International Association of Gaming Regulators Appointes Kevin Mullally as First CEO
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has appointed Kevin Mullally as its first Chief Executive Officer, marking a structural shift in how the global regulator network manages strategy, execution, and international coordination.
The creation of a permanent CEO role signals IAGR’s transition from a primarily conference-led association to a more formalised executive body at a time when cross-border enforcement, market liberalisation, and regulatory technology demands are accelerating.
Professionalisation Amid Regulatory Convergence
IAGR remains member-governed, with strategy set by its Board of Trustees. However, installing a full-time chief executive formalises operational leadership, particularly as regulators face increasing pressure around illegal market activity, AML alignment, digital compliance systems, and integrity monitoring across jurisdictions.
Ben Haden, IAGR President, described the appointment as a unanimous board decision.
For regulators and the operators licensed under them the move reflects growing coordination among authorities as markets expand in Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
Mullally’s Regulatory Track Record
Kevin Mullally brings more than three decades of experience in public-sector gaming regulation and governance advisory.
He previously served as Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Commission during a period of market expansion and regulatory modernisation in the United States. More recently, he led the establishment of a federal regulatory framework as CEO of the United Arab Emirates federal gaming regulatory authority, helping operationalise the UAE’s entry into regulated gaming oversight.
He also founded The Mullally Group, advising governments on regulatory design, compliance systems, and governance structures.
His background suggests IAGR’s next phase will emphasise regulatory architecture, technology standards, and enforcement cooperation rather than solely conference convening.
Operational Mandate: Strategy Execution and Global Coordination
As CEO, Mullally will oversee execution of board-approved strategy, coordination of member services, and international engagement.
For operators and suppliers, greater IAGR institutional capacity may translate into:
- Increased dialogue on illegal market suppression
- Expanded cross-border information sharing
- More consistent integrity and compliance standards
- Growing alignment around emerging technology governance
While IAGR does not set binding rules, its influence lies in shaping regulatory best practice and facilitating cooperation among authorities facing similar market pressures.
Latin America and IAGR2026
IAGR’s evolving structure will be visible at its 2026 annual conference, IAGR2026 in Lima, Peru, a region undergoing rapid regulatory expansion.
As multiple Latin American jurisdictions refine licensing models and enforcement strategies, IAGR’s role as a coordination platform becomes increasingly commercially relevant. Even informal harmonisation can influence certification requirements, supplier market entry, and compliance frameworks across the region.
Why This Appointment Matters
The formalisation of a CEO position reflects a broader industry reality: gaming regulation is no longer domestically siloed. Illegal operators operate across borders. Technology providers serve multiple markets simultaneously. Political scrutiny continues to intensify.
In this environment, regulatory bodies face mounting pressure to coordinate more systematically.
IAGR’s leadership restructure signals a more institutional approach to that alignment, a development that will be closely monitored by compliance teams, suppliers, and emerging-market operators alike.
Source : International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR)
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