CONTRIBUTIONS PEOPLE IN MOVING AHEAD ADDED ATTRACTIONS & DONATIONS THE NEWS
Official Newsmagazine of the Mississippi Gaming Industry SPRING 2018
www.mslagamingnews.com
MISSISSIPPI GAMING HALL OF FAME Inaugural class named at Southern Gaming Summit
Table of Contents
SPRING 2018 COVER STORY INSIDE 10 Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame The first seven inductees EVERYISSUE were honored during the 2018 Southern Gaming Summit. 35 THISISSUE
FEATURES
6 Sports Betting What the Supreme Court’s ruling means for Mississippi.
12 Photo Album A look back at the Southern Gaming Summit.
18 Top Awards Casinos, workers 4 From The MGHA recognized for Southern Gaming Summit was volunteering. 30 big success.
30 Good Times 5 Gaming Revenues Treasure Bay has Mardi A look at first quarter numbers. Gras fun. 42 14 Added Attractions Singer Pitbull designs lounge at MGHANEWS Hard Rock Biloxi. 15 Moving Ahead 38 MGHA Associate Gold Strike names new Member Profile president. Tunica CVB assists in growing the county. 20 People In The News Employees of the year lauded for 40 MGHA Directory their service, achievements. Members and associate members. 32 Contributions & Donations Employees play kickball, build houses, collect trash and donate On The Cover to the community. (From left) Terry Green, Sen. Tommy Gollott, Jack Binion, William S. Boyd, Robert Goldstein and Rick Carter at the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame Gala, part of the Southern Gaming Summit. (Cover photo, as well as all Southern Gaming Summit photography, by Donn Hupp.)
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 3 Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association
Biggest names in MS gaming Official Newsmagazine of the Mississippi Gaming Industry
make for big success at SGS SPRING 2018 Volume XV Issue 6 By Larry Gregory the American Gaming Association Geoff Freeman on our first day. To have the We can say goodbye to the 2018 leader of our industry at the national STAFF Southern Gaming Summit (SGS). This level kick things off spoke volumes about W. Michael Sunderman year’s event was particularly meaningful the caliber of this year’s conference. Publisher — it was a show His primary focus was on legalization [email protected] created for the of sports betting. As the ruling on its industry by the legalization neared he cautioned us to Lori Beth Susman General Manager / Executive Editor industry. The be prepared and said that partnerships [email protected] highlight of the would be a key to success. show was the After the keynote and its emphasis Mary Sunderman induction of the on sports betting, we offered a sports Associate Publisher first class of betting panel to discuss the salient [email protected] the Mississippi issues surrounding this topic. We David Grisham Gaming Hall of wanted to provide as much information Editor Fame. We’re as we could to our attendees knowing [email protected] very pleased sports betting will begin to move very Michael Haynes with the Larry quickly in the marketplace. Gregory Business Manager inaugural class. Expansion is on the minds of many in [email protected] In addition to our southern region gaming market. We that, exhibitors offered a panel focused on the possibility Designers got to meet their customers in a very of the legalization of gaming in Georgia. Brian Treadaway Dara Parker relaxed setting, and attendees got to The panel featured Georgia State Rep. Missy Mitchell mingle with speakers, creating a unique Ron Stephens, the sponsor of a bill and powerful networking opportunity. If that would do just that, along with other READER SERVICES you contributed to the success in any panelists who voiced their opinions about Subscriptions way, we say thank you. I would like to the interest of the legislature. For information on subscribing give you a glimpse into the activities Global Gaming Women conducted to Mississippi Gaming News, a quarterly publication, we presented this year. All events another sold out luncheon. It was a email [email protected]. for the SGS took place at the Beau complete success. We were honored to Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. Their have Chief Phyliss Anderson, the first Mississippi Gaming News expertise in conventions coupled with female chief of the Mississippi Band Phone: (228) 385-7707 their beautiful facility made it a perfect of Choctaw Indians, as the keynote Fax: (228) 385-7705 venue for this year’s show. speaker. She credited her mentor, 12268 Intraplex Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503 For our opening night, we had a Chief Phillip Martin, who transformed wonderful reception sponsored by the tribe for 32 years. Chief Anderson Change of Address VizExplorer and Rymax Marketing. The stated that Chief Martin often said, “If Phone: (228) 385-7707 Golden Nugget allowed us to have the you want to get something done, get a [email protected] reception at their gorgeous pool area. woman on it.” The U.S. Postal Service does not The beautiful weather allowed all guests As our conference was winding down, automatically forward magazines. time to enjoy eating and networking. we had a closing night reception at You don’t want to miss a single issue. Golden Nugget General Manager Chett Beau Rivage. This event was tastefully Harrison and his superb staff made done and provided a well-attended Copyright, 2018 Mississippi Gaming News it a wonderful event to kick off the ending to our conference. As previously (MGN) is owned and published by conference. mentioned, the highlight of this year’s M2 Media Corp., 12268 Intraplex We were honored to have as our Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503. keynote speaker President and CEO of >> To Page 7 MGN is produced in cooperation with the Mississippi Find out more about the MGHA, visit msgaming.org Gaming and Hospitality Association. The contents of MGN are copyrighted. Reports • Industry Information • Responsible Gaming News All rights are reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission www.MSGAMING.ORG of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
4 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Nearly 670 associates featured in this issue!
MISSISSIPPI GROSS GAMING REVENUES
JANUARY 2018 JANUARY 2017 Tunica Region $38,755,212 $44,790,438 Lower River Region $20,574,771 $22,116,915 Coastal Region $92,054,339 $99,102,970 Month Totals $151,384,322 $166,010,323
FEBRUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2017 Tunica Region $48,469,379 $50,503,019 Lower River Region $25,206,864 $26,304,366 Coastal Region $97,282,258 $95,120,543 Month Totals $170,958,501 $171,927,928
MARCH 2018 MARCH 2017 Tunica Region $61,408,730 $59,959,324 Lower River Region $31,222,348 $31,272,939 Coastal Region $109,579,860 $109,965,570 Month Totals $202,210,938 $201,197,842
Quarter Totals $524,533,761 $539,136,093
ADJUSTED GAMING REVENUES SUMMARY
Q1 2018 Q1 2017 Change Ohio 212,365 206,526 2.8% Louisiana 558,253 547,974 1.9% Pennsylvania 778,963 769,877 1.2% Missouri 438,933 439,349 -0.1% Michigan 360,000 360,450 -0.1% South Florida** 149,786 150,447 -0.4% Iowa 363,673 365,301 -0.4% Indiana 531,333 542,317 -2.0% Mississippi 524,527 539,207 -2.7% Illinois 338,029 254,568 -4.7% New Jersey* 525,333 572,618 -8.3% 543,752 545,564 -0.3% *Excludes approximately $69.6 million in online gaming revenue **South Florida only includes slots at racetracks
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 5 Court’s decision allows for sports betting in MS
By David Grisham is no surprise… I believe we will have Caesars Entertainment, which and Lori Beth Susman regulations in two weeks.” operates casinos in Biloxi and Tunica, With regulations in place, Mississippi hailed the sports betting decision. MISSISSIPPI — Sports betting is casinos could be handling sports betting Commenting on the ruling, Caesars coming to Mississippi casinos soon. as early as late June, Gregory said. President and CEO Mark Frissora, said, On May 14, 2018, the United States “We’ve got to be ready to go and be in “The Supreme Court’s landmark PASPA Supreme Court ruled PASPA (the operation as soon as possible.” ruling creates a golden opportunity Professional Amateur Sports Protection Although sports betting accounts for to end illegal sports wagering once Act of 1992) unconstitutional. For only 4 percent of revenue in Las Vegas, and for all by creating a well-regulated Mississippi, this means operators can Godfrey said it will be a good step for alternative that sports fans can trust. move ahead with plans to offer sports Mississippi. “It attracts people to the Caesars is a leader in legalized gaming betting and race book. casinos who stay for a day or two in in the U.S. As a result, we expect to Mississippi is in the position to move the hotels, and eat and drink in the be able to provide safe, exciting sports forward on sports betting because of restaurants.” wagering experiences to consumers the Daily Fantasy Sports Act passed “This (sports betting) will mean a big across the country, as we do today in by the Mississippi Legislature in 2016. upswing for us,” Gregory said. “We Nevada.” The act made slight modifications to expect more visitors, especially in the Jonathan Jones, general manager at two provisions of the Mississippi Gaming Tunica area — with new Control Act that would allow sports facilities offering a different betting in the event PASPA was found kind of entertainment.” unconstitutional. In the wake of the U.S. Before commencing sports betting Supreme Court decision, and race book operations, however, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort Mississippi casino operators must first in D’Iberville stated it plans receive permission from the executive to offer sports betting. “We director of the Mississippi Gaming have been working on the Commission possibilities for our sports (MGC). betting operations and are Allen Godfrey, looking forward to working executive with our regulators. This is an director of the exciting opportunity for Scarlet AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman MGC, said the Pearl Casino Resort,” said CEO discusses the possibility of legalized sports Commission’s LuAnn Pappas. “The timing betting at the recent Southern Gaming Summit process for could not be better as we are held in Biloxi. regulating currently under construction and governing for two food and beverage venues as Harrah’s Gulf Coast, said, “We will have sports betting added amenities for our guests.” a sports book. We are excited to bring and race book Allen Boyd Gaming, with casinos in Biloxi another way to play to our guests and will be a careful Godfrey and Tunica, has more than 40 years we are well positioned to move quickly. one. “We’re of experience in sports betting and The positive benefits that we will all going to be methodical in how we operates one of the largest sports reap as a result of the Supreme Court approach this,” he explained, adding that book networks in Nevada. Boyd Gaming striking down the 1992 federal law will while the MGC is working on regulations, President and CEO Keith Smith said they be recognized in our gaming market casinos need to be getting prepared. see the expansion of sports betting as and beyond. The future of gaming in “Casinos need to look for a place to an opportunity for growth. Mississippi is bright.” handle the betting activities. They could “Boyd Gaming is now in excellent MGM Resorts International, which be adding on or moving something in position to become a leading player in also operates casinos in Biloxi and the casinos. They’ll need TVs, couches the growth and expansion of sports Tunica, released a statement following and seating for a sports book that will betting across the country,” Smith said, the decision. engage people.” soon after the court ruling. “Whether “MGM Resorts International applauds Larry Gregory, executive director of we ultimately offer sports betting in the Court’s decision to allow states the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality specific states will depend on the rules the opportunity to protect consumers Association, said the infrastructure and tax rates set forth by each state. and benefit the public by regulating and for sports betting and sports book It is still too early to say which specific taxing sports betting. We look forward in Mississippi has got to be first and opportunities we will pursue, but we are to working with legislators and policy foremost. “Allen (Godfrey) is running full monitoring the situation very closely, and makers to achieve a regulatory outcome force refining the regulations, and has are prepared to act quickly as individual that benefits states and consumers been. This (the Supreme Court ruling) states move forward with legislation.” alike while ensuring the integrity of
