NJDGE Announces Retirement of Director David Rebuck

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced the retirement of the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), David L. Rebuck, at the end of 13 long years in the position. 

This turns him into the longest-serving director in the division’s history. In total, Rebuck has spent no less than 36 years with the state of New Jersey. 

DGE Deputy Director Mary Jo Flaherty has been appointed as interim director, effective 1 March.

Rebuck Joined the NJDGE in 2011

Governor Chris Christie nominated Rebuck as head of the DGE in 2011. The latter assumed the position of acting director before being sworn in as permanent director in 2012.

Before that, in 2010, he was appointed as senior policy adviser to the New Jersey Governor’s office. From this position, he supported the initiative aimed at reinvigorating Atlantic City.

Before that, in 1998, he joined New Jersey’s Department of Law and Public Safety in the role of deputy attorney general. 

His main requirements were to provide legal advice, help assess the performance of agencies part of the department, and review legislation.

Marking his excellent contributions at DGE, Rebuck will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 27th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress on April 18. This will make him the fifth person in the history of the congress to receive the recognition. 

Platkin praised Rebuck’s “extensive knowledge of the gaming and casino industry” which helped turn New Jersey into a “recognized regulatory leader and pacesetter” in the US. 

“Throughout his career,” added Platkin, “David Rebuck has exemplified professionalism, innovation, and leadership as the gaming industry transformed” by the legalization of online gaming in 2013 and sports gaming in 2018. 

At the same time, Rebuck expressed his gratitude to have worked with “an amazing team at DGE and to serve under two governors and eight attorneys general,” calling the experience a privilege. 

Interim Director Flatherty Is “a Respected and Talented Lawyer”

Attorney General Platkin described the new interim director as “a respected and talented lawyer” who will bring more than four decades of experience “regulating the gaming industry within DGE to the table. 

Platkin also expressed gratitude for “her stepping up to lead the division at this critical time.”

From her new position, she will oversee the regulator as it manages one of North America’s biggest gambling markets with a total gambling revenue of $5.78 billion in 2023, of which $1.92 billion was generated online.