David L. Redbuck is heading into retirement after 13 very influential years as the Director of New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). Though he’s hardly a household name, Redbuck was a driving force behind the legal earthquake that allowed New Jersey to emerge as a major force in the contemporary US gaming industry.
Redbuck started as interim Director at the DGE back in April, 2011 and was officially confirmed in the role in January, 2012. His tenure at the DGE coincided with a major overhaul of New Jersey’s Casino Control Act which gave the Director a set of new, and greatly expanded, powers. Redbuck took full advantage of those powers to completely reshape New Jersey’s role in the gambling world.
His first big victory came in 2013 when New Jersey launched its very successful online gambling initiative. His biggest victory, however, came in 2018 when the state successfully overturned the The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA), and made regulated sports betting an option for US States. Redbuck was also responsible for extensive improvements to security at New Jersey’s land-based casinos.
NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin praised Redbuck’s tenure at the DGE in a recent press release saying, “Throughout his career, David Rebuck has exemplified professionalism, innovation, and leadership as the gaming industry transformed, first with the legalization of Internet gaming in 2013 and then with the new era of sports gaming in 2018. “His extensive knowledge of the gaming and casino industry has made New Jersey a recognized regulatory leader and pacesetter in the United States.”
Redbuck will be replaced on an interim basis by Deputy Director Mary Jo Flaherty until a permanent director is appointed.