Former Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board director joins Saiber

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Kevin Hayes joined Florham Park-based Saiber as a partner in the law firm’s gaming law practice group, bringing with him over 15 years’ experience within the gaming industry, including time as Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board director of gaming operations.

“We are thrilled to have Kevin join our growing team,” said Jeremy Kleiman, chair of Saiber’s gaming law practice group. “Kevin’s practice will be invaluable to Saiber as we continue to strategically grow our practice to meet increasing market demands. His experience in private practice, as well as a regulator, make him a perfect fit for our team.”

Hayes joins Saiber from boutique gaming law firm Doherty Hayes LLC, which is based in Scranton, Pa. He has represented casinos, racetracks, gaming manufacturers, interactive online gaming operators, technology providers, sportsbook operators and video terminal operators in a variety of corporate, regulatory and compliance matters.

Hayes served as the first director of gaming operations for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, where he established and supervised the Bureau of Gaming Operations. As the director, he acted as the agency’s chief compliance officer and was responsible for reviewing and approving gaming floor plans, internal controls and audit protocols of all licensed casinos in Pennsylvania.

Hayes joined the PGCB in 2005, initially as an assistant chief counsel. Two years later, he was appointed head of the PGCB’s opening team and supervised the successful openings of Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack, Presque Isle Downs and Casino, The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Mount Airy Casino Resort, and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

“Saiber has an outstanding track record in the gaming community,” Hayes said. “I look forward to working with such a well-respected group of attorneys and contributing to the firm’s growth and continued success.”