6 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 sports. Having spent decades building trust with regulators, successfully operating sports Churchill Downs Inc. looks to books in Nevada, and hosting the world’s leading sporting events, MGM Resorts acquire two Lady Luck properties International is extremely well positioned for a post-PASPA VICKSBURG — Churchill Downs operational performance, the transaction environment.” Incorporated has entered into two price represents an aggregate multiple of American Gaming Association separate definitive purchase agreements approximately 8.2 times the properties’ (AGA) President and CEO to acquire Lady Luck Casino in Vicksburg trailing 12 month EBITDA (earnings Geoff Freeman, who spoke at and Presque Isle Downs & Casino in before interest, taxes, depreciation and the recent Southern Gaming Erie, Pennsylvania, for total aggregate amortization), net of cash acquired. After Summit on the possibility of consideration of approximately $229.5 anticipated synergies of $1.1 million, the legalized sports betting across million, to be paid in cash. aggregate multiple drops to 7.9 times. the county, said on the day The transactions are dependent on The transactions will be funded with of the Supreme Court ruling, usual and customary closing conditions, cash on hand and through CDI’s existing “Today’s ruling makes it possible including securing gaming licenses from credit facility. Both acquisitions are asset for states and sovereign tribal the Mississippi Gaming Commission purchases, which CDI expects will provide nations to give Americans and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control tax benefits that will effectively reduce the what they want: an open, Board, as well as a racing license from transaction price multiple. transparent, and responsible the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill market for sports betting. Commission. The Lady Luck Vicksburg Carstanjen explained why Presque Isle “Through smart, efficient transaction is expected to close in the and Lady Luck Vicksburg are appealing regulation this new market will second quarter of 2018. Closing of the investments for the company. “We are protect consumers, preserve Presque Isle purchase, which is also excited about welcoming both of these the integrity of the games we conditioned on the closing of the Lady properties to the Churchill family. Presque love, empower law enforcement Luck Vicksburg transaction, is expected to Isle will give us a foothold in Pennsylvania, to fight illegal gambling, close in the fourth quarter of 2018. which has recently passed legislation and generate new revenue Lady Luck Vicksburg operates authorizing real money online gaming. for states, sporting bodies, approximately 620 slots, nine table The Lady Luck Vicksburg is immediately broadcasters and many others. games and includes an 89-room hotel. adjacent to our Riverwalk facility and The AGA stands ready to work Presque Isle opened its casino in February offers us operational efficiencies in a with all stakeholders — states, 2007, and operates approximately stable region. Both properties fit our tribes, sports leagues, and law 1,600 slots, 32 table games and a investment criteria and will be immediately enforcement — to create a new poker room. It began live thoroughbred accretive to our shareholders.” regulatory environment that racing in September 2007, and conducts Both properties are owned by Eldorado capitalizes on this opportunity approximately 100 live thoroughbred race Resorts, Inc., a publicly traded casino to engage fans and boost local dates each year. entertainment company headquartered in economies.” Based on the properties’ combined Reno, Nevada.
>> From Page 4 conference was the induction of seven Gaming Holding Corporation thank you to the Louisiana delegation individuals into the Mississippi Gaming • Rick Carter and Terry Green, that made the effort to be a part of Hall of Fame at a wonderful dinner founders, Copa Casino/Island View this year’s conference. Ronnie Jones, event sponsored by Yates Construction. Casino Resort chairman of the Louisiana Gaming It was a monumental and memorable We look forward next year to Control Board, made every attempt walk through the history of commercial building on the traction we gained to include his wonderful state in the gaming in our state. As with most major from our success. SGS 2018 served receptions, panels and other activities. events at the conference, this was a as a north star for the future of our I ask that you begin planning for next sold-out event. gaming industry in the southern region. year’s event. The SGS has been around This year’s honorees included: I anticipate that manufacturers and for a long while, and we expect it to • Lyle Berman, co-founder, Grand distributors will be encouraged by what be here for a lot longer. Thank you to Casinos they will hear from the collective voices everyone who attended. You’re making • Bernie Goldstein, founder, Isle of in our industry who attended. We look our industry louder and stronger. Capri Casinos forward to having AGEM join us in 2019 • William S. Boyd, executive and be a part of a region that has a Larry Gregory is the executive director chairman, Boyd Gaming proven track record and is continuing to of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality • Tommy Gollott, Mississippi Senate grow. They will not be disappointed. Association. He can be reached at • Jack Binion, founder, Horseshoe I cannot end this without a special [email protected].
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 7 Marketing trick: Think like the customer By Julia Carcamo Occasionally, I feel compelled to reiterate interaction went much further by the importance of the employee role in ’polishing’ the experience.” As a New Orleans girl, my introduction branding efforts. So, I caught up with White and I are in complete to casinos (beyond the movie or Jim White of Jim White Advantage agreement on the value of using service television screen) came by way of the Guest Experience. White’s background as a brand differentiator. “People will explosion of has put him in contact with casino continue to show their support and gaming on the customers of all levels as well as clients loyalty when they feel welcomed and Mississippi Gulf looking for a difference in the healthcare appreciated. It is essential to the survival Coast. We had they receive. parrots and Now, I’m also going to tell you that I pirates and will reject any requests to create ads “I don’t know what cowboys. Each or collateral that say, “great service.” In property had a my opinion, good service is a product of you’re doing here very distinct look systems, procedures and the customer’s but keep it up.” and personality. feelings about the experience, but as I Fast forward 25 have learned, we can create processes — Isle of Capri guest years and the Julia that will enhance a customer’s ability to southern gaming Carcamo “feel” a great service experience. of a business and a brand, particularly market has Jim White and I worked together when you’re in an industry where people become quite in the development of Isle of Capri’s have multiple choices,” says White. sophisticated, no longer dependent on hallmark courtesy program — See. Say. White says although it was great to the gimmicks. Smile. As the company underwent an receive praise from guests, it is the Today’s gambler isn’t as intrigued by honest review of the operations and “silent majority” he is constantly thinking the animatronics and is more attuned aging assets, management understood about. “In the most basic terms, the to your brand and the experience they that putting a focus on courtesy could silent majority are those that can help are having. Add to that the apparent be a differentiator for us. “First and your business to grow or fail. There is sameness across casino floors, and foremost,” explains White, “it was research that suggests that 96 percent you’re faced with only a handful of about keeping things extremely simple. of all consumers never formally complain options to make your brand stand apart Often companies fall into a trap of (or praise) service — unless it’s really from the rest. So, what’s a casino trying to reinvent the wheel and develop good or really bad. That is your silent marketer to do in a mature market like programs that are layered… and quite majority. And as our world has become this? frankly, difficult to communicate to more and more social, you can count on Think like the customer. There is employees and therefore difficult to bring each of those silently dissatisfied guests an old advertising trick we still use to to life. What we did was different in that to tell their story to nine or so people. understand if our ads are unique and it was focused on the most basic tenet Roughly 13 percent of these ‘not-so- stand out as ours and not the guy’s of customer service — courtesy… simply silent’ will tell at least 20 others! Social down the street. We ask the creative being nice.” media and viral content will bury you very team, “If I put my hand over the logo, Guests quickly saw a difference. We quickly.” could this be any other casino?” It’s our started receiving letters and comments Sometimes the key to making your way of pushing the team to find the point from our website and comment cards brand stand out is basic blocking and of true differentiation. Now think about well before we completed the first round tackling. your brand in a different way. If you were of training. We would get letters from blindly led into a casino that was missing happy guests that talked about how Julia Carcamo is president and any branded signage or collateral, would great the service was at a location. chief brand strategist at J Carcamo you be able to know what the brand Says White, “We hadn’t really made & Associates and partner at promise is from the experience? any system or process changes. So, we espÑOLA. Get more insights at www. What role do your employees knew that in all reality, our employees jcarcamoassociates.com and on Twitter have in how your brand is received? were simply being nice. That courteous at @jccarcamo.
