Indiana Senator Jon Ford Leaves the NCLGS and Statehouse Posts As He Prepares to Join the Wabash River Regional Development Authority

The Wabash River Regional Developmental Authority (RDA) reportedly offered Indiana Senator Jon Ford a job.

The lawmaker is leaving his statehouse post and ending his tenure as the National Council of Legislators for Gaming States (NCLGS) President.

He disclosed his next move in September 2023, and his tenure ended on October 13.

Ford’s Latest Appointment

Greg Goode will replace him as Indiana’s 38th district’s next state senator after leaving his Wabash River RDA post. The Developmental Authority passed Ford as Goode’s successor in a ballot on Wednesday, and he will assume his new position on Monday.

Chris Switzer, Vigo County Commissioner, informed WTHI-TV that Senator Ford has set an excellent record as Indianapolis’ leader. He has developed many beneficial relationships in the state and regionally.

The commissioner added that he is eager to see Ford’s performance at the RDA, hoping that he will give them $50 to $75 million in READI grants.

Terre Haute is in Vigo County, one of Indiana’s 38th districts. Churchill Downs Inc. is constructing a $290 million Terre Haute Casino Resort and is planning to launch it in spring.

Hard Rock and Lady Luck were supposed to operate a rocksino in the city before it decided to host a casino. The Indiana Gaming Commission declined Lady Luck’s license renewal application in 2021 and started a bidding process in which Full House Resorts lost the gaming license competition to Churchill Downs that November.

The Senator’s Achievements As the NCLGS President

Ford is the NCLGS Responsible Gaming Committee’s former chairman. This summer, he played a vital role in passing a resolution to create national responsible gambling standards.

They included creating certified national betting helplines, broadening exclusion lists to numerous states, categorizing exclusion programs as permanent or temporary, and forming advertising guidelines for bettors.

Ford stated in July while passing this resolution that it will offer guidance and motivate states to unite in creating a fair law that will aid players battling with problem gambling. Besides, it will promote responsible gambling in all gaming states.

Shawn Fluharty, West Virginia’s State Representative, succeeded Ford as the NCLGS’ President-elect last week. He stated that the country’s gaming operators, regulators, and lawmakers are grateful for Ford’s leadership in his tenure as he maintained a neutral political stand.

Moreover, the Senator focused on creating economic opportunities like jobs in the country through controlled gaming.

Fluharty added that he will maintain a close friendship with Ford and is determined to continue his remarkable progress in NCLGS as its President.

Ford’s Unsuccessful Online Casino Campaign in Indiana

The Senator drafted two iGaming constitutional amendments in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, they didn’t pass the Indiana House’s Committee stage.

Ford didn’t give up and backed another gaming campaign several months ago, saying that State Representative Ethan Manning’s gaming bill’s fiscal note would play a key role in iGaming’s legalization in Indiana.

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