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Gambling Control Board chair to step down as director reports higher receipts and new communications hire
Summary
Chair Janet Lorenzo announced she is leaving the Minnesota Gambling Control Board for a role with The American Legion. Executive Director Laura Wade reported FY26 gross receipts of $3.014 billion (up 4.72% over FY25), outlined pending charitable gambling legislation, and announced a new Communications Manager.
Janet Lorenzo, chair of the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, announced at the board's March 16 meeting that she is transitioning from the board to assume new responsibilities with The American Legion. The board approved routine agenda items and minutes before Lorenzo's announcement.
Executive Director Laura Wade praised Lorenzo's service and delivered the agency's regular director's report. Wade said gross receipts across all forms of gambling for fiscal year 2026 total $3.014 billion, a 4.72% increase over FY25. She noted January FY26 gross receipts were $441 million, up 16.65% from January FY25$378 million, and described the January figure as the first month with a drop after the e-tab standards change in prior months.
Wade told the board the agency is tracking several legislative proposals affecting charitable gambling: HF3582/SF3948 would raise the exempt prize limit for county agricultural societies from $50,000 to $100,000; HF4090 would increase paddlewheel prizes from $70 to $200 and raise the maximum sale price per ticket from $2 to $5; and HF4273/SF4436 would permit a lessor's employee to play pull-tab games when off duty. She said a House Commerce Finance and Policy hearing on related bills was scheduled for the following day.
Wade also announced the agency has hired a new Communications Manager, Taylor Warnes, who is scheduled to begin March 25. She said the board remains about 6% under budget for the fiscal year and reminded members that proposed rule drafts are posted online and that a PAC meeting is set for Thursday at noon at the Roseville office.
The board adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Gambling Control Board office in Roseville.