8 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018
Gaming Hall of Fame introduces inaugural group
By Lori Beth Susman Bernard Goldstein rebranding it as IP Casino Resort Spa Goldstein, and making it a leader along the Gulf BILOXI —The Mississippi Gaming who passed Coast. Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural away in 2009, “I am very proud we have nearly class of seven gaming pioneers. The was often 2,000 Mississippi residents who work induction was the highlight of the recent referred to as part of the Boyd family,” said Boyd, Southern Gaming Summit, an event that as the Father who is currently executive chairman of brought together industry leaders from of Riverboat the company. around the country. It was sponsored Gaming. He was Sen. Tommy Gollott by the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality instrumental Currently Association and held at Beau Rivage in lobbying the longest Resort & Casino in Biloxi. for original serving member Former Mississippi Gov. Haley riverboat Bernard of the state Goldstein Barbour, via video, described the gambling Legislature, inductees as “real giants” in the industry. legislation in having first been The honorees for 2018 were Lyle Iowa and it was under his leadership as elected in 1967 Berman, Grand Casinos co-founder, board chairman for Isle of Capri Casinos to the House of and Bernard “Bernie” Goldstein, Isle Inc. that the first casino opened in Representatives of Capri Casinos founder, who received Mississippi. It happened in August 1992 and taking the Industry Pioneer award; William S. and set the tone for gaming in the state, office in Boyd, Boyd Gaming executive chairman, leading the way for what would grow into January 1968, Sen. Tommy Gollott and Mississippi State Sen. Tommy a multi-billion-dollar industry. Gollott was Gollott, District 50-Harrison County, who Accepting the award was his son, instrumental were honored as Industry Influencers; Robert Goldstein, who said it meant so in getting gaming legislation passed, and Jack Binion, Horseshoe Gaming much to his father that the people in and has often said the bill to allow Holding Corporation founder, and Rick Mississippi opened their hearts to him dockside gaming in the state was one Carter and Terry Green, co-founders and his family. “I know Dad would be very of the greatest pieces of legislation ever of the Island View Casino Resort, who proud to accept this award,” he said. passed in the Mississippi Legislature. were honored in the Commercial Gaming Goldstein served as chairman for Isle He reminisced about those years in category. of Capri Casinos — which had expanded the early ’90s, saying his father was Lyle Berman with properties in Louisiana, Colorado, worried the mafia would come after him Berman Iowa, Missouri and Florida, along with for introducing gaming legislation. “I’m participated in international locations — until his death. proud to have introduced the legislation the founding of William S. Boyd to bring to Mississippi,” Gollott said, Grand Casinos Boyd, who accepting his award. “It’s done wonders in 1990, taking accepted the for the state. I appreciate being inducted the company award with into this Hall of Fame.” public in 1991. his wife and Jack Binion Grand Casino children in While Gulfport opened attendance, Mississippi may in May 1993, told the be a fan of Jack and was Lyle audience Sam’s Binion, Binion followed by Berman Town Hotel & is also a fan Grand Casino Gambling Hall, of Mississippi. Biloxi in January 1994. He opened which opened “Of all the Grand Casino Tunica in 1996 with a in May 1994 William S. states that Boyd vision that included casinos, hotels, golf in Tunica, passed gaming courses and other recreational facilities. was the first legislation, “The man had an incredible vision,” Boyd Gaming property to open outside Mississippi did Jack said John Ferrucci, part of the opening Nevada. The lawyer-turned-gaming it the best,” he Binion team in Biloxi. Ferrucci accepted the executive had co-founded the casino said at the Hall award on behalf of Berman, who could company in 1973 with his father, Sam of Fame dinner. not attend the event. “We all knew there Boyd, succeeding him as CEO in 1993. “The regulators are practical instead of was something very special.” When it opened, Sam’s Town was political. I can’t tell you how much I like Ferrucci, currently general manager the largest casino in Tunica, helping the Mississippi and what a pleasure it is to at Silver Slipper Casino Hotel in Hancock area grow with the addition of jobs and be in business here.” County, added, “This recognition is very tax revenue. In 2011, Boyd Gaming In Nevada, Binion developed well deserved.” purchased the former Imperial Palace, Horseshoe Casino into a Las Vegas icon,
10 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 11 and when he expanded into the South, Hurricane Katrina, which establishing the privately held Horseshoe destroyed the Copa, the Gaming Holding Corp., he brought the partners were at the Horseshoe excitement with him. In forefront of lobbying for 1995, he opened Horseshoe Casino in Mississippi Bill 45 to allow Tunica, which became a market leader, land-based gaming. They due in part to Binion recognizing the purchased the former importance of giving his guests a top Grand Casino Gulfport, gambling experience and personalized and after reinvesting customer service. their personal capital, on In 2004, Binion sold Horseshoe Sept. 16, 2006, opened Gaming to Harrah’s Entertainment the doors to Island View Inc. for $1.45 billion — one of the Casino Resort, the first largest casino transactions ever. Binion new land-based casino on is currently chairman of a private the Gulf Coast. investment company and family office, In April 2015, Carter Pilot Grove Management, LLC. and Green opened the Rick Carter and Terry Green Larry Gregory (center), executive director of the Beach Tower, a $58 Carter and Green, principals of Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association, million expansion. A $75 Gulfside Casino Partnership, which presents the Gaming Hall of Fame awards to million expansion of a operates Island View Casino Resort Rick Carter (left) and Terry Green. second casino adjacent in Gulfport, are credited as pioneers to the Beach Tower is of dockside gaming in Mississippi — Mississippi legislature resulted in the expected to open in June. founders of the Pride of Mississippi, passage of the Cruise Ship Gaming Both men expressed thanks to their a gaming vessel based in Gulfport in Act. In 1990, Carter and Green’s families for their support throughout the 1988. The two men helped paved the continued advocacy led to the passage years, as well as thanking each other for way for domestic dockside gaming of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, their friendship and partnership. “I’m a across the state and throughout the legalizing gaming in the state. blessed man,” Carter said. “Thank you. country. Their vessel was reintroduced in 1992 This is a tremendous honor for Terry Their efforts in actively lobbying the as Copa Casino. In the wake of 2005’s and me.”
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 11 Southern Gaming Summit 2018
A Look Back
The 2018 Southern Gaming Summit was a big hit. Casino executives, gaming legends and industry suppliers were all part of the successful mix. The Southern Gaming Summit is sponsored by the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association.
12 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Southern Gaming Summit 2018
12 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 13 Added Attractions Hard Rock teams with ‘Pitbull’ for new lounge BILOXI — Grammy-award winning floor inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino general manager. artist and international superstar Biloxi. This new experience, iLov305, Upon entering the 3,400-square-foot Armando Christian Perez, better known is set to open this summer space, guests will encounter an old as Pitbull, aka “Mr. Worldwide,” and the and will be a multi-purpose Havana-club aesthetic with creators of the globally renowned brand lounge housing various tropical décor illuminated Sugar Factory American Brasserie, entertainment spaces and a by neon accents reminiscent unveiled plans recently for a tropical variety of cocktails reflecting of Miami Beach’s famous lounge and nightlife concept at the Pitbull’s festive persona art deco style. Guests will be Center Bar in the middle of the casino and the vibrant flavors of his greeted by an elevated bar with Miami hometown. 360-degree seating around 61 Bistro “The addition of the a white marble-top counter new iLov305 lounge and accentuated by blue lighting. entertainment space is not only an At the center will be a multi-purpose exciting addition to Hard Rock, but bar with 18 frozen cocktail machines also a welcomed addition to the vibrant offering up multiple varieties of mojitos nightlife and entertainment scene and daiquiris. Cocktails will take center happening on the entire Mississippi Gulf stage, including the Mr. 305 Punch Coast,” said Todd Raziano, Hard Rock Bowl and the Dale Mojito. Beach Club opens at Silver Slipper Italian dining has returned to HANCOCK COUNTY — Silver Slipper Tunica with the recent opening Casino Hotel held a ribbon cutting of 61 Bistro Italiano at Resorts recently for the reopening of its Beach Casino Tunica. Food and Beverage Club — Pool & Bar. Nestled inside of a Manager Joe Steward (far left) lush palm grove, the Beach Club offers said the menu offers a diverse range of Italian cuisine with hotel guests a tropical, beachside an emphasis on the freshest experience with panoramic views of the General Manager John Ferrucci gets ingredients and even features a Gulf of Mexico. ready to cut the ribbon at the Beach menu of unlimited pasta specials Hotel guests can take a dip in the on Wednesdays. Pictured with infinity pool or lay back and relax on Club — Pool & Bar. Steward are (from left) Tiffanie lounge chairs located throughout two Boyer, bartender; Davita Johnson, different decks surrounding the pool. directly on the beach, we felt it was host; Clinton Davis, sous chef; A hot tub is located on the top deck, important to incorporate the beach into Jimmeshia Northern, server; opposite the new Beach Club bar. our design. We went through many Antonio Garcia, cook III; and “Our CEO, Dan Lee, had a very specific design variations to make sure the final Denice Crosby, food and beverage idea of what he wanted our Beach Club concept was something our guests supervisor. The restaurant is to look and feel like,” said John Ferrucci, would enjoy.” located upstairs in the site of the Silver Slipper general manager. “Because The Beach Club is located on the former 61 Grille Steakhouse. we are one of the only casinos located north side of the hotel. Bok Homa Casino adds bingo in property’s event center SANDERSVILLE — Bingo is now available at Bok Homa Casino, and can be played four days a week in the casino’s event center. Bok Homa Casino hosted grand opening events in March, including special bingo sessions in which players won more than $11,500 in cash. A ribbon cutting ceremony was also held. “We are pleased to now have bingo as a steady gaming offering at Bok Homa Casino. Our bingo events have been very popular among our players, and we wanted to give them the opportunity to play as often as they would like,” said Sonny Johnson, interim president and CEO for Pearl River Resort. The Choctaw Indian Princess along with Chief “Now, guests can enjoy this classic game while also having the Phyliss J. Anderson of the Mississippi Band of opportunity to compete against players across the country for Choctaw Indians (center) cut the ribbon to welcome progressive jackpots.” bingo to the Bok Homa Casino event center.
14 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Moving Ahead Gold Strike names president Several promoted TUNICA RESORTS roles during his tenure, — David Tsai has been including senior vice to Harrah’s team named president and chief president of corporate BILOXI — Harrah’s Gulf Coast announced operating officer of Gold strategy and analytics promotions. Tonecia Strike Casino Resort. In for MGM Resorts, vice Kirby has been named this new role, Tsai will lead president of strategic hotel operations daily operations and provide development at ARIA manager and strategic direction and and executive director of Lemeshia Newsome leadership for the property. strategy and development has been promoted Most recently, Tsai served David for CityCenter Group. Tsai to assistant hotel as senior vice president and Tsai holds a master’s manager. chief financial officer for degree in management Kirby will oversee Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. He also led science and a bachelor’s degree in hotel operations, Tonecia the $550 million transformation of industrial engineering from Stanford which includes the Kirby Monte Carlo to the new luxury hotels University. He also earned his front office and Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas. Master of Business Administration housekeeping. Transferring to Harrah’s Tsai joined the company in 2007 from Stanford Graduate School of from Horseshoe Tunica, Kirby brings with and has served multiple leadership Business. her more than 10 years of experience. She will report to Kennedy Smith, vice president New director at Golden Nugget of marketing and hospitality. BILOXI — Golden Nugget Biloxi announced the ap- Newsome, currently pointment of Sydney Hatcher as director of table a hotel supervisor, games. He will oversee all aspects of the table games has been with the department. company since 2011. Hatcher has spent most of his career in the gam- She started as a ing and hospitality industry, most recently working at front desk agent and Lemeshia Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville. He has also was promoted to Newsome worked at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana; supervisor in 2014. Harrah’s Joliet Casino in Illinois; Rivers Casino in Pitts- Additionally, Alyssa Midgley and Aesha burg, Pennsylvania; and Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. Sydney Coleman have been promoted to hotel Hatcher Hatcher has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English supervisor. Shawanda Kennedy has been and Secondary Education from DePaul University in promoted to F&B supervisor. And, Tony Vo Chicago. has been named hotel front desk lead.
