Missouri Gaming Commission appoints new Executive Director

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has named Mike Leara as its next Executive Director, according to a press release .

Leara will serve as the MGC’s ninth Executive Director, succeeding Peggy Richardson, who retired in June.

Leara becomes Executive Director at a pivotal time as Missouri residents will head to the ballots in November to vote on whether sports betting will be legalized in the state.

A judge recently allowed the sports betting initiative to stay on the state ballots after a lawsuit questioned the legitimacy of petition signatures from St. Louis’ first congressional district.

Leara initially joined the MGC when he was appointed Chairman of the organization in August 2019. Leara has previously served as a state representative for the 96th District from 2009-2017, where he served as a Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees for the Missouri State Employee Retirement System.

The effective date of Leara’s new role will be determined at a later date.

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