Delaware North CEO Lou Jacobs elected American Gaming Association chairman starting January 2026

• Lou Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North, was elected Chairman of the American Gaming Association (AGA) for a two-year term beginning January 2026.
• Jacobs succeeds Michael Rumbolz and will focus on gaming’s economic impact across the US.
• The AGA faces industry challenges, including member departures linked to sports prediction markets.

New leadership for the AGA

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has chosen Louis “Lou” Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North, as its new chairman, with his term set to begin in January 2026.

Jacobs will succeed the current Chairman, Michael Rumbolz, and lead the industry association for a two-year term. The announcement signals a leadership transition at a time when the AGA navigates evolving regulatory and market dynamics within the US gaming sector.

Jacobs’ industry background

Jacobs, who oversees Delaware North, brings extensive industry experience to the role. The AGA’s board praised his knowledge of the gaming and hospitality ecosystem and his long-standing involvement as an active board member.

“It’s an honor to lead the AGA at such a dynamic time,” said Jacobs. “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.”

Delaware North is a global, family-owned hospitality and entertainment company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1915, it serves over half a billion guests annually across sports venues, airports, parks, resorts, restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

The company employs more than 55,000 people worldwide and generates approximately $3.2 billion in annual revenue. Its gaming operations include managing thousands of video gambling machines, poker rooms, and table games in multiple US states.

AGA’s strategic direction

The American Gaming Association (AGA) functions primarily as a lobbying group advocating for the interests of the US gaming industry. Made up of major casino operators, gaming suppliers, and industry leaders, the AGA influences federal legislation and regulatory policies that impact gambling businesses in the US.

AGA President and CEO Bill Miller praised Jacobs’ vast experience in the sector:

“Lou’s tremendous experience across the gaming and hospitality ecosystem makes him an exceptional choice to be AGA’s next chairman. 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.”

AGA vs prediction markets

The appointment comes as the AGA confronts emerging challenges, notably the departure of major members DraftKings and FanDuel. These companies left following disagreements over the association’s stance on sports prediction markets, a contentious issue due to differing regulatory interpretations regarding their legality under state gambling laws.

Despite these challenges, Jacobs will oversee strategic efforts to promote and protect legal, regulated gaming. The industry supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide with an economic impact of over $329 billion annually. The AGA aims to maintain this economic contribution during a period marked by innovation and regulatory scrutiny.

Looking ahead

With Jacobs’ chairmanship beginning in 2026, attention will focus on how the AGA addresses market changes and supports operators through collaboration with regulators and other stakeholders. His leadership is expected to guide the association’s policy agenda and reinforce the role of legal gaming as a key economic driver in the United States.

This leadership change is significant as it coincides with an industry adapting to new products, legal battles over prediction markets, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The AGA’s ability to navigate these issues will be critical for the association’s effectiveness and cohesion moving forward.

Source: AGA official press release