The mission of the Gaming Division is to serve the state and its client agencies in a manner which creates a superior regulatory atmosphere for licensed gaming and which instills public confidence and trust that gaming activities are conducted honestly and free from criminal and corruptive elements. The division represents the state and all agencies and boards with jurisdiction over gaming matters and regulation.

The Gaming Division acts as legal advisor and legal representative to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, its chairman and the Louisiana State Police advising these agencies regarding riverboat gaming, land-based gaming, slots-at-the-track gaming, and video poker, helping ensure enforcement and regulation of an industry that contributes approximately $700 million each year to the state treasury. The division also defends the board, its chairman, and Louisiana State Police in all civil litigation involving gaming and gaming-related issues.

The Gaming Division advises the Louisiana Lottery Corporation on gaming matters including, without limitation, lottery contracts with vendors and lessors, requests for proposals, and invoices. The division represents the Louisiana Racing Commission on matters regarding the regulation of the horse racing industry, pari-mutuel wagering, and off-track wagering, including the prosecution of violations of statutes, rules and regulations governing horse racing. The division advises the Department of Revenue in all areas of charitable gaming regulation, including licensing, enforcement, and rulemaking, and defends the Department of Revenue in civil litigation related to gaming.

Riverboat and racetrack licensees strive towards voluntary goals for the procurement of goods and services from Louisiana firms and women-owned and minority-owned firms. Additionally, licensees pursue voluntary goals towards the employment of Louisiana residents, women and minorities. The Gaming Division is responsible for monitoring these voluntary goals and reporting to the Gaming Control Board on a quarterly basis each licensee’s efforts and results in achieving these goals.

Additionally, the Gaming Division provides legal representation to the Louisiana State Police Indian Gaming Unit in regard to the denial, suspension and revocation of state certifications to work for or do business with Indian casinos. The division advises the Governor’s Office on matters of Indian Gaming and Indian Law and assists in drafting the compacts that control Indian gaming in Louisiana. The Gaming Division also serves as a resource for members of the legislature, local officials, and governmental agencies regarding matters of Indian Gaming, the compacts, and general Indian law.

Director: Dawn Himel

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.

Licensing and Compliance Section

The Licensing and Compliance Section provides legal advice and counsel to both the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Police on all gaming matters. It reviews and processes recommendations made by Louisiana State Police to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board on licensing applications, transfers of ownership, suitability and violations of gaming law. It reviews and advises the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Police on all complex contractual and financial transactions of the riverboat casinos and the official gaming establishment (Harrah’s) requiring board approval and on any amendments to the Casino Operating Contract or the Casino Support Services Contract for Harrah’s. It prepares required documentation and forms for official action by the board.

Adjudication Section

The Adjudication Section represents Louisiana State Police in licensing disputes. The section provides legal representation to State Police in all gaming matters before the Administrative Hearing Office.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line: 1-877-770-7867 or go to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Addictive Disorders website at http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/95/n/115 .