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.
Al Williams proudly serves the citizens of House District 168 in Georgia. Elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 2002 after a lifetime of civic and political involvement, he was sworn in on January 13, 2003, alongside 51 other freshmen state representatives. Rep. Williams exemplifies the qualities of a devoted family man, dedicated church leader, military veteran, businessman, and a tireless advocate for the hardworking people of Georgia.
In the Georgia House of Representatives, Rep. Williams brings his expertise to a wide range of influential committees. He serves on the Rural Development Council, the Appropriations Subcommittee for Public Safety, the Special Subcommittee on State Prisons, and the House Rules Committee. His involvement also spans the Economic Development and Tourism, Defense and Veteran Affairs, Game Fish and Parks, and Regulated Industries committees. Additionally, he is a member of the Georgia Joint Military Defense Commission. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including his tenure as chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus—the largest Black caucus in America—and his receipt of numerous accolades, such as the prestigious Trumpet Award in 2008.
Rep. Williams’ political journey began early. At just 13 years old, he volunteered as a doorknocker for John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign. This formative experience ignited his passion for civic engagement, leading him to acquire his first NAACP card and become the inaugural Youth Council president for the Liberty County Branch. His leadership continued as vice president of Georgia’s State Youth Council, the first African American national committeeman for the Young Democrats of Georgia, and ultimately the first African American state representative from Liberty County since Reconstruction. He also served as a political advisor and session aide to prominent figures such as Zell Millerand the late Senator Glenn Bryant.
His commitment to civil rights is deeply rooted in personal experience. Rep. Williams participated in the historic 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, he was jailed 17 times for his activism. His dedication to the Democratic Party is reflected in his role as a delegate to eight Democratic National Conventions, including service on the Rules Committee during the DNC in Philadelphia.
Beyond politics, Rep. Williams is an active leader in his community. He serves on the Liberty County Visitors and Tourism Committee, chairs the Liberty County Development Authority, and sits on the board of the Midway Coast Regional Airport Authority. He is vice chairman of Fair Fight Action and a founding board member alongside Stacey Abrams. ANAACP Silver Life Member, he is involved with numerous organizations, including the Liberty County Democratic Committee, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, National Association of State Legislators, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
Born and raised in Liberty County to the late Alexander and Carrie Williams, Rep. Williams was shaped by strong church and community values. He grew up with his twin sister and two other siblings, guided by a father who worked as a laborer and a mother who taught in the Liberty County School System. His grandfather, the late Rev. W. C. Shipman, was the first Black registered voter and NAACP member in Liberty County.
A Vietnam War veteran, Rep. Williams pursued higher education at Saint Leo University and John Marshall School of Law, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Trinity Bible College. Among his most treasured memories is a 2000 visit to the Holy Land with his beloved wife, Olivia. Together, they have celebrated over 40 years of marriage and are proud parents of five sons.
Through his enduring commitment to public service, Rep. Al Williams continues to exemplify principled leadership, advocating for the needs and aspirations of his community while building a legacy of empowerment and progress.
Senator Jason Barrett is a Republican representing West Virginia’s 16th Senate District, which includes Berkeley County. Born on July 16, 1982, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Barrett is a small business owner in the restaurant industry and a graduate of Shepherd University. He lives in Martinsburg with his wife, Summer, and their two children, Berkeley and Vandalia. Barrett began his political career in the West Virginia House of Delegates, serving District 61 from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2022. Originally elected as a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party in December 2020 shortly after winning re-election. Since joining the Senate in December 2022, Barrett has focused on legislation related to tax reform, education funding, public safety, and economic development. He has also sponsored bills addressing gender-related medical treatments and the legalization of fixed-odds horse and dog racing. His committee assignments for the2023–2024sessioninclude Finance, Banking and Insurance, Energy, Government Organization (where he serves as Vice Chair), Pensions, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Barrett’s political trajectory and legislative priorities reflect a conservative approach aligned with West Virginia’s shifting political landscape.
Michael Finn is a lifelong West Springfield resident and currently serving in his 7th term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He represents the 6th Hampden District, which includes the whole City of West Springfield, 3 precincts in Chicopee, and 1 precinct in Agawam and Westfield.
Representative Finn's public service began when he joined the Army National Guard in 1991 where he served for 8 years. Prior the joining the legislature, Representative Finn was a court officer for 15 years with the Trial Court in Springfield. He also served on the West Springfield City Council from 2004 to 2010, where he finished his tenure as Council President. He is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, married to Jennifer (Masi) Finn and has three children - Charlie, Peter and Molly.
This term, Representative Finn was appointed the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. This a significant assignment for Representative Finn as he and the Committee responsibly manage state assets and prioritize improvement projects across the Commonwealth. Representative Finn previously served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities from 2021-2022 and Chair of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change from 2019-2020.
