Page 4 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Winter, 2024

Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association
Thirty years after 1994 boom
year for MS gaming, industry
continues to top $2 billion a year
Official Newsmagazine of the Mississippi Gaming Industry
WINTER 2024 Volume XXI Issue 4
STAFF
W. Michael Sunderman
Publisher michael@m2mediacorp.com
Lori Beth Susman
General Manager / Executive Editor loribeth@m2mediacorp.com
Mary Sunderman
Associate Publisher mary@m2mediacorp.com
David Grisham
Contributing Editor david@m2mediacorp.com
Amy Chataginer
Business Manager manager@m2mediacorp.com
Designers
Brian Treadaway
READER SERVICES
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Copyright, 2024
Mississippi Gaming News
(MGN) is owned and published by M2 Media Corp., 12268 Intraplex Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503. MGN is produced in cooperation with the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association. The contents of MGN are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
By Larry Gregory
I am pleased to reflect on the growth of gaming in our state and marking a pivotal year in our industry’s history. While many remember 1992, when the Isle of Capri opened in Biloxi as Mississippi’s first casino in August, it is important to also consider another transformative year — 1994.
central to our success, with our top priority being that guests play responsibly and for enjoyment.
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, our casinos offer activities to raise awareness of breast cancer. In my 10th year of remission, I am especially proud to be part of an industry that supports cancer awareness. In this issue, you’ll find photos of events at our casinos, including heart walks and charity walkathons. Thank you to the many team members who volunteered.
• Here at the MGHA, we have two major events each year. First, we have our annual Hall of Fame in Biloxi. This event
is held either in May or June. Although
we have not finalized the details for next year’s event, please plan on attending to see this spectacular celebration honoring the pioneers of gaming in our state. This is a must-see that honors those who have contributed to the success in gaming.
Secondly, we just finished our second annual Casino Cup Golf Classic in Vicksburg. Our operators enjoy meeting each other at the golf tournament and competing to bring home the trophy, which they take back to proudly house at their property. It is a great opportunity for the GMs and their team members to network, rekindle relationships, eat, drink, and laugh while playing golf and doing some fundraising. This year, the team from Silver Slipper Casino Hotel won the big trophy to take home.
• Finally, the 2025 legislative session will convene in January, providing us the opportunity to engage with lawmakers, educate them on the industry’s contributions, and discuss challenges ahead.
We appreciate everyone working in our industry to make it a success. Thanks to the many guests that continue to visit and come back.
Happy holidays!
Larry Gregory is the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association. He can be reached at lgregory@msgaming.org.
Although no one knew what to expect when the Isle of Capri first opened its doors, it didn’t take
long for major industry players to recognize
the promise of gaming in the Magnolia State. They quickly went all-in.
Larry Gregory
The early success of gaming sparked a wave of casino development that culminated in 1994, a year that saw Mississippi’s gaming industry boom. This moment in time laid the solid foundation for the growth and prosperity we continue to enjoy today.
Gaming revenue numbers remain
strong. As of September 2024, year- to-date statewide revenue reached $1,831,603,551, setting it on track to exceed $2 billion for the year. This will mark the fourth consecutive year that our state has enjoyed gross gaming revenue well over $2 billion.
Other items of note:
• Each year the American Gaming Association supports Responsible Gaming Education Week. This year, it took place from Sept. 19 to 25, with many of our operators participating to promote responsible gambling practices.
Responsible gaming programs are a
vital part of Mississippi casinos, aiming to ensure that patrons view casino games as a form of entertainment. The MGHA conducts annual “Train the Trainer” sessions at properties statewide to support these programs. Promoting responsible gaming and addressing problem gambling are
4MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
WINTER 2024