14 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 15 Island View culinary team goes whole hog GULFPORT — Island View Casino category in the professional division. He Dupree, along with David Bladsacker, Resort’s culinary team went whole led the Island View team to a win in this employee dining room kitchen manager; hog for the win at the 2018 Barbecue first-time category. Dupree is a certified Derek Flores, The Buffet kitchen Under the Oaks competition, and their Kansas City Barbeque Society efforts were recognized with the coveted (KCB) judge with years of Lagniappe Award and a win in the brisket smoking experience. He category. has helped organize several Marking its 30th year as an annual barbecue events, including fundraiser for the Gulf Coast Symphony, the regional KCB event that the event featured professional and was held at Island View for amateur teams from across the Coast several years. Dupree enjoys competing for the pork-praising prize. developing rubs for various More than a thousand people attended smoked meats. the event, which was held April 7 and Other items prepared by themed 30 Years of Smokin’ Fun. Island View included Nueske’s Culinary professionals judged the bacon skewers with Barq’s lagniappe, professional and amateur root beer barbecue glaze, Executive Sous Chef Jackie Seavey, lagnappe divisions. carved whole smoked redfish, winner, and brisket champion Jesse Dupree Island View’s professional lagniappe fresh cut fruit, sautéed fresh show off their awards in front of the Island entry was a strawberry sabayon triffle vegetables and bread pudding. View Casino Resort tent at the 30th Annual with a Champagne chaser created by The team also offered a Barbecue Under the Oaks. executive sous chef Jackie Seavey. This watermelon gelato house- is the fifth year that the casino team has made in The Creamery for the resort’s manager; Sarah Serdynski, head pastry won this division, a first with a dessert. frozen dessert station in The Buffet. chef; and Calvin Lipe, banquet sous Jesse Dupree, financial reporting The Gulfport resort’s culinary team chef. manager in Island View’s accounting was led by Executive Chef David Barbecue Under the Oaks was held department, smoked the brisket Crabtree and included Seavey and this year at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport.
16 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 16 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Volunteer Recognition
Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich (third from left) along with Keesler Air Force Base representatives present the Volunteer Group of the Year award to IP Vice President and General Manager Duncan McKenzie (second from left) and IP executives.
Harrah’s Gulf Coast received recognition by the City of Biloxi IP Casino recognized as the Business Volunteer Group of the Year. The award was presented at the city’s 35th Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, held at the Biloxi Civic Center. Harrah’s associates Tara Owens as city’s Volunteer (left), employee and community engagement specialist, and Natasha Scardino, human resources clerk, accept the award, which was presented by Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and Group of the Year Keesler Air Force Base representatives. BILOXI — IP Casino Resort Spa was recently Veterans Support recognized by the City of Biloxi as the Adult Volunteer Group of the Year at the city’s 35th Caesars Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, held at the Biloxi Enter- Civic Center. The resort received the award for its tainment work in the community, including providing financial Mid-South aid, sponsorships and in-kind donations, as well as was volunteering at numerous area events. Additionally, recognized IP’s community efforts include team members for its serving on boards and committees for nonprofit continued support of organizations. veterans at IP started last year off in a big way, awarding the recent more than $1 million in February to support to Memphis VA Hospital Awards, held at the Kroc Center in various agencies and programs. Local recipients Memphis. Several Caesars employees attended the event, included the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Gulf including Martinez Griffin, facilities; Cynthia J. Smith, Coast Center for Nonviolence, Second Liners wardrobe; Karen Anderson, housekeeping; Steve Mitchell, Mardi Gras Club, St. Vincent de Paul Community surveillance; and Sandra Martinez-Sow, server. Pharmacy, Biloxi Excel By 5, NAACP Biloxi Branch, Friends of Hiller Park, Biloxi Little Theater amd Salvation Army Kroc Center. Guest Service Award IP team members worked throughout the year, as well, with groups, organizations and causes, making a measurable difference in the community. Team members held feed those in need, participated in hurricane and flood relief drives, holiday toy drives, blood drives, walks, races and more. “IP Casino Resort Spa believes in the mission of these organizations and the good work they do every day,” said Duncan McKenzie, vice president and general manager of IP Casino Resort Spa. “Through our support of these great charities, the IP team strives to have a positive, lasting and Several team members at WaterView Casino Hotel recently meaningful impact on the entire Mississippi Gulf received the Mike Feltman Award for guest service. Penny Coast community.” Bankston (third from right), director of casino operations, is In determining which deserving nonprofit pictured with the recipients, including Sandra Hill, security; Amelia Johnson, housekeeping; Darlene Heard, housekeeping; organizations to support, IP Casino Resort Spa and Alicia Reed, Lucky Bean; and Olivia Miller, Lucky Bean. Eric Boyd Gaming focus their support in four key areas: Scott (not pictured), security, also received the award. The community, health and human services, culture and recipients received cash, paid time off and other prizes. education.
18 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 19 Industry Stars Outstanding Service Beau’s Top Volunteers
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Lori Burke, business Caesars Entertainment Mid-South employees presented two employees development manager Sandra Martinez-Sow, server, and Cynthia Volunteer of the Year awards in for Ameristar Casino J. Smith, wardrobe, were honored with the April. These winners are voted Hotel in Vicksburg, was 2017 Stars of the Industry Award from the for and chosen by coworkers honored with the Junior Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging for their continued dedication to Auxiliary of Vicksburg Association. Smith won in the category of special giving back to the community. Outstanding Community events and Martinez-Sow won for community Receiving the awards for 2017 Service Award at the service. Pictured with the winners are Andre were Drew Adams, table games JAV Magnolia Charity Jackson, vice president of hospitality; Loretta floor supervisor, and Johnnie Ball in January. JA Snipes, hotel manager; Tammy Young, regional Mae Applewhite, table games was founded on the human resources manager; Angelic Gardner, dealer. They each received principles of helping employee relations; Simeon Brown, social media $5,000 from MGM Resorts children and making a specialist; and Ricky Busey, vice president of Foundation to be donated to a difference in their lives. human resources and business development. charity of their choice. Hollywood receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence BAY ST. LOUIS — Hollywood cast members strive to provide the for the quality, quantity and recency Casino Gulf Coast recently received best food product and A-plus red of reviews submitted by travelers on a Certificate of Excellence from carpet experience to all of our visitors TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel at Hollywood Gulf Coast.” To qualify, a business must maintain site. In its seventh year, the achievement an overall TripAdvisor rating of at Hollywood General Manager Mike celebrates hospitality businesses that least four out of five, have a minimum Galle said, “We are very honored to have earned great traveler reviews number of reviews and must have been have received the 2017 TripAdvisor on TripAdvisor over the past year. listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 Certificate of Excellence Award. Our The Certificate of Excellence accounts months.
18 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 19 People In The News
Team Member of the Year
Team Members of the Year were congratulated by Annie Jenkins (left), Ameristar vice president and assistant general manager, and Gerad Hardy (right), Ameristar vice president and general manager.
Trop Greenville recently held its Team Member of Living Our Values at Ameristar the Year celebration, where Gladys Smith (center), lead revenue auditor, was named Team Member of VICKSBURG — Ameristar Casino Hotel in Vicksburg the Year. At the event, employees enjoyed cocktails celebrated team members who won a Living Our Values and dinners, as well as dancing with music from DJ award during 2017 at the property’s Annual Awards Banquet. Set It Off. Smith, pictured with General Manager Jim An All That Jazz themed evening featured live music and a Rigot and Shelia Combs, human resources manager, custom dinner menu. received $1,000, a Dutch oven and pink utensils. The 56 Team Member of the Year nominees live the company’s values each and every day. Team Members of the Year were Rochelle Barnes, casino services representative; Benjamin Baugh, assistant casino manager; Cornelius Early, groundskeeper; Eric Free, EVS attendant; and Perri Johnson, human resources business partner. The five team members selected as Team Member of the Year each took home a cash prize, a custom blown glass trophy and will get their own VIP designated parking space for an entire year.
Employee Extravaganza
Award of Excellence winners at Harrah’s Gulf Coast Harrah’s employees awarded for excellence BILOXI — Six employees at Harrah’s Gulf Coast were recently awarded the Caesars Award of Excellence, the Boomtown Casino Biloxi and Hollywood Casino Gulf company’s most prestigious award. These team members Coast held their annual Employee Extravaganza in were honored for their dedication to providing exceptional January. Pictured with the winners are Boomtown entertainment and superior performance. Vice President of Casino Operations Wade Howk Winners were Karen Pringle, surveillance supervisor, (left) and Boomtown/Hollywood General Manager Community Service; April Prosser, national casino marketing Mike Galle (right). Award winners are (from left) Lynn assistant manager, Superior Guest Service; Larry Kincaid, Boswell, Hollywood senior general ledger accountant, lead carpenter, Innovation; Paula Gray, Mix & Mingle Supervisor of the Year; Greg Castelin, Hollywood hostess, Suggest; David Cates, table games dealer, Superior banquets cook III, and Angel Jenkins, Hollywood slot attendant, Team Members of the Year; Maria Cruse, Internal Service; and Cynthia Casey, executive administrative Boomtown slot attendant, and Alphonse Graves, assistant, Inspire Our Best. Boomtown cook II, Team Members of the Year; and Property winners in each of the six categories move on Corey Warburton, Boomtown security supervisor, to the regional level, and those winners advance to the Supervisor of the Year. Winners received $1,000 and company-wide level, where the best nominees are selected as a one-night stay at Hollywood with a $200 food credit. winners.
