European Gaming Lawyer magazine Autumn 2016 | Page 20

following comment, “I would encourage
people to learn everything they can about
whatever business they are in, to take
advantage of any training that is offered so
that they are prepared when opportunities
present themselves.”
Discussing his many achievements and
which is most meaningful to him as a
regulator, Director Godfrey states, “I hope
I have achieved a respect among industry
professionals and they know me as a man
of my word. I feel I have contributed a
common sense approach and as much as
our statutes allow it, an environment that
allows our operators to be operators and not
worry about our agency micro managing
them.” Certainly, he has achieved this high
level of respect among industry greats. His
peers in gaming around the state praise
his achievements in his regulatory style.
He further states, “I have met some of the
most interesting people in the world and
have developed friendships with industry
professionals, and the challenge for me is
always keep it on a professional level and
remind staff that we have our job and they
have theirs.”
Professor Ronald Rychlak of the
University of Mississippi law school states,
“Allen Godfrey’s clear vision and firm
leadership have assured operators and
consumers of safety, security, and fair
treatment. He has ensured the integrity of
the industry, maintained public confidence,
and promoted economic development in
the state.” A past member of the Mississippi

20 | European Gaming Lawyer | Autumn Issue | 2016

Commission, Leonard Blackwell II,
states, “Allen Godfrey has been a steady
influence to insure the continued tradition
of good gaming regulation in Mississippi.
Through Allen’s knowledge and experience,
he has guided the gaming industry in
times of economic downturn and during
the resurgence of development we are
now experiencing. I know of no better
example of honest and able excellence in
gaming regulation than Allen Godfrey.”
An attorney who works in the gaming
industry in Mississippi, Scott Andress,
states of Chairman Godfrey, “I’ve had the
pleasure of interacting with Allen Godfrey
over the course of my entire legal career.
At the Mississippi Gaming Commission
and previously at the Department of
Revenue, Allen has consistently conducted
his various roles with an overriding sense
of fairness, while never losing sight of the
big picture. As MGC Executive Director,
he has led the agency under successive
Commissioners and sea changes at the
Legislature, and also guided the industry
across dynamic and sometimes turbulent
periods. The consummate family man
and public servant, Allen is an admirable
example not only for those tasked with
regulating gaming, but for all of us.”
Finally, a prior Regulator of the Year
in Mississippi, Larry Gregory, now
Executive Director of the Mississippi
Gaming and Hospitality Association, states
emphatically, “His work speaks volumes of
the kind of man he is - efficient, organized,

and result-orientated. The resiliency of
the Mississippi gaming market has been
buoyed by Mr. Godfrey. Much is owed to
the achievements and contributions that
Mr. Godfrey has made to the industry. He
is fair, thoughtful, and upright, traits that
cannot be fabricated or easily swayed.”
These praises of Director Godfrey’s
regulatory style and integrity certainly
reflect his notable achievements in the
industry and insure his place of honor as
an IMGL Regulator of the Year.