About
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues in regard to gaming. Members of NCLGS chair or are members of committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the proper regulation of the industry.
NCLGS held its organizational meeting in Dallas in 1995, and has been meeting since its first full conference in Denver in 1996.
NCLGS is a proactive participant in educating legislators on gaming issues, in the development of public policy related to state-authorized gaming, and, where consensus exists, in representing the states before Congress and the executive branch of the federal government on states rights issues relating to gaming.
NCLGS is structured to include committees on lotteries; pari-mutuels; casinos; responsible gaming; and state-federal relations focusing on Indian gaming issues, and telephone & internet wagering.
NCLGS meetings provide information on cutting edge gaming issues, such as “sports betting and e-sports” that legislators need to know. NCLGS programs include balanced panel presentations that offer opposing views.
NCLGS is also valuable to local and tribal officials, and as a result, all non-legislative government officials (including Tribal and state/local government officials) are invited to attend at a deeply discounted Government rate.
The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3)
non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation.
NCLGS Leadership
In Memoriam
Past President Representative Kevin Ryan (1952-2025)
Representative Kevin Ryan was a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, serving the 139th District since 1993. His district includes Bozrah and parts of Montville and Norwich. With over three decades in office, Ryan was one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the state. He sat on the Appropriations, Environment, Public Health, and Regulations Review Committees, and previously chaired the Labor and Public Employees Committee for eight years. His legislative priorities centered on public health, education, and children’s welfare, including expanding Medicaid access for minors and supporting medical marijuana use for pediatric patients. Ryan played a key role in preserving Bozrah’s local heritage by opposing a proposed quarry development and has long advocated for school infrastructure improvements. Outside the legislature, he held degrees from Villanova University, the University of New Haven, and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. His community involvement included leadership roles with Rotary, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut, and the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. Ryan’s career reflects a deep commitment to public service and the well-being of Connecticut families.
About the Executive Director
Spectrum Gaming Group is a non-partisan consultancy that specializes in the economics, regulation and policy of legalized gambling worldwide. Spectrum has provided independent research and professional services to public-sector and private-sector clients since 1993, having worked in 45 US states and territories and in 50+ countries on six continents. Employing renowned experts in every facet of the gaming industry, Spectrum serves state, tribal and national governments, casino operators, suppliers, regulators, developers, investors, law firms, and other gaming-related professionals in all sectors of the legalized gambling industry.