Massachusetts gaming regulators tapped Bruce Band, a veteran gaming official with experience in multiple states, to head up their sports wagering division ahead of the launch of in-person betting later in January.

At a Thursday morning Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting, Executive Director Karen Wells said the commission chose Band because of his lengthy career as a gaming industry professional. It comes as the commission is nearing the first launch date for the nascent industry on Jan. 31.

Band most recently served as the commission’s assistant director of the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau since 2014, working under Director Loretta Lillios. He has over 45 years of experience in gaming, having previously worked at the New Jersey Casino Control Commission for 30 years and at 21st Century Systems, a software company.