Ronnie Jones Joins PENN Entertainment's Compliance Squad
Ronnie Jones, a seasoned gaming regulator with over 45 years of experience, has joined PENN Entertainment's Compliance Committee. His appointment is expected to strengthen the company's regulatory compliance leadership and support its digital growth strategy[1][2][3].
Jones, who previously served as the Chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) from 2013 to 2020, brings a wealth of knowledge in regulatory compliance, risk management, and sports betting legalization[1][2][3]. This expertise aligns closely with PENN's omni-channel growth ambitions.
As an independent, non-director member of the Committee, Jones will play a pivotal role in steering PENN's online casino initiatives toward sustainable, compliant growth in North America[1][2]. His appointment may influence PENN's direction in the online casino industry, particularly in managing complex, evolving gaming regulations across its 28 jurisdictions in North America[1][2].
One of Jones' key responsibilities will be to strengthen Penn’s regulatory compliance leadership, ensuring adherence to complex, evolving gaming regulations[1][2]. This will help enhance trust with regulators and consumers, as Penn expands its iCasino and sports betting operations[3].
Jones' prior role in legalization groundwork, notably his influence in Louisiana’s sports betting legalization in 2022, will aid Penn in navigating regulatory complexities as it expands into new and existing regulated markets[1][2][3]. His expertise may also shape PENN's compliance strategy for real money online casinos, which the company offers in multiple states[1][3].
In addition, Jones can support responsible gaming frameworks and risk management within PENN's online casinos[1]. His extensive background in law enforcement with more than 30 years in the Louisiana State Police, coupled with his 2017 North American Regulator of the Year award from the International Masters of Gaming Law, further bolsters his qualifications[1][4].
Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez are also members of the Compliance Committee, alongside Thomas N. Auriemma, who chairs the Committee as an independent non-director[1]. Jones' addition signals PENN’s long-term commitment to compliance as a competitive advantage in a rapidly expanding gaming market[3].
PENN Entertainment owns major properties and digital brands, including Hollywood Casino, L'Auberge, ESPN BET, theScore BET, and proprietary iCasino operations[1]. With Jones' guidance, the company aims to maintain integrity and operational discipline while pursuing aggressive online casino growth and technological innovation in a highly regulated environment[3].
The board approved Jones' appointment on August 4, 2025[2]. His oversight of regulatory operations over 15 riverboat casinos, land-based casinos, racetrack slot venues, and over 2,000 licensed video poker establishments in Louisiana is a testament to his comprehensive understanding of the gaming industry[2].
[1] https://www.pennentertainment.com/news/ronnie-jones-joins-penn-entertainments-compliance-committee [2] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250804005098/en/Penn-Entertainment-Announces-Appointment-of-Ronnie-Jones-to-Compliance-Committee [3] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/04/2482326/0/en/Penn-Entertainment-Announces-Appointment-of-Ronnie-Jones-to-Compliance-Committee.html [4] https://www.gaminglaw.com/awards/north-american-regulator-of-the-year/
In his role as a member in PENN Entertainment's Compliance Committee, Ronnie Jones will leverage his expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and sports betting legalization to shape PENN's compliance strategy for real money online casinos, helping the company maintain integrity in a highly regulated environment. Jones' knowledge of evolving gaming regulations across North America's 28 jurisdictions may also influence PENN's direction in the online casino industry.
As Jones brings experience from the Louisiana State Police to PENN's online casinos, he can support responsible gaming frameworks and risk management within these digital platforms, further bolstering the company's commitment to compliance and sustainable growth.
