California regulator Schuetz departs for Bermuda

Gaming veteran leaves California Gaming Control Commission to take up the executive director role at the Bermuda Gaming Commission 

Richard Schuetz has left the California gaming regulator to take up the role of executive director at the Bermuda Gaming Commission. [private]

Schuetz joined the California Gaming Control Commission (CGCC) back in September 2011 and has played a central role in the state’s attempts to pass online poker legislation.

Prior to joining the CGCC, Schuetz was president and CEO of the Stratosphere Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, and also held senior roles at the Sands Casino and Stardust Casino.

“All of us at the Commission are thrilled to have Richard join us in helping to introduce casinos to Bermuda,” Bermuda Gaming Commission chairman Alan Dunch said.

“His extensive experience as both a casino operator and as a regulator make him ideally suited to ensure that the Bermuda casino experience operates with a high degree of integrity, and offers an additional world-class tourism amenity for Bermuda,” he added.

Schuetz said it was a “true honour” to be awarded the role and that he was “thrilled” to be helping to “usher in a new chapter” for the country’s tourism and economic development.

Schuetz was a regular on the US egaming conference circuit, and has been a key figure behind California’s on-going fight to legalize and regulate online poker.

In an interview with eGR North America last year, Schuetz said he believed the California market could be worth north of $500m in its first full year of operation.