Personal Information
Profession:
Court officer, MA Trial Court
Spouse:
Jennifer Finn
Children:
3
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Career Highlights:
Education & Public Service:
A native of Johnson County, Stephanie Clayton has spent the majority of her life in the area. As a product of the local public school system, she put herself through college at Emporia State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History.
In the legislature, Stephanie is a fierce advocate for government transparency and accountability. She is the Chief Sponsor of legislation that will end the practice of filing anonymous bills, and has led on numerous other transparency initiatives, most notably legislation that allowed for the live-streaming of committee proceedings. The Vice-Chair of the Social Services Budget Committee, Stephanie is a strong supporter of education and is also a passionate promoter of Kansas businesses as a member of the Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee.
Stephanie is a proud leader of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, which was instrumental in shaping the taxation policy that stabilized the Kansas budget.
Nationally, Clayton has been active with Women In Government, and is a member of the National Council of State Legislators Women’s Legislative Network Board, and a member of the NCSL Legislative Effectiveness Committee. Clayton is also a member of WiLL, the Women Legislators Lobby.
Believing that local government plays a more important role in our day-to-day lives than national politics, Stephanie is involved in a number of community and political organizations. She serves on the Board of the West Kansas City Rotary Club, where she is a Paul Harris Fellow.
State Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) is serving his first term in the Ohio Senate after being elected to the General Assembly in November 2022. He represents the 25th Senate District which encompasses areas of Franklin County, including Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, Minerva Park, Upper Arlington, Valleyview, and The Ohio State University, as well as parts of Columbus, Blendon Township, Clinton Township, Franklin Township, Norwich Township, Perry Township, Plain Township, Prairie Township, and Sharon Township.
Senator DeMora's passion for public service began at a young age. He grew up watching his father serve the people of his hometown, Euclid, as a city council member. DeMora took his passion for public service and civic engagement with him to The Ohio State University where he served as President for the Ohio State College Democrats and the Ohio College Democrats before graduating with honors.
DeMora previously served as Executive Director of the Ohio Democratic Party and as Executive Director of the Ohio League of Conservation Voters. He has led numerous statewide and national political campaigns supporting candidates for municipal and statewide and national office, as well as for the Ohio General Assembly. DeMora has also served as Ohio Democratic Party's Convention and Delegate Director, where he has directed the Democratic National Convention's Ohio delegation for the past 8 election cycles. Senator DeMora continues to be a Senior Consultant and Parliamentarian for the Ohio Democratic Party as well as a campaign manager for several statewide and legislative candidates.
With over 20 years of serving his community, both in the State Legislature and on the County Commission, Steve has made significant contributions, focusing on critical areas like job creation, water management, affordable housing, and public safety. His advocacy for these issues has positively impacted Broward County residents.
As Chair of the Building Trade working group, Steve has spearheaded efforts to bring high-paying jobs to Broward County, addressing income inequality and boosting the local economy. He has also been a leader in water management, advocating for measures to combat sea-level rise and prevent flooding. Steve’s commitment to affordable housing and public safety further demonstrates his dedication to the well-being of Broward County residents. Additionally, he has championed arts and culture, advocating for increased funding and contributing to the establishment of a new Cultural Arts facility in his district, enriching our community’s cultural landscape.
Throughout his career, Steve has been a staunch advocate for children, including passing what at the time was the most aggressive Amusement Ride Safety Inspection program to save lives at amusement parks. He also passed the Senator Steven A. Geller Autism Treatment Act, which is the law that requires all Florida Large Group insurers provide coverage for treatment of children with autism.
Born in New York in 1958, Steve has called South Florida home for over half a century. He pursued his B.A. and law degree at Florida State University. Steve resides in Cooper City with his wife, Laurel, and together they have raised two grown children.
Commissioner Steve Geller’s passion for Broward County and his remarkable track record of public service make him a dedicated advocate for our community. As your Broward County Commissioner, he is committed to working tirelessly to improve the lives of Broward County’s residents.
Shawn Fluharty, Esq. Shawn Fluharty serves as the Minority Whip in the West Virginia House of Delegates where he was first elected in 2014. In his legislative capacity, he has championed both sports betting and iGaming through the legislative process as well as responsible gaming initiatives. His combined experience in state government and the private sector gives him a rare, balanced perspective on gaming regulation. His leadership and insights into the evolving iGaming landscape make him a valued voice in shaping thoughtful, future-ready gaming policy and standards. As President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), Shawn oversees a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to sound public policy and proper regulation of the gaming industry. He was named as the Top 25 to Watch in 2024 by Global Gaming Business. Previously, he was a finalist for Policymaker of the Year by the American Gaming Awards. Nationally recognized, Shawn has been a featured speaker at many gaming conferences, including most recently leading global policy discussions at the G7 Brain Economy Summit. He has also been selected as Chair of the Steering Committee of the Better Gambling Forum as part of the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly.
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.
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.
