The Nevada Gaming Commission heaped praise on outgoing Gaming Control Board Chair Kirk Hendrick, who will oversee his last meeting June 11 ahead of stepping down from his role.
Hendrick appeared before the Commission last week to detail what’s ahead on the Board’s June schedule, including a potential horse racing disciplinary matter. In April, the Commission fined a Utah trainer $5,000 and revoked his license due to his horse testing positive for cocaine after winning a race last summer at the Elko County Fairgrounds. The Commission meets on June 26.
Hendrick’s post will be taken over by Mike Dreitzer, tabbed by Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo to do so after the Nevada legislative session ends next month. Dreitzer is stepping down from his post as CEO of Gaming Arts, a gaming-equipment supplier.
“The Gaming Control Board has a lengthy meeting next month, which I think is a good thing,” Hendrick said. “It means applicants are coming to the Gaming Control Board and it’s processing the applications.”
Hendrick thanked the Commission and said that it’s been an honor to serve the state with them. He has served in the role since January 2023.
“I’ve got one month left and in the words of Gov. Lombardo, I’m going to get a lot of stuff done in the next month,” Hendrick said.
Commissioner Chair Jennifer Togliatti called Hendrick a “consummate public servant — respectful, thoughtful, crazy bright, and hard working. I have been time and again so impressed with what you’ve been able to do in the time that you’ve been here, with the problems you inherited and budgetary nightmare. Your team is remarkable. We talk about the quality of these reports on a regular basis, but it can’t be overstated that the work your people and you do is exceptional.”
Hendrick credits the staff for making everyone look good. It takes them months if not years to work on these issues.
Commissioner Abbi Silver thanked Hendrick for his service to the state and called him “an amazing leader.” She cited his institutional knowledge as incredible and that she is in awe watching him during Board meetings. “It will be very hard for anyone to fill your shoes.”
Commissioner George Markantonis said he can’t wait to hear about Hendrick’s next adventure. He previously served in executive positions with UFC.
“That will be a very bad golf score,” Hendrick joked.
Commission Rosa Solis-Rainey said she’s known Hendrick since college and that she’s proud of what he’s done and is honored to have served with him.
