, and I know she will easily transition into this new role and do a fantastic job,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Attorney General Liz Murrill for entrusting me with the position of Director of Gaming. I have worked in the Gaming Division since leaving private practice in 2010, and I have served at every level within the Division. I have dedicated myself to ensuring that the State’s gaming regulators are properly represented by our office while working to build a cooperative relationship with an industry that is strictly regulated. It is bittersweet as I owe this opportunity to the fact that Chris is leaving, but I know that he will serve the State well as the Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,” said Himel.

The mission of the Gaming Division is to serve Louisiana and its client agencies in a manner that creates a regulatory atmosphere for licensed gaming. The Division represents the state and all agencies and boards with jurisdiction over gaming matters and regulation. It serves as legal counsel to: Louisiana Gaming Control Board (Riverboat, Land-based, Video Poker, Sports Wagering, Fantasy Sports, and Slots at the Track); Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division; Louisiana Lottery Corporation; Louisiana Racing Commission; and the Office of Charitable Gaming, and serves as liaison to the Governor’s Office on Tribal Gaming matters.