Head of Nevada Gaming Control Board to step down

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

Gaming Control Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli talks to the media after testifying before the Senate Finance Committee during the second day of the 2011 legislative session Tuesday, February 8, 2011 in Carson City.

Associated Press

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012 | 2 p.m.

The chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control board is stepping down at the end of the month.

Mark Lipparelli on Tuesday said he is resigning effective Sept. 28 so that a new chairman has time to prepare before the 2013 Legislature convenes in February. His four-year term was to expire Dec. 31.

Gov. Brian Sandoval praised Lipparelli's service and said his insight of the industry, particularly in the area of online gambling, has been a valuable asset as Nevada sets the groundwork for the next generation of gambling.

The 47-year-old Lipparelli was appointed to the three-person board in 2009 by former Gov. Jim Gibbons.

He is a former executive vice president of Bally Technology and owned a technology development company.

Lipparelli also worked previously at Shuffle Master Inc.