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Jim Townsend has been appointed the new chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the agency announced Thursday, filling the vacancy left by Jim Ananich’s resignation just a day earlier.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tapped Townsend, of Royal Oak, to take over the chairmanship effective Aug. 1. He’ll serve a term representing Democrats on the board through Dec. 31, 2028, and hold the chair title at the pleasure of the governor. The appointment still requires confirmation from the Michigan Senate.
Townsend steps into the role immediately after Ananich’s abrupt exit, which PlayMichigan covered Thursday, leaving the board without a permanent chair for barely 24 hours before Whitmer moved to fill the seat.
MGCB praises the pick
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams framed Townsend as a natural fit for the board’s regulatory mission, overseeing Michigan online casinos, sports wagering, poker, and Detroit casino properties.
“Jim Townsend is a proven leader whose legal, legislative, and economic development experience make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board.
“I look forward to working alongside him as the Board carries out its critical mission on behalf of Michigan residents.”
Townsend’s background
Townsend currently directs the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University. His resume includes:
- Represented Michigan’s 26th District in the state House from 2011 to 2017
- Practiced corporate and real estate law at Butzel Long’s Detroit office
- Earned an MBA and Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan
- Graduated cum laude from Wayne State University Law School
He’ll join sitting board members Joni M. Thrower Davis, Mark Evenson, Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds and Andrew T. Palms.
What’s next for the board
Townsend inherits a board that has stayed active on enforcement fronts, including court fights against unlicensed prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket.
He’ll also be in charge of a booming Michigan gambling revenue market that topped $340 million combined in June. The Michigan iGaming industry generated a majority of the revenue, producing $301.2 million last month.
The board’s next public meeting is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at Cadillac Place in Detroit, where Townsend’s first actions as chair will likely draw close attention from operators and regulators alike.
