Page 4 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Summer, 2026

Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association
Three to be inducted into MS Gaming Hall of Fame
Official Newsmagazine of the Mississippi Gaming Industry
SUMMER 2026 Volume XXII Issue 2
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
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Copyright, 2026
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.
MISSISSIPPI — The celebration
of gaming continues with the eighth annual Hall of Fame Dinner Gala, sponsored by the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association (MGHA). The June event will honor industry leaders who have played a significant role in the Mississippi gaming landscape.
Gaming industry leaders will be inducted into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame on June 18 at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis. The event includes the fourth annual Casino Cup Golf Tournament, taking place at The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood. Casinos, businesses and individuals can participate in the tournament.
Larry Gregory, executive director
of the MGHA, said the association honors leaders in the Mississippi
gaming industry whose efforts
have driven its success and whose lasting contributions continue to
shape its future. “This prestigious
award celebrates those who have profoundly influenced the evolution
and advancement of the casino industry,” Gregory said.
The 2026 class of honorees includes:
-Industry Pioneer: Joe Billhimer, chief operating and development officer, Cordish Gaming Group
Billhimer showed extraordinary leadership in the wake of Hurricane Katrina by first prioritizing the safety and support of his team members and their families, then spearheading the complex multi-year rebuild of Hard Rock Biloxi. The triumphant reopening of the Biloxi property, with its iconic guitar, became a powerful symbol of resilience for the region’s gaming industry and coastal community, restoring jobs and economic vitality. His efforts led him to be named Casino Journal’s “Executive of the Year.”
-Industry Influencer: Gaming executive
John Ferrucci
Ferrucci demonstrated that casino leadership extends far beyond financial performance. Recognized for more than 30 years of dedicated service and leadership in the state’s gaming industry before his
Joe Billhimer
John Ferrucci
2025 retirement, Ferrucci most recently served as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Full House Resorts and general manager of Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. Through his
deep commitment to community involvement, he elevated the property’s standing while earning prestigious
4MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
SUMMER 2026
Allen Godfrey
honors including Citizen of the Year from the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Industry Person of the Year. He is widely respected across the Gulf Coast for his generous and consistent support of charities and civic organizations.
-Industry Regulatory/Government Official: Allen Godfrey, deputy director for the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association
Godfrey, first as deputy director (2003) and then as executive director (2011) of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, was instrumental in guiding the industry through continued growth, as well as assisting the industry to overcome several disasters.
He was involved in the state’s efforts to rebuild the coastal casinos after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and he also helped lead the industry through the 2010 BP oil spill and the major Mississippi River flood of 2011, which impacted many casinos along the Mississippi River.
Visit msgaminghalloffame.com to purchase sponsorships, tickets to the dinner, or to participate in the tournament.