[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Laura Wade as the Executive Director of the Gambling Control Board, effective Monday, April 15, 2024.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Wade as Executive Director of the Gambling Control Board,” said Governor Walz. “ Laura brings extensive experience in the charitable gambling industry. Under her leadership, I am confident that Minnesota’s lawful gambling industry will continue to operate with the highest level of integrity while addressing charitable and community needs across the state.”

“Throughout her career, Laura Wade has gained extensive experience with the Gambling Control Board and has contributed greatly to ensuring the integrity of lawful charitable gambling in Minnesota,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “We are excited to appoint Laura as Executive Director of the Gambling Control Board and look forward to working with her to ensure charitable gambling remains successful and helps bridge gaps to meet community needs across the state.”

“I am honored to be appointed as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, ”said Wade. “I look forward to working with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, agency staff, stakeholders, and our legislative partners to support nonprofits’ fundraising efforts and to ensure the integrity of charitable gambling through effective regulation.”

About Laura Wade
Laura is an Executive Budget Officer for Economic Development with Minnesota Management and Budget, a role she has been in since March 2023. Prior to joining MMB, Laura was with the Gambling Control Board for 11 years, holding various roles including Lawful Gambling Regulator, Executive Assistant, and Business Manager. From September 2021 to August 2022, Laura served as Interim Executive Director of the Gambling Control Board. Before joining the Gambling Control Board, Laura worked as a Surveillance Specialist with Mystic Lake Casino. She holds a M.P.A. from Hamline University and a B.A. from Augsburg University.

About the Gambling Control Board
The Gambling Control Board regulates the lawful gambling industry to ensure the integrity of operations and provide for the lawful use of net profits. The board licenses organizations, distributors, and manufacturers of gambling equipment; registers gambling equipment; collects license fees and inspects records; and conducts hearings.

More information about Gambling Control Board can be found at https://mn.gov/gcb/.