Wolf names former prosecutor as head of Pa. Gaming Control Board

HARRISBURG - Gov. Wolf is filling a vacancy on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board by appointing the former top federal prosecutor in Harrisburg.

Wolf's office said Thursday that he is installing David Barasch as chairman of the gaming board, which regulates casino gambling in Pennsylvania.

The 67-year-old Barasch was the U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania's Middle District from 1993 to 2001. He ran unsuccessfully for state attorney general in 2004.

Before that, Barasch was the state's utility consumer advocate. He also held top posts under former Govs. Robert P. Casey and Ed Rendell.

Barasch lives near Harrisburg and is a lawyer in private practice.

He replaces Bill Ryan as chairman. Ryan will remain on the board as an appointee of former Gov. Tom Corbett. The term of another Corbett appointee, Annemarie Kaiser, expired.