Al Williams Elected President of National Council of Legislators from Gaming States

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) elected Georgia State Representative Al Williams as President at its Summer Meeting in San Diego this month. Williams, who had served as NCLGS President-Elect since 2023, is a veteran lawmaker and civil rights leader. His election signals a continuation of NCLGS's commitment to informed and bipartisan discussion on gambling policy in the United States. NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets regularly to discuss gaming issues.

Williams will lead the organization during a period of rapid development in the gaming industry. New technologies such as iGaming and sports betting present increasingly complex challenges for legislators. The organization emphasizes its role as a forum for exchanging ideas and developing responsible gambling policies.

Numbers and facts

Al Williams has over two decades of legislative experience. He was elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 2002. There he served on key committees, including the Rural Development Council and the Special Subcommittee on State Prisons. Williams was also active on committees for economic development and tourism, defense and veteran affairs, game fish and parks, and regulated industries.

Interestingly, in March 2026, Williams surprisingly voted against a bill that would have legalized sports betting in Georgia – despite being a co-sponsor of the HR 450 bill himself. The bill failed with 98 to 63 votes in the House of Representatives. Proponents speculated that Williams opposed the bill because it did not include casino legalization.

In addition to Williams, other high-ranking officials were elected: * West Virginia State Senator Jason Barrett as First Vice President. * Massachusetts State Representative Michael Finn as Second Vice President. * Kansas State Representative Stephanie Sawyer Clayton as Secretary. * Ohio State Senator Bill DeMora as Treasurer.

Steven Geller, Founder and General Counsel of NCLGS, and immediate past President Shawn Fluhart, will serve alongside Williams and his colleagues as officers for the 2026-2027 annual period.

Background

NCLGS was founded over a quarter-century ago. The organization positions itself as a key player in shaping gambling legislation in the US. Its focus is on promoting best practices and transparent decision-making. This includes addressing challenges such as sports betting integrity, iGaming, and illegal gambling, as well as the impact of new technologies.

Al Williams' background as a civil rights leader and Vietnam War veteran shapes his political stance. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March. For his activism, he was jailed 17 times. These experiences certainly inform his work at NCLGS.

“I am deeply honored to serve as President of NCLGS and grateful for the confidence my fellow legislators have placed in me.” – Al Williams, President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States

Williams emphasized that NCLGS is the only organization where lawmakers can come together openly and constructively to examine the fast-changing gaming landscape. He pledged to continue working for integrity and responsibility in gambling policy.

Why it matters for German players

Developments in the US gaming market, such as the election of Al Williams as NCLGS President, have no direct impact on German players. Gaming regulation in Germany follows the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This treaty sets strict rules for online gambling.

For German players, this means they should only play with providers licensed by the Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States (GGL). The GGL whitelist provides a corresponding overview. This license ensures that providers comply with German laws. This includes the deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and a maximum stake of 1 euro per spin on online slot machines.

Another important aspect is the nationwide self-exclusion system LUGAS. It protects players from excessive gambling by preventing simultaneous play at different providers. These measures serve player protection. They are not available in this form, or are far less strict in many other countries, such as the US. Switching to foreign providers without a GGL license can entail legal risks and does not offer comparable protection. It is advisable to always adhere to national regulations to ensure a safe playing environment.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos holding a GGL license, the election of Al Williams as head of the NCLGS changes nothing. GGL-licensed casinos operate within the framework of the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. This is independent of political developments in the US.

German licensees must continue to comply with the strict requirements of the GlüStV 2021. This includes adhering to maximum stake and deposit limits, connection to LUGAS, and various player protection measures. The German market is strongly nationally oriented due to its regulation. Discussions in the US regarding sports betting integrity, iGaming, or illegal gambling are irrelevant for GGL-licensed casinos. The focus here is on strict compliance with German regulations.