Karl Bennison retired in September 2019 as the Chief of the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s (GCB) Enforcement Division.  Karl began his career with the GCB in 1994 as an Agent enforcing gaming laws and regulations and arbitrating disputes.  After subsequent promotions, he worked in the Enforcement Division’s Special Investigations Unit conducting investigations into illegal gambling and major regulatory violations in addition to holding various supervisory positions.  Karl served for a period as a GCB Senior Research Specialist studying different gaming topics and participated in the writing of legislative draft requests and drafting regulations. 

In September of 2013 he was promoted to Chief, responsible for statewide enforcement of the laws and regulations applicable to the Nevada gaming industry’s gaming operators, employees and patrons, and overseeing the GCB Enforcement Division’s five offices, personnel and operations. 

Karl frequently met with and advised law enforcement and gaming regulators , gaming operators, non-gaming company and sports league/team/governing body representatives from around the world on various gaming related matters.  He has also taught, made numerous presentations and participated on conference panels throughout the US and internationally.

Karl has a BA in Criminal Justice and an MBA, both from the University of Nevada.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.  He also completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education course – Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies. 

Karl has been married to Jessica Bennison for more than 30 years and has a stepson Michael.  He has traveled extensively and has lived and/or worked outside of the United States for approximately nine years in Germany, Italy, Australia and Papua New Guinea.  He also piloted helicopters in military and civilian capacities before joining the GCB.

Karl is a licensed private investigator in Nevada.  He currently serves on IC360’s Advisory and BetMGM’s Compliance Committees, consults on integrity matters in professional sports and is a guest lecturer for the University of Nevada Las Vegas, International Center for Gaming Regulation.