MGCB’s Jasmine Moreland Inducted into Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class

The recognition of young talent in the gambling industry has found a new standard-bearer. Jasmine Moreland, Director of External Affairs and Responsible Gaming at the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), has been officially named to the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) 40 Under 40 Class of 2027. This prestigious selection is conducted annually by The Innovation Group in partnership with Global Gaming Business and iGaming Business to honor professionals under the age of 40 who are already making a measurable impact on the sector. The official celebration took place on September 30, 2026, at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, following the announcement of the list on September 16.

Moreland has made a name for herself through her forward-thinking work in Michigan. Since joining the agency in 2020, she has not only managed communications but also served as a vital link to Michigan's 12 sovereign tribal nations and the legislature in Lansing. Her nomination by MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams was an acknowledgment of her ability to navigate regulatory hurdles while prioritizing consumer protection. In an industry often criticized for its risks, Moreland focuses on education before problems arise.

Numbers and facts

Jasmine Moreland stood out among hundreds of nominations from across the industry. A central pillar of her success is the "Don't Regret the Bet" campaign, which even won an Emmy Award. In addition to this initiative, she launched the youth-focused "Don't Bet on Your Future" program and the Gambling Awareness Program (GAP). Another milestone of her tenure is the partnership with Gamban. Through this collaboration, Michigan residents receive free access to software that blocks gambling content on digital devices.

Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, praised her commitment in the highest terms:

"Jasmine is exactly the kind of leader this recognition was designed for. She has been the MGCB’s voice at the Michigan Legislature in Lansing, a trusted partner to Michigan’s 12 sovereign tribal nations, and the driving force behind responsible gaming campaigns that reach people before gambling becomes a problem." - Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board

Background

Before joining the MGCB, Moreland served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Her academic background includes a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. This political experience helped her defend the agency's regulatory authority against legislation for so-called redemption gaming. Particularly important was her work on updating the statutory definition of slot machines to close loopholes previously exploited by illegal operators.

Her work demonstrates that modern regulation goes far beyond simply issuing licenses. It is about creating a safe environment where technology and prevention go hand in hand. The ELG 40 Under 40 Class of 2027 includes experts from operations, regulation, technology, and academia, reflecting the breadth of requirements in today's gambling market.

Why it matters for German players

Moreland's award highlights a global trend that has also been heavily promoted in Germany through the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). In Germany, player protection is the top priority, reflected in the strict whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). German players benefit from similar protection mechanisms to those Moreland established in Michigan. These include the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the stake limit of 1 euro per spin on virtual slot machines.

The German LUGAS system also ensures that players cannot be active with multiple providers at the same time, which strengthens gambling addiction prevention. While Moreland works with software like Gamban in the USA, Germany relies on the central OASIS blocking system. Anyone wanting to play safely in Germany should exclusively use platforms that hold an official GGL license, as only these guarantee the strict German safety standards. Illegal offers from overseas or from the MGA often do not provide this level of protection.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a GGL license, Moreland's honor shows that excellent player protection is recognized internationally as a quality feature and career accelerator. German casinos must continuously adapt their social concepts and prove the effectiveness of their prevention measures. The success of the Michigan campaigns could serve as a model for German marketing strategies, which must increasingly focus on responsibility to reduce regulatory pressure. Those who focus on sustainability and customer protection will secure long-term market share in a highly regulated environment.