As part of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR)’s efforts to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of gaming regulation, MGC Director of Workforce, Supplier and Diversity Development Jill Griffin was recently named a speaker for the association’s 2021 conference in Boston, originally scheduled to be held in September 2020.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been a member of the IAGR for seven years, and this annual conference is a major event for gaming regulators and industry stakeholders. The MGC is thrilled that the IAGR chose Massachusetts to host such an important week in the industry’s calendar, now taking place from September 12, 2021 through September 17, 2021.

Each year, the conference provides a forum for regulators from around the world to exchange ideas and discuss policy issues, along with other international gaming industry representatives, including those from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.  As a result, the IAGR recently sought speakers who are looking to impact and provoke thinking and debate, and to discuss known and emerging trends in the industry, regulatory policy/practice, and research.

Director Griffin is responsible for the monitoring and compliance of workforce and supplier diversity activities of the Commonwealth’s casinos, along with the formation of programs to maximize career and business benefits created through the introduction of casino gaming in Massachusetts. She brings more than 20 years of experience in economic and workforce development to her role at the MGC. Her presentation will focus on strategies for prioritizing equity and inclusion at every stage of casino development.

“The MGC has funded several successful recruitment and workforce training programs focused on providing Massachusetts residents with the information and skills to prepare them for success in this new industry to the Commonwealth,” Jill Griffin said. “This session will describe how the MGC and Massachusetts casinos have prioritized diversity and local hiring during both construction and operations of the casinos.”

The presentation will provide information on the Commonwealth’s requirements for casino licensee diversity hiring goals and related strategy plans, in addition to dealer schools, hospitality and culinary training efforts, and adult basic education programs that have increased the number of individuals across the state with skills to be successful in the expanded gaming industry.

The MGC embraces the opportunity to share experiences with our global counterparts. Collaboration is critical to advancing modern strategies and identifying the most promising policies and practices. We are proud of the Commonwealth’s strong gaming law and hope others benefit from its prudence.

We look forward to welcoming the IAGR in 2021 and showcasing to our fellow gaming regulators from around the world what Massachusetts has to offer.