20 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 People In The News Recognition paid to Hard Rock employees BILOXI — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Jonathan Myers, Biloxi took “time to be kind” to their player services, employees in February by hosting a All Is One, for Rocker Recognition Day. “Take time to his willingness to be kind” is one of Hard Rock’s four brand help his team and mottos, along with “Love All - Serve All,” department; and “All Is One” and “Save the Planet.” Sherry Matthews, The 24-hour celebration included marketing, who photos of employees shown on screens received the Twin throughout property, complimentary River Management meals and snacks, hourly giveaways, free Group Ownership commemorative T-shirts and more. The Award. day concluded with a psychedelic glow Maria Johnson, party in Hard Rock Live for employees vice president of and a guest, featuring food stations, human resources cocktails, live music, dancing and the for Hard Rock Biloxi, annual Rocker of the Year and brand puts together the Many Hard Rock Biloxi employees were honored at awards. event each year Rocker Recognition Day. This year’s award recipients were Jon and really enjoys Crowell, table games, who was named this part of her job. “We have so many for others and a dedication to making Casino Division Champion of the Year; incredible employees at Hard Rock. We the world a better place to be. These Emma Gonzalez, purchasing, Hotel/ often take time throughout the year to employees are exemplary examples of Administration Champion of the Year; recognize them for their hard work, that dedication and we are delighted Sarah Stubbs, 24/7 Grille, Food and and this annual event is our big chance to have them on our team. They are Beverage Champion of the Year; and to come together and celebrate our without a doubt the reason we are Lauri Becker, payroll, Division Leader of success as one team,” she said. “Hard receiving awards and recognition as a the Year. Rock is a company that values honesty, company, as they don’t just meet the Additional award winners were integrity and professionalism. The brand high standards we set, but they surpass Melanie Givens, slots, named Hard encourages everyone to maximize them time and time again.” Rock Brand Ambassador in recognition their potential and to take personal Award recognition is nothing new to of being a true brand representative; accountability for getting results. We Hard Rock. As much as internal teams Jennifer Cartwright, marketing, Take create brand excitement through and employees are recognized, the Time To Be Kind, in recognition of her innovation and expect our employees to property has also been recognized both philanthropic efforts in the community; deliver amplified service. Honoring those regionally and globally in recent months. Tyrone Simmonds, guest services, Love employees that truly represent these Earlier this year, Hard Rock International All Serve All, for consistently delivering values each and every day is an honor recently named Hard Rock Biloxi as exceptional guest service; Tiffany and I am blessed to be part of it.” Casino of the Year, excelling in financial Wilson, marketing, Save The Planet, in Said Hard Rock General Manager Todd performance, brand compliance and recognition of her “go green” initiative; Raziano, “We have a deep compassion quality assurance program scores.
Lady Luck All Stars of the Year
Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg held its annual All Stars of the Year banquet in March, announcing the names of its yearly award winners. Pictured are (from left) Starling Murphy, security supervisor, named Supervisor of the Year; Felicia De’Shazer, senior accounting clerk, Team Member of the Year; and Greg Curro, compliance manager, Manager of the Year. Along with accolades from casino executives, the three received cash prizes and premium parking for a year.
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 21 People In The News Palace presents annual awards
BILOXI — Palace Casino Resort named the Administrator and Associate of the Year. Wayne “Scotty” Scott, surveillance supervisor, and Roshell Holmes, associate dining R. Scott Barber (left) congratulates the 12 Caesars Award of Excellence room cook, winners from Horseshoe Tunica and Tunica Roadhouse. were given the awards, respectively. Wayne Nominees Scott Awards of Excellence given in Tunica included TUNICA RESORTS — Caesars James Gardner, banquets, Superior Carlo Tamondong, housekeeping; Entertainment Mid-South presented Internal Service; Mozella Prowell, food Chris Cobb, the Caesars Award of Excellence and beverage, Superior Guest Service; slots; Clint to Horseshoe Tunica and Tunica Jim Mixon, surveillance, Innovation; Nugent, table Roadhouse employees during a special Crystal Brown, casino services, games; Debi event held in Horseshoe’s Bluesville Community Service; and Shamario Richardson, Nightclub. The event, which had Taylor, casino marketing, Suggest. table games; 12 winners, featured a Midnight in “Congratulations to our winners Elena Jackson, Morocco theme. and to everyone nominated,” said R. food and Horseshoe winners included Marka Scott Barber, regional president. “It beverage; Radich, marketing, who received is because of you who consistently Jennifer Cholak, the Inspire our Best award; Martin delight all of our guests and create cage; Karla Roshell Williams, food and beverage; Superior memorable experiences, that we Bowman, food Holmes Internal Service; Charlene Thompson, remain the best in the Mid-South. We and beverage; security, Superior Guest Service; want to recognize our employees for Mary Smith, hotel; Michelle Simeon Brown, marketing, Innovation; inspiring us all with their commitment Agregaard, player development; Cynthia J. Smith, uniforms, to our guests, values and pursuit of and Susan Siliven, slots. Community Service; and LaTonia excellence.” Each honoree received $5,000, Jackson, casino services, Suggest. The Caesars Award of Excellence a hotel stay and a $200 resort gift Roadhouse winners included Kelly is the highest honor attainable at card. Blend, security, Inspire our Best; Caesars companies. Treasure Bay announces top crew member honors of the year BILOXI — Treasure Bay Casino and of our team and we are lucky to have Hotel presented its 2017 Crew Member him.” of the Year Awards at a special dinner Ronnie Manning, a pit supervisor who in CQ. Winners from the past four has been with Treasure Bay two years, quarters were on hand with family and was named Supervisor of the Year. friends. “Ronnie always goes above and beyond Nominated by their fellow co-workers, for dealers and other supervisors,” said these crew members were recognized Jimmy Pitalo, pit manager. “He is a hard for their dedication, achievements and worker and goes out of his way to make commitment to superior guest service. sure the job gets done.” The winner of the Crew Member of Ronnie Manning, COO Susan Varnes, Nominees Josh Broussard, Thuy and Chuck Stewart the Year Award was Chuck Stewart, Nguyen, Shelly Pinkerton, Shane a slot technician who has been with Seymour and Jeremy Whitley received Treasure Bay for 11 years. “Guests and on a wide range of subjects,” said Jeff a special gift certificate. Stewart and crew members know him to be friendly, Prusinowski, vice president of casino Manning each received a $1,000 cash hardworking and very knowledgeable operations. “He is an invaluable member prize and an engraved trophy.
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People In The News V.I.E.W. honorees awarded at Island View GULFPORT — Island View Casino Resort named several staff members as V.I.E.W. Service Achievement Certificate honorees. Among the group of outstanding employees recently selected were Charles Boyd, stewarding; Carolyn Calcote, buffet line Melanie Isaac Haley cook; Melanie Cranford, retail clerk; Isaac Davis, housekeeping; Cranford Davis Ferrill Haley Ferrill, slot floorperson; Gary Gayle, hotel housekeeping, Beach Tower porter; Dakeven Harper, stewarding; Taryn Hendren, Coast Candymakers cashier; Vashon Hill, public areas attendant; Dy Humphries, front desk rooms controller; Adrian Jones, steward supervisor; Fabian Lee, buffet line cook; Elijah Matthews, front desk Casino Tower; Kathy Murphy, table games dealer; Tabitha Richard, Coast Candymakers cashier; Byron Stallworth, hotel housekeeping houseperson; Shandria Turnbough, reservations specialist; and Greg Webb, front services supervisor. The V.I.E.W. (Value, Initiative, Excellence, Wow) Service Gary Dakeven Taryn Achievement program recognizes employees who offer Gayle Harper Hendren exemplary guest service at the Gulfport resort.
Vashon Dy Elijah Kathy Tabitha Shandria Hill Humphries Matthews Murphy Richard Turnbough Boomtown Casino honors several for service BILOXI — Boomtown Casino Biloxi recently Welzbacher, buffet cashier, front of house. And recognized several team members through in March, winners were Tim Houck, maintenance its ACES Faces customer service program. tech, who won for back of house, and Aaron Employees were honored for providing Dean, bartender, who won for front of house. outstanding service. Amanda Wormeley, player services supervisor, ACES Faces winners for January were Ginger was named Supervisor of the Quarter. Moore, cook, who won for back of house, and Winners received an invitation to the Boomtown Britt Fast, lead slot technician, who was the Casino/Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast Annual Amanda front-of-house winner. February’s winners were Extravaganza. They also had $100 added to their Wormeley Scencia Reddix, cook, back of house, and Amy paycheck and received a $50 food voucher.
Ginger Britt Scencia Amy Tim Aaron Moore Fast Reddix Welzbacher Houck Dean
24 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 25 People In The News
Silver Slipper Casino Hotel General Manager John Ferrucci (center) stands with January nominees (above) and March nominees (below) for Employees of the Month and Supervisor/Manager of the Month. Silver Slipper honors top employees, supervisors HANCOCK COUNTY — Silver Slipper Casino Hotel recognized its January and February Employees of the Month and Supervisor/Manager of the Month nominees and winners during a recent luncheon held in the Blue Bayou Bar & Grill. For January, Alfred Gage, table games, and Emily Ryals, Oyster Bar, were named Employees of the Month. Dawn Lloyd, guest room supervisor, was named Supervisor/Manager of the Month. Also nominated for the employee honors were Ronnie Carter, table games; Tammy Walters, player services; Christine Mendoza, food and beverage supervisor; Sydney Morgan, valet; and Andy Orzalli, player services manager. In February, Terry Harris, buffet, and Mark Knight, facilities, were named Employees of the Month. Stan Authement, table games supervisor, was named Supervisor/Manager of the Month. Edward McNeil, F&B supervisor; Sheril Powell, security shift supervisor; Brittany Underwood, keno; and Ann Jones, keno, were also nominees for February. And in March, Amber Surdam, hotel, and Norma Villalta, table games, were named Employees of the Month. Martine Fairconnetue, food and beverage supervisor, was named Supervisor/Manager of the Month. Nominees for the honors included Tim Bourgeois, Palm Court; Crystal Lopez, Palm Court; and Al Jenkins, slot shift manager. All nominees and winners received prizes, including cash and gift certificates.
