Watkins Departs from Gaming Control Board: A New Chapter Ahead After Sisolak’s Appointment

Brittnie Watkins, a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, announced during Wednesday’s meeting that it was her final session with the state agency as her term is coming to an end this month. 

Watkins, an attorney who was appointed to the board in 2021 by former Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak, did not disclose whether she pursued reappointment for a second four-year term. 

An insider familiar with the agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity to address internal issues, indicated that Republican Governor Joe Lombardo had informed Watkins that her reappointment would not occur. Lombardo’s spokesperson, Elizabeth Ray, did not reply to a request for comment.

“The chance to observe the gaming industry from this angle has been completely invaluable,” Watkins expressed at the beginning of the meeting in Las Vegas, extending her gratitude to the industry for its partnership and creativity.

“I depart the board completely satisfied. There is no other role like this,” she remarked.

Prior to her appointment to the board, Watkins practiced complex commercial litigation for five years. She also functioned as the acting chairwoman for the board during the last two months of 2022 after Brin Gibson stepped down as chairman.

Lombardo is set to appoint a replacement. In January 2023, Lombardo designated attorney Kirk Hendrick as chairman and former Judge George Assad as a board member. Both have two years remaining in their respective terms.

The control board operates statewide, employing 400 individuals tasked with regulating and enforcing laws related to Nevada’s predominant industry. The three-member, full-time board makes recommendations regarding licensing and other issues to the five-member, part-time Nevada Gaming Commission.

Hendrick expressed his gratitude to Watkins for her behind-the-scenes contributions, including heading a task force to evaluate the board’s directives “that hadn’t been addressed in years.” 

All three members of the control board are attorneys. Traditionally, the panel includes a representative from the legal field, a law enforcement official, and an individual with financial expertise, such as a certified public accountant.

Watkins hails from Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice. She moved to Las Vegas to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice from UNLV. 

She obtained her Juris Doctor and Master of Laws (LLM) in gaming and regulation from UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, along with a Ph.D. in educational psychology from UNLV.