The American Gaming Association’s Board of Directors has selected Delaware North Chief Executive Officer Louis “Lou” M. Jacobs to take over as its next chairman, marking a major leadership transition for the industry’s top trade organization. Jacobs, who has spent decades helping guide the family-founded hospitality and entertainment company, will officially assume the two-year AGA chairmanship in January 2026. He will follow Michael Rumbolz, the former Everi chairman and CEO who has held the AGA post since early 2024.

Jacobs, the grandson of Delaware North founder Louis Jacobs and son of current chairman Jeremy Jacobs, has been involved with the company since 1986 and has served as CEO since 2015. He shares the chief executive responsibilities with his brothers, Jerry and Charlie. In his new position at the AGA, Jacobs will also continue contributing as part of the organization’s CEO Roundtable. Jacobs holds both a Bachelor of Arts and an MBA from Harvard University.

“It’s an honor to lead the AGA at such a dynamic time,” said Jacobs according to the official press release. “I look forward to building on AGA’s success and working with CEO Bill Miller and the Board to ensure legal gaming remains a strong economic engine for communities across the country.”

Jacobs’ Industry Background and AGA Priorities

Jacobs’ decades-long experience in gaming, foodservice, and hospitality was central to the board’s decision. Bill Miller, who serves as the AGA’s president and CEO, emphasized that Jacobs’ background gives him a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s complexity. “Lou’s tremendous experience across the gaming and hospitality ecosystem makes him an exceptional choice to be AGA’s next chairman,” Miller said. He added, “His perspective as a long-time industry leader and active board member of the AGA will be instrumental as we continue to champion policies that strengthen and sustain our industry.”

Delaware North, headquartered in Buffalo, New York, operates a diverse portfolio that includes regional casinos and multiple gaming facilities across eight states. The company also runs sports betting through its Betly brand in Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia, while offering iGaming in West Virginia. As CEO, Jacobs oversees all operating subsidiaries, corporate governance functions, financial strategy, and broader organizational planning.

AGA Leadership Transition and Industry Landscape

During Rumbolz’s tenure, the AGA pursued—and achieved—key policy objectives both federally and at the state level. His leadership also bolstered responsible gaming initiatives and expanded efforts to curb illegal gambling. Miller highlighted his predecessor’s contributions: “Mike’s leadership has been invaluable to both me and the AGA. His insight and steady hand have helped guide legal gaming through a period of continued growth and transformation.”

Jacobs is expected to continue advancing these priorities once he steps into the chairmanship. However, he will take over during a moment of notable change. Earlier this week, FanDuel and DraftKings—two of the largest sports betting operators in the U.S.—announced their departure from the AGA. Their resignations stem from plans to pursue sports event contracts in states that do not permit sports wagering, a direction that they said no longer aligns with the association’s views on prediction markets.