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 25 People In The News
Kerri Craven Christopher Wooden Smith Robinson Treasure Bay Crew Member of the Quarter nominees. Star Performers Harrah’s Gulf Coast named its Star Performer crew members winners for the fourth quarter of 2017. Receiving Treasure Bay awards were Kerri Wooden, security and risk coordinator, Superior Internal awarded for commitment Service; Craven Smith, security officer, and Christopher BILOXI — Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel recently honored Robinson, groundskeeper, top Crew Members of the Quarter for the first quarter of Superior Guest Service; James 2018. Nominated by their peers and supervisors, crew Kruse, housekeeping assistant members are recognized for their dedication, achievements manager, Leadership; Eric and commitment. Gallichant, executive casino Niyona Jackson, Infinity Buffet cook, was named Crew host, Suggest; Vanessa Noble, Member of the Quarter, and Justine Wheeler, pit manager, sous chef, Community Service; was named Manager of the Quarter. and Shay Smith, advertising James Jackson has been with Treasure Bay for 11 years. “Niyona and communications manager, Kruse has all the qualities a crew member should have,” said Tom Innovation. All winners receive Butler, Infinity Buffet manager. Total Return credits, preferred parking, a trophy and are in the running for the Wheeler, who has been with the company for eight years, annual Caesars Award of Excellence. was credited for her dedication and hard work. “Justine’s quick rise to pit manager is quite an accomplishment,” said Luke Parker, slot floor manager. Nominees, including Devon Alves, Marcus Atlas, Lindsey Catchot, Kendra Payton, Jimmy Roberts, Lourdes Rosado, Pat Shineflew, Jeannie Whipple and Larry Wright, received a cash award and a Treasure Bay gift card. Jackson and Wheeler each received a cash prize, engraved trophy, dinner for two at CQ, a day off with pay and a reserved parking space. Both are also eligible for the Crew Member of the Year Eric Vanessa Shay award. Gallichant Noble Smith Star employees honored for first quarter at Golden Nugget BILOXI — Golden Nugget Biloxi named its Star Employees of the Month for the first quarter, which included January, February and March. The quarterly Leadership Award recipient was announced, as well. The Star of the Month for January was Dwayne Stewart, hotel, while Kim Burdg, buffet, was Star of the Month for February and Robin Jackson, table games, was named Star of the Month for March. Jennifer Wine, retail Dwayne Kim Robin Jennifer manager, was given the Leadership Award. Stewart Burdg Jackson Wine Each Star of the Month employee received $300 cash and $100 in resort credit. The Leadership Award All will also get reserved parking spots and are now eligible to winner was awarded $500 cash and $200 in resort credit. be named the winner of the year at the annual banquet.
26 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018
People In The News
Terrence Charles Robert Brandi Virgil Mike Hardwick Vonderbruegge LaHatte Ingram Thompson Hryhorchuk IP Casino salutes team members for dedication BILOXI — IP Casino Resort Spa recently honored several team members for their dedication to customer service. Ceremonies held honored the Team Members of the Month for December and January, as well as honorees for Team Leader of the Quarter and Part-Time Team Member for the fourth quarter of 2017. December’s honorees included team members Terrence Hardwick, security; Charles Vonderbruegge, security; Robert “Bobby” LaHatte, table games; Brandi Ingram, purchasing; Virgil Thompson, slots; and Mike Hryhorchuk, facilities. Wendy Mucio Puga Mary Fourth quarter honorees included part-time team members Myers Resillas Wise Wendy Myers, marketing; Mucio Puga Resillas, environmental services; and Mary “LuLu” Wise, Senses Spa & Salon. And, Team Leaders of the Quarter honorees for the fourth quarter included Ngoc “Pearl” Ngo, housekeeping; Phillip Schenck, table games; and Ray Voeltz, food and beverage. January’s honorees included team members Hieu Luc, table games; Carrie Dearman, slots; James Cartwright, security; Debra Hight, food and beverage; Richard Cowart, facilities; and Sabrina “Bre” Hodge, entertainment. All winners received two show tickets, a recognition plaque, Ngoc Phillip Ray a special-edition nametag, a professional photo and front-of- Ngo Schenck Voeltz house/back-of-house recognition for the following month.
Hieu Carrie James Debra Richard Sabrina Luc Dearman Cartwright Hight Cowart Hodge
Happy Heroes
Riverwalk Casino Hotel named Tracy Franklin, food and beverage administration, and DeFrancis Harvey, slot tech, its Happy Heroes for February 2018. Franklin has been with the Vicksburg property since October 2016, while Harvey has been employed at Riverwalk since August 2008.
28 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018
Treasure Bay lets the good times roll BILOXI — The good pizza or dessert party. times were rolling at The umbrellas will be Treasure Bay’s Crew kept for Mardi Gras Member Mardi Gras decorations next year. Mambo celebration In conjunction in February. There with the event, the was plenty of food, food and beverage drinks, fun and prizes department held a throughout the day for contest for bartenders all to enjoy. Marilyn Mohler and Pat to create a signature The Second Line Shineflew, slot department, cocktail for Mardi Quinton Harris (center), Ameristar Umbrella decorating show off their first-place Gras. Casino security shift supervisor, contest was a big hit decorated umbrella. The winner was was surprised with the unveiling of his artwork at the Vicksburg with some very creative Mitchell Emery with casino. He is pictured with Annie designs. The slot department came in his Voodoo Jester. The drink was Jenkins, Ameristar vice president first place for their umbrella, while the featured during a special promotion on and assistant general manager; EDR was second and housekeeping Fat Tuesday and added to the menu at singers Eddie Cotton and Mr. Sipp; came in third. They each received a Agua. and Gerad Hardy, vice president and general manager. Employee Appreciation
Lady Luck Casino held Employee’s its annual employee blues appreciation crawfish boil in April. Employees art now hangs in who attended the event, held outside along the river, feasted on the spicy Ameristar Casino mudbugs and all the VICKSBURG — The artistry of fixings, along with other lunchtime fare. Quinton Harris, Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg security shift manager, can now be seen at the resort. Harris, a creative talent, recently painted portraits of International Blues Federation champions Eddie Cotton and Castro Lunching, learning at Gold Strike “Mr. Sipp” Coleman, not knowing that TUNICA RESORTS — he would eventually be able to see his Gold Strike recently held art while at work. its 2nd Annual Women in Impressed by the paintings, General Gaming Lunch and Learn. Manager Gerad Hardy purchased them During the luncheon, and later surprised Harris by hanging employees listened to the portraits in Ameristar’s Bottleneck some of the top female Blues Bar, sharing them with staff and executives and managers all who visit the popular music venue. as they told of their To make the evening more special, personal journeys that led Ameristar invited the subjects of the them to the positions they Gold Strike’s Lunch and Learn speakers. paintings to be there for the unveilings. are in today. Art has been in Harris’s blood for a “It was a great event, a wonderful chance to learn more about the struggles long time. He started drawing when some of them faced being in a male-dominated field while trying to advance. I he was a small child, then began enjoyed learning how they overcame to become a top leader with Gold Strike,” painting and later attended art school. said Wendy Nieder, employee engagement manager. “It was wonderful to see He is a member of the Vicksburg Art men in the audience supporting the women as well.” Association and has won numerous Speakers at the event included Sophorn Vongphrachanh, director of guest awards for his work. Although he is a experience; Carolyn Wright, director of housekeeping; Sherri Thomas, casino talented artist, he said music is his real controller; Ginger Lowell, director of finance; Claudia McGavran, assistant passion, and it was this passion that chief engineer; Kim Lyon, shift manager table games; Trish McKinney, inspired the works on display at the executive host; and Angie McArthur, restaurant operations manager. Bottleneck Blues Bar.
30 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 30 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Contributions & Donations Raising money for United Way worth sore muscles
By Lori Beth Susman tournament’s coordinator. “I figured kickball would be nice BILOXI — When it comes to helping and easy since it is played by mostly nonprofit organizations, casinos know elementary school kids,” he said. “I was how to kick things up. Several Gulf wrong! I don’t know if we are all more Coast properties recently participated sore the next day from using muscles in the 4th Annual United Way of we have not used since third grade South Mississippi/Harrah’s Gulf Coast kicking a large inflatable ball or from Kickball Tournament. The tournament, laughing so hard watching middle-aged rescheduled from November 2017, took men and women try to kick said large place in March and included eight casino inflatable ball.” teams. Hebert continued, “But, we get bigger The Back in Black team from Harrah’s The Harrah’s Gulf Coast Back in Black and more competitive each year, and Gulf Coast came in first place in the team came in first place, followed by the money raised for the United Way of recent kickball tournament. Beau Rivage’s Team Raf in second and South Mississippi makes it worth limping the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in third around the casino for the next week or The next tournament is set for place. so. It is definitely something different.” November. Also competing was a second Harrah’s team, Pretty in Pink; a second Beau team, Team Yellow; and teams from Golden Nugget, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast and Palace Casino Resort. The tournament, which raised $1,520 for the United Way of South Mississippi, was played on fields donated by the city of Biloxi at the AJ Holloway Sports Complex. Scottie Hebert, Harrah’s Beau Rivage’s Team Raf came in Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort came in limo driver, serves as the kickball second place. third place.
Women Build Volunteers in Action
Gold Strike employees continue to give back to their communities. Each month, a group of workers from the Tunica property Nine Beau Rivage Resort & Casino employees volunteer at the Odessa Grant got a team together for Habitat for Humanity Food Pantry. In February, National Women Build Week. The 11th volunteers were from the CSR annual event brought together women in Council, while in March table the community as they raised funds and games swing shift employees helped build homes for those in need. The took the lead and in April, the Beau Rivage team consisted of Casandra volunteers were from the table Caston, Tabia Love, Tricia McCrory, Danielle games grave shift. A group of Le, Nelia Whitaker, Anne Mockler, Tracey employees also stepped up to Dannenmueller, Rex Mason and Mavis volunteer at the Mid-South Food Mason, who helped build a home in Harrison Bank in March. They spent the County on April 23. The goal of the Women’s morning sorting and packing Build is to empower women as they join donated food. together to help others within the community.
