HARRISBURG -- Sanford Rivers of Pittsburgh, one of the original members of the state Gaming Control Board, has resigned.

Mr. Rivers, a former Carnegie Mellon University administrator and an ex-referee in the National Football League, was named to the seven-member board by Gov. Ed Rendell. His salary was $145,000 a year.

Mr. Rivers' term had expired and "he resigned voluntarily," said Rendell aide Gary Tuma. "The governor is very grateful for his service in the formative years of the board," which was created by the state's 2004 slots casino law.

Mr. Tuma said the governor is not yet ready to name a replacement. Mr. Rivers' term expired earlier this year but he asked to remain on the board until the new Rivers Casino opened in Pittsburgh, which it did in August.

Mr. Rendell names three members of the Gaming Board and legislative leaders name the other four.

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