New Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced the new member and chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Kirk Hendrick, 58, will begin his four-year appointment during the first NGCB meeting in late January.
Hendrick is replacing interim chairwoman Dr. Brittnie Watkins who held the position for a month after chairman J. Brin Gibson resigned in November. Dr. Watkins has two years remaining on the board.
NGCB member Phil Katsaros announced he’s resigning from his position at the end of the month. Look for a replacement to be named soon.
In a statement, Gov. Lombardo said:
“I’m delighted to announce that I’ve selected Kirk Hendrick as a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and designated him as the board’s next chair.
With his sharp business acumen, outstanding legal background, and passion for Nevada gaming, I know that Kirk will excel in this critical leadership role.”
Hendrick is a Las Vegas local. In 1983, he graduated from Chaparral High School in Las Vegas. In 1988 graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (aka UNLV).
Hendrick’s public service with Nevada gaming
Hendrick is no stranger to Nevada gaming.
His career started with a private legal practice in 1991. Hendrick then moved to work with Nevada attorney general Frankie Sue Del Papa.
Hendrick worked in the attorney general’s gaming division. He offered legal counsel to the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) and the NGCB.
He continued in public service as the senior deputy attorney general for the gaming division’s Las Vegas office and then served as the chief deputy for the statewide gaming division.
Hendrick’s position with the NGCB will be to oversee the 400-person agency in charge of regulating and enforcing Nevada’s gaming laws.
The NGCB regulates all aspects of Nevada’s gaming industry, including gaming licenses. The next NGC meeting is on Jan. 26. The next NGCB meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8.
Hendrick’s also served as the legal counsel for the Nevada Athletic Commission before returning to private practice in 2021.
Henricks resume includes legal sports work
When he rejoined the private sector, Hendrik remained in the sports and gaming world. He was counsel at the law firm of Jones Vargas.
Hendrick’s practice worked with gaming and sports law. His two focuses were on legal matters in boxing and mixed martial arts.
His next step was joining Zuffa, LLC, as general counsel. This company does business as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
After working for Zuffa as executive vice president and chief legal officer, Hendrick went out on his own. In 2019, he started Hendrick Sports & Entertainment.
