Ohio Casino Control Executive Director Matt Schuler to Retire

Matt Schuler, the first executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, will retire at the end of the month after nearly 15 years leading the agency. Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Andromeda Morrison will serve as interim executive director beginning June 1.

Schuler helped build the commission after it was created in 2011 and led the agency since it began operating. He became eligible for retirement earlier this year and told colleagues he decided the time was right to hand leadership to the existing team. Before joining the commission, Schuler worked in the Ohio Senate as a legislative aide, clerk and chief of staff.

At his final commission meeting in Columbus, Schuler said he wanted “fresh eyes and a fresh voice at the helm” while the agency’s staff take on expanded responsibilities. He praised the commission’s staff as a major reason for staying in the role as long as he did.

Schuler said he does not plan to take a job in the gaming industry after leaving state service. He told attendees he plans to take a break and spend more time with his parents and family.

During his tenure the commission increased transparency in oversight of Ohio gaming, including the launch of legal sports betting at the end of 2022. Schuler delivered regular executive director reports during the sports betting rollout, often about every two weeks, to provide factual updates on progress and to note where operators met expectations or fell short. He said those reports ensured equal access to information and sometimes prompted operators to address compliance or readiness issues before the market opened.

Schuler cited the commission’s code of conduct and a clear regulatory approach as foundations of the agency’s work. He described a firm separation between regulator and operator and said the commission enforces statutes rather than making policy: “We’re not policymakers; we enforce what those decision makers put in the law.”

Asked whether the upcoming gubernatorial election influenced his decision, Schuler said it did not and noted the commission has worked with officials from both parties. He advised future leaders to follow the law closely and to communicate consistently while carrying out statutory duties.

On June 1 Schuler said he expects a simple start to retirement: he plans to wake up, have a cup of coffee and focus on life outside the job. He also said he will remain a supporter of the agency and its staff from the outside.

The commission has not announced a timeline for selecting a permanent executive director.