Williams a Surprising Choice to Head NCLGS
Mike Goodpaster Published 30/07/2026
Georgia Rep. Al Williams has been elected as the new president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS). On the surface, that might not seem to be a shocking development. After all, Williams has been serving in the role of president-elect of the NCLGS since 2023. In that regard, he certainly appeared to be the heir apparent to be next in line to the throne, so to speak.
However, it was also Williams who helped to deal a death blow to the most recent bid to legalize sports betting in Georgia. That's why some are surprised he's the new NCLGS president.
Williams says his rejection of the Georgia sports betting bill was a political decision
In March, Williams spoke out against House Resolution 450, which would have legalized sports betting in Georgia if the bill had passed. While still an advocate for the legalization of sports betting in the Peach State, Williams felt that this bill wasn't the right bill for the state.
He urged his fellow Democrats to vote against the bill. Williams saw it as problematic that Democrats weren't getting any say in the spending of revenue from sports betting.
“This is in need of bipartisan support, and to get bipartisan support, you need to let the folks on this side of the aisle have some say on how the money is going to be divided,” Williams told the Georgia Recorder. “The last time I was handed a plate of food and told ‘Eat this,’ I was quite young and didn’t have any choice. Since then, I get to decide what to eat.”
The bill required 120 votes to pass. The final tally was 98-63 against passage.
Georgia Rep is excited to lead the NCLGS
In contrast to that anti-gambling stance, Williams is expressing delight at the chance to help the NCLGS. He wants to build a strong, bipartisan foundation for the future of gambling in America.
“I am deeply honored to serve as President of NCLGS and grateful for the confidence my fellow legislators have placed in me,” Williams said in a statement. “For more than two decades, I’ve worked to ensure that Georgia and states across the country approach gaming with integrity, responsibility, and a clear understanding of how these policies affect our communities. NCLGS is the only organization where lawmakers can come together openly and constructively to examine the fast‑changing gaming landscape.
“Together, we will ensure that NCLGS remains the trusted voice for legislators navigating new technologies, emerging markets, and evolving regulatory challenges.”
Steven Geller is the founder of the NCLGS. He is confident that Williams is the right man for the job,
“Having witnessed the evolution of NCLGS from its inception, I'm excited to support President Williams and our newly elected officers as we continue our mission," Geller said in a statement. "The dynamic landscape of gaming requires adaptive strategies and informed decision-making. I am confident that under Representative Williams' guidance, NCLGS will remain at the forefront of responsible gaming policy development."
Williams is the only NLGCS board member whose state hasn't legalized sports betting
Williams is the lone NLGS board member who isn't from one of the 39 US states with legal sports betting. That's another factor making Williams stand out in the crowd.
Founder Geller is from Florida. Past president Shaun Fluharty hails from West Virginia, as does first vice-president Jason Barrett. Second vice-president Mchaei Finn is from Massachusetts. Secretary Stephanie Sawyer Clayton (Kansas) and treasurer Bill DeMora (Ohio) are also from legal sports betting states.
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