Ernest Adams

About Ernest Adams

I have been a sworn member of the Rhode Island State Police for over 21 years. I have been involved directly in the gaming industry for over 13 years as a member of the Gaming Enforcement Unit (GEU) of the Rhode Island State Police. I currently serve as a supervisor in the GEU in the position of Detective Sergeant. In this capacity, I oversee all operations of the Unit and its investigations to include large complex civil due diligence backgrounding on corporations and key personnel for gaming licensure, intricate and complex long-term criminal investigations, and day-to-day suppression of, and response to, criminal activity and follow-up investigations at both 24-hour full scale casino operations in Rhode Island. The unit also conducts state-wide Lottery investigations. The mission of the GEU is to ensure the integrity of Rhode Island’s gaming industry, and the gaming industry as a whole as we work with our national and international partners to ensure gaming and non-gaming activities are free from criminal activities and corrosive elements in our casinos and other gaming venues. I have established relationships all over the United States and internationally, through my investigative efforts, to effectively maintain the integrity of gaming.I have experience in the societal impacts from legalized gambling as I serve as the Vice President and Legal Committee Chairman for the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling. Through this experience I have gained a full perspective of how society and the gaming industry intersect and the impacts on certain populations as well as the industry’s efforts through corporate social responsibility initiatives.I have extensive training and education in the gaming industry, including conducting financial and background investigations, protecting the games, casino operations, anti-money laundering/Title 31, compliance and gaming regulations, among many others. I have earned enhanced degrees, to include the Executive Master of Hospitality Administration - Gaming Management, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Gaming Management, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I also have extensive specialized training and experience in security and tactical strategies, operations and organization from twelve (12) years as a Tactical Team member. I have a sincere passion for the gaming industry and am constantly in pursuit of expanding my professional contacts and knowledge in this industry. The expansive growth and evolution of gaming is intriguing and I am open to opportunities in which my expertise would apply.

Experience

1. Detective Sergeant

   Rhode Island State Police

   Jul 2022 — Present · Lincoln, RI, US

   Detective Sergeant of the Gaming Enforcement Unit of the Rhode Island State Police. Supervision of the Detective Unit responsible for the oversight and ensuring the integrity of the gaming and casino industry in the state of Rhode Island. The gaming industry in our state includes land-based casinos, sports wagering (in-person and online) and iGaming activities. I supervise all Unit activities, including large complex civil due diligence suitability background investigations, long-term criminal investigations, and day-to-day response to and suppression of all types of criminal activities.

Education

• Assumption University

  Bachelor's degree, Economics

• UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

  Master's degree, Executive Master of Hospitality Administration – Gaming Management

• UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

  Certificate, Graduate Certificate - Gaming Management