GGRAsia – MGM Resorts hires former Nevada governor for Japan push

MGM Resorts hires former Nevada governor for Japan push

Jan 09, 2019 Newsdesk Industry Talk, Latest News, Top of the deck

U.S.-based casino operator MGM Resorts International has hired Brian Sandoval, a former governor of the U.S. state of Nevada, for the post of president of global gaming development. The appointment was announced on Tuesday, only a day after Mr Sandoval officially left his governorship role.

Mr Sandoval (pictured in a file photo) “will drive MGM Resorts’ global expansion efforts, most importantly in Japan,” the firm said in a press release.

MGM Resorts is the parent of casino operator MGM China Holdings Ltd, which controls two properties in Macau, MGM Macau on the peninsula and MGM Cotai, the latter opened in February last year. The firm is also eyeing to grab one of the first licences in Japan’s nascent casino industry.

Mr Sandoval served as governor of Nevada between 2011 and January 7 this year. Nevada – where Las Vegas is located – is the main casino gaming hub in the United States.

“As governor, Mr Sandoval reinstituted the Gaming Policy Committee and was a leading voice in favour of the legalisation of sports gaming,” MGM Resorts noted in its release. The document further noted that prior to that, he was a member – and the youngest chairman in state history – of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Mr Sandoval was also Nevada attorney general and served as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.

As part of his duties at MGM Resorts, Mr Sandoval will also focus on developing MGM Resorts’ position in the sports betting market following the recent legalisation of sports betting in several U.S. states.

MGM Resorts added that company president Bill Hornbuckle would now focus on leading the group’s global casino marketing efforts. Mr Hornbuckle’s “marketing focus will also help drive the company’s overall growth in Macau,” the release stated.

Mr Hornbuckle has served as the president of MGM Resorts since 2012.

MGM Resorts chairman and chief executive Jim Murren said in welcoming Mr Sandoval to his new role: “Few leaders are as widely respected, accomplished and knowledgeable as Brian Sandoval, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him as part of the MGM family.”

Mr Murren added in the prepared statement: “Governor Sandoval brings an unparalleled level of skill, leadership and experience to the company, and we will benefit greatly from his in-depth expertise in gaming, public policy and economic development.”

The release also quoted Mr Sandoval as saying: “As I return to the private sector for the first time in over 20 years, finding the right professional opportunity to best suit my experience as a former legislator, gaming regulator, attorney general, federal judge and governor was important to me… Jim has formed critical relationships in Japan and in sports, and I look forward to building upon this strong foundation.”