Attorney Al Hopkins confirmed to 4 more years as MS Gaming Commission chairman
After a flip-flop in Jackson and by casino managers on the Coast, the Senate on Tuesday confirmed Al Hopkins as chairman of the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
Hopkins, a Gulfport attorney, will serve his third four-year term as chairman through Sept. 30, 2025.
Hopkins’ confirmation came after a Twitter storm between Gov. Tate Reeves and Sen. David Blount, D-Hines, the chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee.
Reeves defended his choice of Hopkins and berated Blount for holding up the confirmation and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann for appointing a Democrat to chair the committee.
Blount released comments from casino operators who said they were concerned with Hopkins’ apparent readiness to change the rule that regulates where casino sites can be located on the Coast.
Blount said Friday he didn’t intend to ask for a vote on the confirmation.
He voted against the confirmation Tuesday and eight other senators voted no or present, which means they didn’t vote for or against the appointment.
The tipping point came Monday, after a letter was sent to Reeves, Hosemann and Blount by the organization that represents casinos on the Coast and throughout the state. It was shared by Y’all Politics.
“In light of recent events and after consulting with members of the association the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association believes that the industry should not be involved in the process of appointing regulators due to the message it sends and potential for conflict it creates,” wrote Larry Gregory, executive director.
“The association and its members respect the process and trust the governor’s decision will be in the best interest of the industry and the state,” he wrote.
Hopkins’ confirmation was the only casino legislation to make it to the Senate floor this session. Bills to allow online sports betting, to allow gambling on cruise vessels on the Pearl River and to authorize slot machines in airports all died in committee.
