International Masters of Gaming Law Regulator of the Year , North America 2016
by Sue McNabb
ach autumn , International Masters of
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Gaming Law ( IMGL ) recognizes outstanding regulators based on stringent standards , including preeminence in the regulatory field and their noteworthy contributions to the overall body of regulatory work .
The regulators are selected from various jurisdictions internationally based on a rigorous nomination and review process . The categories are Europe , North America , South and Central America , Australasia , Indian Country , and Evolving Jurisdictions . A regulator is not necessarily chosen from each category in each year . They are selected only if they receive the required nomination and meet the demands of the review procedure .
The specific criteria for the selection process include that the overall body of work as a regulator be exceptional and that the regulator make contributions to the gaming industry as a whole while demonstrating noteworthy achievements in the regulation of the industry . The nominee must also provide a stable regulatory environment in the jurisdiction , be identified as a person of high integrity , and demonstrate service to the community .
Through this annual selection process , IMGL continues its mission of “ advancing gaming law through education ” by selecting regulators who
reflect a similar mission in their management style while serving as role models in the regulatory environment . This year ’ s sole recipient of the award for IMGL Regulator of the Year certainly reflects these characteristics in his professional approach to the task of regulating a challenging gaming market . IMGL is proud to announce the Regulator of the Year , North America : Allen Godfrey , Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission . Director Godfrey joins last year ’ s notable honorees , Mark Ostrowski , Regulator of the Year , North America ; Jenny Williams , Regulator of the Year , Europe ; and Manuel San Roman Benavente , Regulator of the Year , South and Central America .
Regulator of the Year - North America Allen Godfrey , Executive Director Mississippi Gaming Commission Allen Godfrey is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University . Mr . Godfrey began his career in gaming in 1991 as a Tax Auditor with the Mississippi Department of Revenue . During this time , the responsibility of regulating gaming in MS fell under the direction of the Mississippi State Tax Commission , Department of Revenue , which was the regulatory body for casinos in Mississippi prior to the formation of the Mississippi
18 | European Gaming Lawyer | Autumn Issue | 2016