Susan Hensel and Joseph Grad launch boutique law firm dedicated to US gaming industry

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Susan Hensel and Joseph Grad, formerly key figures within the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), have joined forces to launch Hensel Grad PC, a boutique law firm providing legal services to the gaming industry.  

At the PGCB, Hensel and Grad’s collaborative work was integral to developing the licensing regulatory structure for Pennsylvania, which is today the second largest commercial gaming market in the US. 

Hensel Grad PC’s reach will, however, expand beyond Pennsylvania in serving clients interested in entering or thriving in the rapidly expanding US gaming industry.  

Said Hensel: “We believe the time is right for a law firm with a solid understanding of how US gaming regulation is created, implemented and enforced. We have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to serve all of a client’s regulatory needs and believe a boutique law firm is the ideal platform from which to deliver the highest quality gaming law services to clients.”  

Grad commented: “The firm’s focus will be on servicing new and recent entrants to the US gaming market, whether they are foreign entities, early stage US companies, or state agencies charged with overseeing the development of new gaming verticals. From a client’s decision to enter a jurisdiction to post-licensing compliance and at all points in between, we will be their partner in navigating the US gaming landscape.”  

The firm will serve gaming operators, manufacturers, suppliers, affiliates, equity investors, start-ups, non-gaming vendors, entrepreneurs, inventors, lenders, and others seeking to participate in the US gaming space. In addition, Hensel Grad will serve as a consultant to jurisdictions in the US and throughout the world that are embarking on legalizing one or more gaming verticals.

Hensel was the PGCB’s first employee and first Director of Licensing. She has overseen the licensing of more than 100,000 individuals and entities as Pennsylvania evolved from a slots only jurisdiction to one offering the full range of gaming verticals including integrated casino resorts, online gaming, sports wagering, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals at truck stop establishments. She stepped down from the position in April.

Grad was one of the first attorneys hired by the PGCB and served in the positions of Assistant Chief Counsel and Special Counsel for Corporate Finance and Governance. During his tenure with the PGCB, he drafted, developed and shaped many of the Board’s regulations, policies and procedures, including its licensing regulations. In addition, he served as the PGCB’s legal advisor on matters involving corporate licensees, including all mergers and acquisitions within its jurisdiction.