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Washington State Gambling Commission
P.O. Box 42400
Olympia, WA  98504
360-486-3440
360-486-3629 (fax)

The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) is the second oldest gambling regulatory agency in the nation. The Legislature created the WSGC in 1973 after a series of gambling related scandals.

Five citizens are appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate, to act as part-time Commissioners, for a single six-year term. Once appointed, a Commissioner can only be removed for cause by a subcommittee appointed by the Chief of the Supreme Court. This structure ensures the Commission maintains an arm’s length distance from the political structure. 

The Commission appoints a director, who appoints agency staff. Of the 164.4 full-time positions authorized, about 90 are commissioned law enforcement officers, responsible for enforcing the gambling laws.

Janice Niemi - Seattle
Commission Chair

Peggy Ann Bierbaum - Quilcene
Alan Parker - Olympia
Keven Rojecki - Tacoma
John Ellis - Seattle

 


Janice Niemi - SEATTLE

Janice Niemi

Commissioner Niemi served in the Washington State Senate and the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1994. Commissioner Niemi retired as a King County Superior Court Judge in 2000.

 

Chair
 July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2008


Peggy Ann Bierbaum - QUILCENE

Peggy Ann Bierbaum

Commissioner Bierbaum is an Attorney working in a private law practice in Port Townsend.  She was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, moving to Seattle in 1988.

Vice-Chair 
August 25, 2005 through June 30, 2011


Keven Rojecki - TACOMA

Keven Rojecki

Commissioner Rojecki is a 15-year veteran firefighter with the SeaTac Fire Department, and holds the position of legislative liaison with the Washington State Council of Firefighters.

July 15, 2006 through June 30, 2012


John Ellis - SEATTLE

John Ellis

Commissioner Ellis retired from the Attorney General’s Office after 28 years and served as a Deputy Director for the Attorney General. He has practiced in his own law firm since 2001.

February 10, 2005 through June 30, 2013


Alan Parker - OLYMPIA

Alan Parker

Commissioner Parker is an attorney and a member of the faculty of The Evergreen State College, where he serves as the Director of the Northwest Indian Applied Research Institute.

May 15, 2000 through June 30, 2009