Exclusive: Can Regulation Keep Up With Gaming Innovation? Christopher Schroder on Colorado’s Next Chapter
Gaming regulation in the United States is evolving alongside rapidly changing technology, new products and shifting player expectations. Colorado offers an interesting example of how a jurisdiction can embrace innovation while maintaining strong regulatory oversight and responsible gaming standards.
In this exclusive interview with iGaming News Today, Christopher Schroder, Director of Colorado Division of Gaming and Director of Colorado Division of Racing Events at Colorado Department of Revenue, reflects on his career spanning casino operations, surveillance, investigations, licensing, enforcement and regulation. He discusses Colorado’s gaming transformation, responsible gaming, AI, game integrity, regulatory innovation and the qualities that will shape the future of gaming regulation in the United States.
Q1. You’ve experienced the gaming industry from almost every angle-from casino operations and surveillance to investigations and now regulation. Looking back, what surprised you most when you moved to the regulatory side?
Christopher:
One of the biggest surprises was understanding why regulatory change takes time. As an operator, I often questioned why certain changes couldn’t happen faster because operators can usually adapt very quickly. Becoming a regulator gave me a completely different perspective. Regulatory changes require legal review, stakeholder consultation, and careful consideration to ensure compliance before any change can be implemented.
I was also surprised by how different gaming regulation is across U.S. jurisdictions. While I understood operational differences as an operator, I hadn’t fully appreciated how much regulatory authority, responsibilities, and processes vary from state to state.
Experiencing both sides has helped me appreciate the balance regulators must maintain. Operators naturally want to move quickly, while regulators have the responsibility of protecting players, maintaining integrity, and ensuring every decision is legally sound. Understanding both perspectives has made me a better regulator.
Q2. Colorado’s gaming market has changed dramatically over the past few years, particularly with the rapid growth of sports betting. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned during that period?
Christopher:
Colorado has undergone an incredible transformation, evolving from limited betting stakes into an unlimited gaming market while also embracing sports betting. Having witnessed that evolution as both an operator and a regulator has been a unique experience.
One of the biggest lessons has been that growth must be supported by education and training. As products, technologies, and wagering options expand, operators and regulators alike need to understand new games, integrity risks, and regulatory requirements. Strong training is essential to maintaining public confidence in the industry.
It’s also been rewarding to watch Colorado develop into a destination that combines world-class gaming with excellent hospitality while generating record tax revenues. Seeing that growth happen responsibly, while maintaining the integrity of gaming, has been one of the highlights of my career.
Q3. The industry is constantly introducing new technologies and products. How do you encourage innovation without allowing regulation to fall behind?
Christopher:
I want Colorado to be recognized as a jurisdiction that’s open to innovation. If a new technology or product fits within our regulatory framework, we want operators and suppliers to bring it here first.
Coming from an operational background, I understand how important innovation is for the industry’s future. We want to create an environment where companies feel comfortable testing new ideas while ensuring player protection and game integrity remain our highest priorities.
I’m particularly proud that Colorado has continued to deliver record-breaking growth in both sports betting and land-based gaming while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible gaming. To me, that’s proof that innovation and effective regulation can successfully work together.
Q4. Responsible gaming has become a shared responsibility between regulators, operators, and suppliers. Where do you think the industry has made the biggest progress, and where is there still room for improvement?
Christopher:
One of our earliest priorities was establishing a dedicated Responsible Gaming Manager to ensure players, operators, and stakeholders had a clear point of contact. We’ve also strengthened collaboration across the industry through education, awareness, and ongoing training.
I’m especially proud of Colorado’s grant program, which distributes millions of dollars each year to organizations focused on research, treatment, education, and prevention. It’s a significant investment that demonstrates our long-term commitment to responsible gaming.
Looking ahead, I believe technology offers the greatest opportunity for improvement. We should continue using data and new tools to identify early signs of gambling harm, strengthen self-exclusion programs, and provide timely support before issues become more serious. Responsible gaming should continue evolving alongside technology.
Q5. Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence everything from fraud detection to compliance monitoring. Where do you see AI making the biggest difference for regulators over the next few years?
Christopher:
Given my background in surveillance, I’m particularly excited about AI’s ability to strengthen game integrity. We’re already seeing AI help surveillance teams identify unusual betting patterns, detect possible cheating or collusion, and improve table game monitoring more efficiently than ever before.
Beyond surveillance, AI has tremendous potential in areas such as audits, compliance reviews, financial reconciliation, and operational oversight. These technologies can help regulators work more effectively while allowing investigators to focus on higher-value activities that still require human judgement.
As new AI solutions emerge, I want Colorado to remain open to adopting them wherever they fit within our regulatory framework. Used responsibly, AI can significantly improve both efficiency and the overall integrity of gaming operations.
Q6. You’ve spent much of your career in surveillance, investigations, licensing, and enforcement. What have those experiences taught you about protecting the integrity of gaming?
Christopher:
Working in surveillance was where I truly discovered my passion for the gaming industry. It was the first job where I genuinely looked forward to coming to work every day, and it confirmed that gaming would become my lifelong career.
Those years gave me an incredible understanding of casino operations, player behaviour, investigations, and risk management. Sitting in surveillance rooms and observing every aspect of casino operations taught me lessons that shaped the rest of my career.
I’m grateful for the opportunities the industry has given me-from working in Colorado to achieving a personal goal of working on the Las Vegas Strip. Every role reinforced the importance of protecting the integrity of gaming and ensuring that every player enjoys a fair and safe gaming experience.
Q7. Looking ahead, what do you believe will have the greatest impact on gaming regulation in the United States over the next five years?
Christopher:
I believe open-mindedness will be one of the most important qualities for regulators. The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, and regulators must continue reviewing rules, embracing new technologies, and adapting to changing player expectations.
If regulators become resistant to change, innovation will inevitably slow down. Our responsibility is to provide the appropriate safeguards while allowing the industry to continue evolving responsibly.
I’m fortunate to work alongside a great team at the Colorado Division of Gaming that shares that mindset. Together, we’re committed to maintaining strong regulatory oversight while ensuring Colorado remains a jurisdiction that’s open to innovation and continuous improvement.
Q8. For someone hoping to build a career in gaming regulation, compliance, or investigations, what advice would you give?
Christopher:
The best advice I ever received was to stay open to change and never stop looking for opportunities to grow. Throughout my career, moving into different roles, organizations, and jurisdictions allowed me to gain experience much faster than staying in one position.
Every new opportunity taught me something different and prepared me for the next challenge. I also believe it’s important to keep proving yourself every day, regardless of your title or experience.
Gaming is an industry with incredible career opportunities for people who are willing to work hard, remain curious, and embrace new challenges. If you’re passionate about learning and committed to continuous growth, it’s a career that can take you further than you ever imagined.
About Colorado Department of Revenue
The Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) is a state government agency responsible for administering Colorado’s tax system and overseeing several regulated industries and programs. Its responsibilities include taxation, motor vehicle services, enforcement, and the regulation of gaming activities through the Colorado Division of Gaming.
The Department plays an important role in maintaining regulatory oversight while supporting compliance, integrity and the effective administration of Colorado’s gaming and taxation frameworks.
