Susan Hensel

Susan Hensel is one of the most respected voices in gaming law and regulation worldwide. Recognized by iGaming Business as one of the “Ten Most Influential Women in Gaming” in 2020, she has spent decades shaping the evolution of regulated gaming in the United States and internationally.

Susan served two terms as President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), after previously serving on the organization’s Board of Trustees as Vice President and Secretary. She currently advises multiple sports wagering and gaming-related organizations and serves on the Advisory Board of the All-In Diversity Project, a global nonprofit focused on advancing diversity, equality, and inclusion across the gaming industry.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Susan has presented on gaming law and regulation across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. She has authored numerous articles on gaming policy and regulation and has collaborated closely with regulators around the world, earning a reputation as one of the most influential former U.S. gaming regulators on the international stage.

Before co-founding Hensel Grad P.C., Susan served as Director of Licensing for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. As the agency’s very first employee, she helped build Pennsylvania’s gaming industry from the ground up into what is now the second-largest gaming market in the United States.

In her role as Licensing Director, Susan oversaw the licensing, suitability, and compliance of casinos, online gaming operators, sports wagering providers, and related entities throughout the Commonwealth. She played a central role in developing the policies, regulations, and licensing frameworks that guided Pennsylvania through multiple gaming expansions, including table games, online gaming, sports wagering, video gaming terminals, and fantasy contests.

When Pennsylvania became the fourth state in the nation to legalize online gaming, Susan led the agency’s implementation efforts. During her tenure, she oversaw the licensing of more than 100,000 individuals and entities.

Prior to joining the Gaming Control Board, Susan worked on gaming implementation initiatives for the Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue, an ex officio member of the Gaming Control Board. She also held senior leadership roles in Pennsylvania state government, including serving as Assistant General Counsel in the Governor’s Office of General Counsel.

Before entering public service and the legal profession, Susan worked as a television news reporter in Pennsylvania.

Susan earned her J.D., cum laude, from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she served on the law review staff. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, teaching Gaming Law and Regulation.

Susan is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania.