|
NCLGS was established to provide a nonpartisan, public‑sector forum where legislators could access balanced information, hear diverse viewpoints, and develop sound, responsible gaming policy. The first official NCLGS meeting was held in the summer of 1996 in Colorado. Since its inception, NCLGS has remained committed to neither promoting nor opposing gaming, but instead ensuring that states have the tools, research, and best practices needed to regulate effectively.
“NCLGS was created to ensure that legislators have a trusted, balanced forum to understand the complexities of gaming policy,” said Steve Geller, who founded the organization when he was a Florida state representative and later became a state senator. “Thirty years later, that mission is more important than ever.”
A Unique, Public‑Sector Mission
For 30 years, NCLGS has served as the primary national gathering where lawmakers can engage directly with regulators, operators, suppliers, attorneys, academics, and other stakeholders. Its semiannual meetings are open to the public and offer a comprehensive platform for discussing all aspects of regulated gaming, as well as the risks and implications of unregulated markets. This cross‑sector participation ensures that policymakers have access to the full spectrum of perspectives needed to craft effective gaming laws and regulations.
“NCLGS continues to lead with integrity and purpose,” said Juliann Barreto, COO of Spectrum Gaming Group, which is the Executive Director of NCLGS. “We’re proud to support legislators as they shape responsible, forward‑looking gaming policy for jurisdictions nationwide.”
Three Decades of Impact
Over the past 30 years, NCLGS has played a central role in helping states navigate the rapid evolution of gaming in the United States. Key accomplishments include:
- Developing influential model legislation, including the widely referenced Bingo and Charitable Gaming bill and Model Internet Gaming Act
- Issuing the Responsible Gaming Resolution, providing legislators guidance on responsible gaming policy
- Creating an Indian Gaming issues checklist to support state‑tribal policy discussions
- Producing the only nationwide all public‑sector study of gambling in US history through the National Public Sector Gaming Study Commission (1999)
- Leading national conversations on sports betting, iGaming, responsible gambling, and regulatory modernization
- Maintaining continuity through economic downturns and the pandemic, with attendance now surpassing pre‑recession levels
Looking Ahead
As gaming continues to expand into new technologies, new markets, and new regulatory frameworks, NCLGS remains committed to its founding purpose: supporting state lawmakers with the information, expertise, and collaboration needed to govern responsibly.
NCLGS will celebrate its 30th anniversary throughout 2026, including at its Summer Meeting, July 8–11 at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Registration is now open, with early-bird discounts available. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for this milestone event.
| 