32 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Contributions & Donations
Shared the Love
Kennedy Smith and Brooke Robbins of Harrah’s Gulf Coast presented The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast Pearl River Resort and Bok Homa Casino a $10,000 to help support their health and wellness associates Shared the Love in February with their program, Triple Play. With the Harrah’s executives are annual Valentine fundraiser for Heart Health Boys & Girls Club representatives and club members. Month. Associates purchased heart-shaped suckers to show their appreciation for fellow employees around the properties. This year, the associates we raised more than $3,700 for the Harrah’s donates to Boys & American Heart Association. Jordan Walker (center) with the American Heart Association, accepts the donation check from Pearl River Girl Clubs health program Resort associates Angelina Martin, Jason BILOXI — Harrah’s Gulf Coast recently presented the Boys Epsenhart, Tim Tubby, Cassandra Hickman, Lisa & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast with a $10,000 charitable Paul and Dominque Lewis. donation. The gift will further Triple Play — a comprehensive health and wellness program aimed at improving the health of Run Thru History children through education and physical activities. Since its founding in 1966, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast has been improving and enriching the lives of youth living WaterView in high-risk environments within Harrison and Hancock counties Casino Hotel was through developmental programs and advocacy efforts. With a sponsor for the Triple Play, their proven health and wellness program, the Run Thru History event held in organization expands its reach by improving the overall health of the Vicksburg club members by increasing daily physical activity, teaching good National Military nutrition and helping them develop healthy relationships. Park. Team “Harrah’s Gulf Coast believes deeply in the Boys & Girls Clubs’ members Ruth mission of providing mentorship, educational opportunities and Funches and safe environments for our youth,” said Kennedy Smith, vice Joyce Beacham president of marketing and hospitality for Harrah’s Gulf Coast. participated in “As the vice president of operations for the organization’s local the 39th annual chapter, I am proud that my parent company has partnered event. with this benevolent organization and their Triple Play program. We hope to spark change through this initiative and to help make Mississippi a healthier, more vibrant state.”
Career Fair Trop Casino Greenville participated in the Pathway to Possibilities Career Fair for 2,500 eighth graders in the Greenville area. The March 21 career fair gave students the opportunity to think about what path they would like to follow after graduation. Students had turns at the Wheel of Success, answering questions on a variety of subjects. (Left) A Greenville student gets advice from Bill Landers and Ebony Royal. (Right) Erica Waites and Shelia Combs work the Wheel of Success.
32 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 33 Contributions & Donations
Hard Rock
Golden Nugget Beau Rivage Deer Island Cleanup Volunteers from four Biloxi casinos participated in the Deer Island Cleanup in April in honor of Earth Day. The cleanup featured employees from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Golden Nugget Hotel Casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi and Harrah’s Gulf Coast. More than 170 volunteers collected 2.87 tons of debris from the island this year. The Deer Island Cleanup is the kick-off to the spring Renew Our Rivers schedule, an initiative that will also target Back Bay Biloxi, Tchoutacabouffa River and Okatoma River. Harrah’s Gulf Coast
MLK50 Volunteers Gold Strike volunteers were part of the MLK50 celebration at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. The historical event honored Dr. Martin Luther King on the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
34 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 35 Contributions & Donations
Food Drive Lunch Is Served Beau Rivage Resort & Casino employees donated a total of 2,669 pounds of food during the resort’s annual food drive, held to replenish the shelves at local soup kitchens and food banks. Our Daily Bread, The Lord is My Help, Back Bay Mission and Loaves and Fishes received the donations. Beau employees Michael Golden Nugget Biloxi employees Johnson, Stalla manager; Mark recently prepared and served lunch Agent, room chef manager; at Loaves and Fishes, a community Sarah Cormier, restaurant kitchen in Biloxi that feeds the manager; Roxann Reeves, uniform less fortunate in the community. control manager; and Elaine Employees volunteering were Melissa Borries, warehouse manager; Fanugao, Mike Hyde, Kara Reese, organized and helped distribute Kathy Duprey, Nancy Healy, the donations. The Biloxi property Timothy Sturtevant and Mary is dedicated to its community Nguyen. The mission at Loaves & partners and committed to Fishes is to fight hunger one meal at battling hunger. a time. Helping at the Walk Hollywood donates to community
TUNICA RESORTS — Hollywood Casino Tunica cast members presented four community organizations with a share of more than $2,000 at a recent luncheon in the Epic Buffet. Cast members donate money every year to a general community fund and help designate which local community organizations will receive support. Cindy Williams, casino Hollywood Casino Tunica cast members operations shift manager, said, presented donations to four community Harrah’s Gulf Coast team “This is an absolutely wonderful organizations, including The Boys & Girls members volunteered at the finale for the year. I am so very Club of Northwest Mississippi (above) and recent MS Walk, held to raise proud of every cast member who the O.B. McClinton Foundation (below). money to find a cure for multiple has contributed throughout the sclerosis. The volunteers worked year. The monetary amount is Organizations receiving donations to provide coffee and breakfast great, true, but the hearts and giving of items for the walkers and other this year were The Boys & Girls Club of those cast members are priceless.” volunteers. Northwest Mississippi ($662), the O.B. McClinton Foundation ($662), White Oak Community Center & Youth Program ($662) and the American Cancer Society ($313). Hollywood’s more than 500 cast members are a part of the resort’s commitment to giving community charities the star treatment. Throughout the year, Hollywood supports area communities and charities in a variety of ways.
SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 35 Contributions & Donations Stuffing Backpacks MGM Resorts donates to museum TUNICA RESORTS — MGM Resorts International, parent company of Gold Strike Casino Resort, donated $150,000 to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis in April. The funds supported the museum’s programming surrounding the 50th Beau Rivage Resort & Casino National Civil Rights Museum representatives accept employees helped prepare anniversary of the a check for $150,000 from Gold Strike. The casino’s food packs for children across assassination of civil parent company, MGM Resorts International, made the Gulf Coast. In two days, rights leader Dr. Martin the donation to commemorate the 50th anniversary 82 employees packed 4,414 Luther King Jr., which of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. backpacks, which were then given took place at the to local schools and distributed by Lorraine Motel, now the location of the theme, “MLK50 — Where Do We Go teachers. Among those stuffing National Civil Rights Museum, as well as From Here.” the backpacks was Beau Rivage enhancements of the museum’s physical Through the years, Gold Strike has President and COO Bill Boasberg. plant. developed a strong partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast’s The National Civil Rights Museum, in the museum. In what has become a Backpack Program helps meet conjunction with partner organizations Martin Luther King Jr. Day tradition, the needs of chronically hungry and civil rights leaders across the resort employees travel to Memphis children by providing nutritious country, has structured a year-long and volunteer by providing directional and easy-to-prepare food to take program of events and activities to assistance and venue information to home on weekends and school encourage others to continue the Civil guests visiting the museum’s annual King vacations when other resources are not available. Rights Movement while focusing on the Day celebration.
Bead Donation Celebration Help Hard Rock Biloxi employees collected used Mardi Gras beads in February and donated them to Gulf Coast Industries, a mental health center that has activity programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A total of 279.45 pounds of beads were recycled for the Save The Planet initiative. Pictured are (from left) Krista Mastroianni, table games; Jennifer Cartwright, marketing; and Melanie Givens, slots.
Caesar’s Entertainment Mid- Promoting Fire Safety South employees volunteered at Beau Rivage Resort & the MLK50 celebration held at Casino employee volunteers the National Civil Rights Museum teamed with the Biloxi Fire in Memphis. Volunteers included Department and American Red Regional Human Resources Cross to canvas homes in the Manager Tammy Young; Cynthia community to help promote J. Smith, wardrobe; Brenda fire safety. Eleven Beau Rivage Wilson-Thurman, table games; volunteers canvased the area, Trenya Lewellen, marketing; and a total of 105 homes Tyrone Daily, table games; received safety information, Denise Gilmore, table games; 35 homes were visited and 24 Jerome Patterson, table games; detectors installed. Beau Rivage’s corporate social responsibility team also Normellyn Baily, table games; presented close to $13,000 to the American Red Cross. and Bui Huyen Trang Mai, player development.
36 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018
MGHA Associate Member Profile TCVB assists in growing Tunica County
By David Grisham the Mississippi Legislature and the local Along with Barber and Cannon, the casino industry here commission includes TUNICA RESORTS — The associate on its creation,” said Toni Burns, vice member spotlight is on the Tunica Franklin. “Once passed president and general Tourism Commission, doing business as by the legislature manager of Sam’s the Tunica Convention & Visitor’s Bureau in May 1996, the Town Tunica; (TCVB). It is an entity that has a lot in tax began being Justin Carter, common with the Mississippi Gaming & collected in October general manager Hospitality Association (MGHA) — both of that year with the of Hollywood, 1st are all about the promotion of gaming CVB opening as a Jackpot and Resorts and hospitality in the Magnolia State. separate organization casinos (Carter The mission from the Chamber of recently replaced of the TCVB Commerce in January Melonie Johnson, is to assist 1997. I was hired who left Gold Strike in in growing by the initial November Tunica County’s Commission in after being economy December of named through direct ‘96 and have president selling and been here ever since.” and COO of MGM National Harbor in destination The legislation passed by the state Maryland); Evelyn Hubbard, pastor of marketing of legislature spells out the funding and Commerce Boulevard Christian Church; Tunica as a year board make-up. It is funded by a 3 and Delois Hardiman of North Delta round tourism Webster percent lodging tax and a 3 percent food Planning & Development District. destination. “We Franklin and beverage tax on non-complimentary Staff at the are charged items. The Commission is comprised TCVB includes with attracting of six members — five appointed by the Bill Canter, individual leisure travelers, motor coach Tunica County Board of Supervisors longtime director groups, meetings and conventions to (three must be general managers from of marketing the county,” said Webster Franklin, the casino industry) and one appointed and sales. “I president and CEO of the TCVB. by the Town of Tunica Mayor and Board hired Bill in the Tunica County played a critical of Aldermen. The president/CEO of spring of 1997 role in the growth of gaming and the Commission serves as an ex-officio as the director tourism in Mississippi during its first member. of marketing 25 years and its importance to the R. Scott Barber, regional president of and sales as a Bill Canter future of Mississippi gaming cannot be Caesars Entertainment Mid-South, was part of our initial overemphasized. Franklin has been the elected chairman of the Tunica Tourism start-up team,” driving force behind the TCVB since Commission last November, replacing said Franklin. “He and his family moved its inception and talked about how it longtime chairman Warren “Tutt” to Tunica from originated. “I came to Tunica in January Sullivan, who retired. Nolen Canon, Knoxville, where 1994 as the first paid director of the former chairman of the Mississippi he was a regional Tunica Chamber of Commerce. I soon Gaming Commission, was appointed to sales manager realized that what was most needed serve on the commission spot left open for Holiday Inn was an organization that strictly focused by Sullivan’s retirement. Corp.” Canter on the growing gaming and tourism On Barber’s election and the will be retiring industry.” appointment of Canon, Franklin said, at the end of Franklin said upon opening, the “Scott’s leadership over his years of June, Franklin Chamber soon found that most of what service on the Commission and in the said, and Mary it did was answer phone calls about Tunica gaming community has been Catherine Webb, Mary Catherine casinos and provide advice on where to an invaluable part of our organization’s who serves as Webb stay, how to get to Tunica and what was ability to develop cooperative marketing sales manager, being offered. programs designed to educate Tunica’s will assume his day-to-day sales activities “I began researching how other millions of annual visitors on all that and the market segments he represents communities handled this type of info there is to do and see in Tunica during on behalf of the destination. and learned that most areas had their visit and Nolen Canon brings a Chrissy Garner serves as the created a CVB supported by the hotel wealth of knowledge to the Tourism advertising and marketing manager and food and beverage tax. I drafted Commission from his time spent serving of the TCVB. “She came to the CVB the initial legislation and lobbied both on the Mississippi Gaming Commission.” from our original ad agency Combs
38 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 MGHA Associate Member Profile
starting in the spring of ’97, Bland oversees all financials and operations of the CVB and the Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center and Museum. Tenika Taylor is the TCVB Chrissy Lisa receptionist. All play Garner Konupka an important role in the TCVB’s mission. With eight casinos, 8,800 slot machines, 220 The Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center and Museum live table games, is a first stop for tourists to learn more about Tunica. 5,000 hotel rooms and suites, 27 and Company, where she served as restaurants, more than 160,000 our account exec,” Franklin said. “She square feet of meeting and exhibit handles all traditional advertising, space and headline entertainment in Stacey Tenika media buying and oversees all creative Tunica, Franklin and the team at the Bland Taylor elements.” TCVB have plenty to promote. Lisa Konupka keeps Tunica out in The TCVB is currently working on front as social media manager, handling three important projects — currently overall strategy to promote the ease of everything digital, from website to blog executing a strategic marketing travel to Tunica due to the opening of to social media. plan reaching and re-engaging the I-269 (scheduled for late summer) and Stacey Bland is the director of destination’s core market of 35-70-age is working with the Stennis Institute on a administration. An original member, bracket in select cities, developing an study of the Tunica market.
