David Rebuck has played a pivotal role in shaping the regulated online gambling industry, particularly in the state of New Jersey. Governor Chris Christie nominated him on April 29, 2011, to serve as the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Rebuck’s influential leadership and expertise have been crucial in establishing the Garden State as the regulatory leader in the U.S. Under his guidance, New Jersey became the first state to legalize online gambling and poker in 2013.
As the long-time director of the DGE, Rebuck has been recognized as the ‘Godfather’ of iGaming. Now, it has been announced that Rebuck will receive a lifetime achievement award at the 2024 East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) in Atlantic City next January, recognizing his immense contributions over decades in the online gambling industry.
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A Resume Fitting the ‘Godfather’ of iGaming
David L. Rebuck has exemplified the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and leadership over his decades of public service. Since first joining the New Jersey government in 1988, he has steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, especially in regulatory positions.
Appointed Director of the New Jersey DGE in 2011, the ‘Godfather’ of iGaming brought a wealth of experience from his extensive legal career. He spearheaded a comprehensive review of casino regulations, modernizing frameworks to reflect evolving technologies and markets. His oversight protocols have maintained global gold standards for probity and consumer protection.
Prior to his appointment as DGE’s Director, Mr. Rebuck served as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey for more than two decades, specializing in policy guidance and regulatory reform. In this role, he provided legal advice and assisted in the evaluation of various state agencies. He was also instrumental in developing and implementing corrective actions to improve department operations and accomplishments.
Mr. Rebuck’s career demonstrates a lifelong commitment to public service. He began in higher education, serving as Associate Dean of Student Life at Ursinus College from 1978 through 1986. He then became Assistant to the President of Radford University from 1986 through 1988.
Director David Rebuck’s forward-thinking approach embraced innovation responsibly. He has been proactive in his role, actively working towards introducing new forms of gaming in Atlantic City and generating revenue for the State.
Thanks to Rebuck’s guidance, the Division successfully established regulations for sports betting on October 12, 2012. This saw Governor Christie’s sign a bill that would legalize sports betting in New Jersey, starting with Atlantic City casinos and state racetracks.
His foresight in legalizing sports betting and internet gaming positioned New Jersey as the pioneering jurisdiction. Annual gaming revenues from online casinos and sports betting topped $5.2 billion in 2022, as reported by Fortune, demonstrating the prudence of Mr. Rebuck’s visionary reforms.
In 2013, the International Masters of Gaming Law honored him as Regulator of the Year. This recognition reflects his lifetime achievements and New Jersey’s success under his leadership.
Paving the Way for Regulated Online Gambling
When online gambling began emerging in the late 1990s, Rebuck started examining how this new digital frontier could be regulated responsibly. He advocated modernizing New Jersey’s laws to embrace innovation while maintaining consumer protections. After the federal ban on sports betting was lifted in 2018, Rebuck led discussions on appropriate rules for online platforms.
Under his guidance, the DGE established comprehensive protocols for licensing and monitoring online operators. This included rigorous vetting of companies, geolocation checks, age and identity verification for players, and around-the-clock oversight of all iGaming activities. Rebuck’s model set the gold standard that still inspires regulatory best practices worldwide.
New Jersey Thrives as the Global Leader
New Jersey saw immense success after launching online casino gaming in 2013 and sports betting in 2018. Rebuck’s vision helped the state rapidly become the largest regulated iGaming market, with New Jersey online casinos generating over $150 million in gaming revenue for June alone. Sports betting has also shattered records, with over $590 million of sports wagers made in the same month, according to AP News.
The financial prosperity is a testament to Rebuck’s responsive and adaptive regulatory approach. His leadership ensured public safety while embracing new technologies. Peers recognize New Jersey as the global benchmark under Rebuck’s guidance over four decades. The state’s framework is looked at worldwide as the gold standard for regulated and responsible internet gambling.
Honoring a Lifetime of Achievement
Affectionately known as the ‘Godfather’ of online gambling in the U.S. for his pioneering work in New Jersey, David Rebuck has been at the helm of DGE since 2011. His twelve-year tenure as New Jersey’s head gaming regulator demonstrates his vast expertise is irreplaceable, especially when it comes to attracting high-quality operators for New Jersey online casinos.
For context, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has been through six different directors since 2011, highlighting a higher turnover rate. Meanwhile, PA’s regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has seen six directors in its two-decade history, with four assuming the position since 2011.
On January 24, 2024, Rebuck will add another line to his impressive resume: a Lifetime Achievement award at the ECGC. He will join an elite group of just five leaders to receive the prestigious award.
The award is ECGC’s highest honor, reserved for those who have made immense contributions to the industry over many decades. Past recipients include Timothy J. Wilmott, the former CEO of Penn Entertainment.
Under his watch, the state has flourished into the most successful regulated market and proven model for other jurisdictions. As Rebuck receives this well-deserved recognition, it celebrates not only his career, but New Jersey’s leadership as the benchmark for responsible and prosperous iGaming regulation.
A Legacy of Excellence
David Rebuck’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the ECGC stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the online gambling industry. His pioneering spirit, unwavering commitment to innovation, and dedication to responsible gaming have transformed the industry, leaving an indelible mark on its evolution. As the online gambling landscape continues to expand and evolve, Rebuck’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
Summing Up
David Rebuck, a pioneer in the online gambling industry, has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the East Coast Gaming Congress. Rebuck is widely respected for his contributions to the growth and development of online gambling, and his award is a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.
