“Kevin Mullally, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission for the last five years, will leave next month to become general counsel and government affairs director for Gaming Laboratories International Inc.

“?Mullally, 42, announced his resignation at the commission’s meeting Wednesday in Jefferson City. It is effective April 15.

“He said in an interview that he was not forced out. He said he had always intended to seek another job by 2007, when his daughter will graduate from high school.

“?Under Mullally, Missouri has been recognized as one of the toughest regulatory climates for casinos?”