Jim Ananich will step down as chair of the Michigan Gaming Control Board on Aug. 1, after about 15 months in the job and before the term he was given in April 2025 was due to expire on Dec. 31, 2028. The board oversees Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting operators, Detroit commercial casinos, pari-mutuel horse racing, casino-style charitable gaming and tribal gaming compact compliance.
Henry Williams, the board’s executive director, confirmed the resignation on July 22. He thanked Ananich for his service and said his leadership, legislative experience and commitment to public accountability had been a tremendous asset to the board.
On July 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Jim Townsend will succeed Ananich as chair, with the appointment beginning Aug. 1 and subject to Senate advice and consent. Whitmer also said Townsend will represent Democrats on the board through Dec. 31, 2028.
Ananich was appointed chair in April 2025, effective April 25, after Linda Forte’s term expired. The board’s appointment announcement described him as president and chief executive officer of the Greater Flint Health Coalition and a lecturer in state and local government at the University of Michigan-Flint.
It also said he had previously served as Michigan Senate Minority Leader, state representative and president of the Flint City Council. The announcement added that he began his career as a high school social studies teacher and has degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
PlayMichigan reported that his tenure coincided with board court action against unlicensed prediction market operators, including temporary restraining orders targeting Kalshi and Polymarket, as well as approval of new multi-state poker offerings for licensed operators such as DraftKings. The report also said Michigan’s gaming market generated more than $340 million in combined gambling revenue in June, while Detroit casinos continued to post steady monthly totals.