38 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 39 MGHA Member/Associate Member Directory
MGHA Members 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica Hard Rock Casino Biloxi Island View Casino Resort Tunica Roadhouse www.1stjackpot.com www.hrhcbiloxi.com www.islandviewcasino.com www.tunica-roadhouse.com
Ameristar Casino Hotel Harlow’s Casino Resort Isle of Capri Casino – Lula Sam’s Town Hotel & www.ameristar.com www.harlowscasino.com www.isleofcaprilula.com Gambling Hall www.samstowntunica.com Beau Rivage Harrah’s Gulf Coast Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg www.beaurivage.com www.harrahsgulfcoast.com www.ladyluckvicksburg.com Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort www.scarletpearlcasino.com Boomtown Casino Biloxi Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast Magnolia Bluffs Casino www.boomtownbiloxi.com www.hollywoodbsl.com www.magnoliabluffscasino.com Silver Slipper Casino Hotel www.silverslipper-ms.com Fitz Casino & Hotel Hollywood Casino Tunica Palace Casino Resort www.fitzgeraldstunica.com www.hollywoodcasinotunica.com www.palacecasinoresort.com Treasure Bay Casino Resort www.treasurebay.com Golden Nugget Biloxi Horseshoe Tunica Resorts Casino Tunica www.goldennugget.com/ www.horseshoetunica.com www.resortstunica.com Trop Casino - Greenville biloxi/ www.tropgreenville.com IP Casino Resort Spa Riverwalk Casino Hotel Gold Strike www.ipbiloxi.com www.riverwalkvicksburg.com WaterView Casino & Hotel www.goldstrike.com www.waterviewcasino.com
MGHA Associate Members Ainsworth Game Technology Everi Mississippi Development Authority Rex Distributing Company www.agtslots.com www.everi.com www.visitmississippi.org www.rexdc.com
Aruze Gaming Family Frozen Foods Mississippi Economic Council Roy Anderson Corp. www.aruzegaming.com www.familyfrozen.com/ www.msmec.com www.rac.com
Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell F.E.B. Distributing/ Mississippi Gulf Coast Scientific Games www.bakerdonelson.com Capital City Beverages Community College www.scientificgames.com www.febdistributing.com www.mgccc.edu Balch & Bingham LLP Snapshot Publishing-Official www.balch.com Gaming Laboratories, Inc. Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Mississippi Tour Guide www.gaminglabs.com www.msgulfcoastmarathon.com www.mississippitourguide.com Beecher Carlson Holdings www.beechercarlson.com Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Mississippi Hospitality & Stewart Sneed & Hewes www.flygpt.com Restaurant Association www.stewartsneedhewes.com Biloxi Boardwalk Marina www.msra.org (Ferrara Land) IGT (G-Tech) Sysco www.biloxiboardwalkmarina.com www.igt.com Mississippi Hotel & Lodging www.sysco.com Association BMM Testlabs Jones Walker www.mshla.com Thompson and Associates, LLC www.bmm.com www.joneswalker.com www.thompsonandassociatesllc. M2 Media Corp. com Butler Snow Julia Carcamo & Associates www.msgamingnews.com www.butlersnow.com www.jcarcamoassociates.com Tunica Convention & Visitors Mississippi Power Company Bureau Capitol Resources Konami Gaming www.mississippipower.com www.tunicatravel.com www.capitolresourcesllc.com www.konamigaming.com Mississippi Tourism Association Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast Cintas Kronos www.mstourism.com www.gulfcoast.org www.cintas.com www.kronos.com Mitchell Distributing Company VizExplorer DEQ Systems Corp. Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie www.mitchcompanies.com www.vizexplorer.com www.deq.com www.lrrc.com Pearl River Resort Watkins & Eager Doctor On Call Medical Analysis www.pearlriverresort.com www.watkinseager.com www.doctoroncall.org www.medanalysis.net Pelican Waste & Debris YATES Construction Dukes Dukes Keating & Faneca, www.pelicanwaste.net www.wgyates.com PA www.ddkf.com
40 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 Mississippi Casino Games Analysis
First Quarter 2018 Table Game Analysis
First Quarter 2018 Slot Analysis
40 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 41 Health Fair The annual health fair at Treasure Bay brought together more than 30 health care providers for crew members and their families. Hosted by the Wellness Committee, the daylong event offered health screenings, safety tips, nutritional Gold Strike employees on Earth Day. information and more. Screenings included tests for bone density and Gold Strike celebrates cholesterol, B-12 shots and nutrition. Massage therapy provided by students at Blue Cliff College PROUD SPONSORS OF GAMING NEWS Earth Day with events was especially popular. In addition to health care, several educational and financial institutions were also on hand. TUNICA RESORTS — Gold Strike held several events Informative and fun, there were many giveaways and door to help commemorate Earth Day. Employees wearing prizes, including gift certificates, yoga classes, holiday green participated in the 2018 Earth Day 5K and 1 wreaths and gift baskets. Crew members Laura Morris, Mile Walk. Kenny Key and Amy Willis enjoyed the day. Trophies were awarded to the top three men and women racers. Among the men, Jason Berry, IT, Healthy Snacking came in first place, followed by Thomas Richardson, IT, second, and Joaquin Garcia, table games, third. Pearl River Resort participated Coming in first place for the women was Andrea Clark, in the annual Choctaw Central Middle School Health Fair. The hotel housekeeping, with Jessica Metty, surveillance, resort provided healthy snack in second and Carrie Jackson, food and beverage, alternatives to the students, in third. Jackson also received a trophy for being including apples, bananas and the most spirited, as did Jennifer Williams, senior granola bars, along with bottled financial analyst, and Linda Millbrook, table games, water. Approximately 500 young who tied for second place. people visited the health fair, which Also at the event, there was Earth Day-based trivia, featured exhibits from the National information on how to recycle and helpful tips on how Weather Service, Choctaw Fire, to conserve water. Winners of the trivia contest won a Choctaw Police and other Tribal potted succulent to coincide with the Earth Day theme. and community agencies. Walking Day Losing for a cause at Harrah’s BILOXI — Harrah’s Gulf Coast recently held the Lose for a Cause Weight Loss Competition. For every five pounds lost by participating team members, Harrah’s donated two buffets to local first responders. Competitive teams made up The first Wednesday in April is known of 73 Harrah’s team members as National Start Walking Day. The participated. Team Twinkie Gerald Rebecca American Heart Association sponsors Defense out-lost all other teams Husley Weems this day to remind people about the health benefits of taking a walk. Hard to win the competition, losing Rock employees laced up their tennis 206.6 pounds. The weight loss resulted in 82 buffets being donated to shoes and walked one mile around first responders. Team Twinkie Defense consisted of Cookie Palmer, EDR; Biloxi’s Town Green to observe the and Nathan Caldwell, Gerald Husley, Karen Pringle and Rebecca Weems, day and kick off their annual walking surveillance. Individual winners were Husley and Weems. challenge. In the challenge, employees Individual winners each received a premier parking spot for the year and use are encouraged to form teams and of the Bellissimo Spa workout room for six months. The winning team won a TO BE A SPONSOR OF MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS CONTACT: record their steps for six weeks. The Free Jeans Week and use of the Bellissimo Spa for six months. LORI BETH SUSMAN AT: [email protected] or 228-861-8379 team with the most steps at the end of Harrah’s set up information tables to help employees learn about healthy the challenge wins a prize. ways to lose weight.
42 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2018 PROUD SPONSORS OF GAMING NEWS Thank you to the following casinos and businesses for sponsoring the official newsmagazine of the Mississippi gaming industry.
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DIAMONDJACKS WORKERS EMPLOYEES ARE GOOD AS SPEND A DAY OF CARING CELEBRATING FOUNDERS GOLD AT TUNICA CASINO DAY AT HARD ROCK TO BE A SPONSOR OF MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS CONTACT: LORI BETH SUSMAN AT: [email protected] or 228-861-8379 12268 Intraplex Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503 • (228) 385-7707 www.mslagamingnews.com