It has been approximately five months since Jackie Johnson assumed the role of director at the Arizona Department of Gaming, and the seasoned expert in tribal law has fully embraced her new responsibilities.
Formerly a senior associate at Rothstein Donatelli and an associate at Quarles & Brady, Johnson has quickly immersed herself in the complexities of Arizona sports betting and fantasy and fighting sports — all of which are part of the ADG’s regulatory portfolio.
Since taking over for former Director Ted Vogt on Feb. 21, Johnson has overseen a department tasked with regulating the country’s 10th largest wagering market (by betting handle). Johnson has seen her fair share of obstacles, mixed in with an equal share of opportunities.
“I would say the challenges [of this role], for me, coming from a tribal gaming background is learning the other areas the department regulates. Because the industries are very different,” Johnson told BetArizona.com. “… But from my end, one of the challenges that I’ve been embracing is just learning these new industries, like boxing, MMA and horse racing, in how the department regulates those. So that’s been my biggest learning curve.”
Developing a Responsible Gaming Infrastructure in Arizona
Johnson’s journey to the ADG began during her law school years at the University of Michigan. There, she served as the co-chair of the Native American Law Students Association and as associate editor of the Michigan Journal of Race and Law.
Following her education, Johnson ventured westward, gaining experience as a summer associate at the Navajo Housing Authority and at Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker in Window Rock and Washington D.C. She later joined Quarles & Brady in 2008 and Rothstein Donatelli in 2013, where she deepened her knowledge across various tribal-related fields, preparing herself for a transition into gaming regulation.
The experiences also provided her with insights into the advancements made by predecessors like Vogt in tribal gaming and Arizona betting apps, areas Johnson aims to advance further in the future.
“In my four months here, I’ve concentrated on expanding upon the groundwork set by past directors,” Johnson stated. “The department has significant strength and expertise in diverse fields. I’ve prioritized maintaining our strengths while actively seeking ways to enhance and develop further. This includes identifying areas for improvement and exploring opportunities for growth.”
Where Johnson Intends to Guide the ADG
With over $10 billion in wagers and significant tax revenue generated, sports betting in Arizona, including the frequent use of Arizona sportsbook promo codes, has undeniably been a remarkable success, according to Johnson. However, she acknowledges that there are still opportunities for improvement within the state’s wagering and casino markets.
Johnson’s primary focus is ensuring thoroughness in the allocation of the final two professional sports team licenses and the lone tribal wagering license, with applications opening on August 1. If all three licenses are granted, Arizona will achieve its maximum of 20 sports betting licenses for the first time.
“One of my priorities is to conduct a comprehensive review of our regulations across various industries to identify areas where we can enhance clarity and consistency,” Johnson explained. “Through internal assessments, we aim to pinpoint opportunities for improvement. Gathering feedback from stakeholders is crucial, especially given that event wagering has been operational in Arizona for less than two years, prompting ongoing feedback and adjustments.”