Table of Contents
- A Life Between Law and Las Vegas-Style Power
- From Mob-Buster to Gambling Watchdog
- Leading the Nation’s Most Profitable Casino
- Military Service and Legal Career
- Personal Life and Final Years
- Sources
G. Michael Brown: A Life Between Law and Las Vegas-Style Power
G. Michael Brown, the former New Jersey gambling regulator who later became CEO of the nation’s most profitable casino, has died at age 82. His journey—from prosecuting mob-linked criminals to running a billion-dollar gaming empire in Connecticut—mirrors the dramatic transformation of American casino culture over the last half-century.
From Mob-Buster to Gambling Watchdog
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as Atlantic City prepared to launch legalized casino gambling, Brown was tapped as a key legal enforcer to keep organized crime at bay. As a state prosecutor, he gained national attention in 1980 for dismantling a powerful wing of the Genovese crime family in New Jersey.
His landmark case led to the conviction of four men for running a criminal cartel involved in murder, extortion, illegal gambling, and loan-sharking. “The Mafia is not a figment of Hollywood’s imagination,” Brown declared at the time—a warning that helped shape public perception and policy around casino regulation.
According to a 1999 Harvard Business Review profile, Brown “was instrumental in toppling the family’s leadership and diminishing the power of the mob in New Jersey.” One convicted defendant even quipped as he was led away: “You’re a very good lawyer. If you ever decide to come over to the other side, give me a call.”
Leading the Nation’s Most Profitable Casino
After establishing himself as a trusted regulator, Brown made a surprising pivot: he crossed from oversight to operations. He joined the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, eventually rising to CEO. Under his leadership, Mohegan Sun became the most profitable casino in the United States—outpacing even Las Vegas giants for a time.
Brown’s rare dual perspective—as both watchdog and operator—gave him unmatched credibility in an industry often shadowed by controversy. He championed ethical gaming practices while proving that tribal casinos could compete at the highest levels of entertainment, hospitality, and revenue generation.
Mohegan Sun by the Numbers (Peak Under Brown’s Tenure)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Revenue | Over $1.2 billion |
| Employees | ~10,000 |
| Guests per Year | ~8 million |
| National Ranking | #1 Most Profitable Casino (U.S.) |
Military Service and Legal Career
Before his legal and gaming careers, Brown served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal for valor. After law school, he joined the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, quickly rising through the ranks thanks to his sharp legal mind and relentless work ethic.
Personal Life and Final Years
Brown, affectionately known as “Micky” to friends and colleagues, passed away on October 6, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His daughter, Kristin Brown, confirmed the cause was complications from colon cancer. He had been living with her in his final months.
Though he spent much of his career in the high-stakes worlds of law and gaming, those who knew him described Brown as principled, pragmatic, and deeply committed to public integrity—even as he navigated industries often criticized for excess.
