Page 6 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Winter, 2025

Gulf Coast casinos have a ball for charity
GULF COAST — The second annual Casino Charity Cup concluded with high energy and heartfelt community spirit as South Mississippi casinos came together for a day of friendly competition and charitable giving. Held on Sept. 30, the event raised more than $10,000 for
the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, continuing a tradition of industry-wide support for local nonprofits.
This year’s tournament featured a pickleball competition, hosted by Harrah’s Gulf Coast Resort and Casino (the 2024 champions). Participating casinos included Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Treasure Bay, Beau Rivage, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, Island View Casino Resort, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, Boomtown Casino Biloxi, IP Casino Resort Spa and Golden Nugget Biloxi.
After a spirited series of matches, Beau Rivage emerged victorious, with the team of Stafan Humer and Ashley Thrash claiming first place and earning the honor of taking home the Casino Charity Cup. Treasure
Bay, led by Susan Varnes and Andy Davis, secured second place, while the Beau Rivage team of Jordan Ladner and Will Coffman claimed third place, showcasing their depth and skill on the court.
As the 2025 champions, Beau Rivage will host next year’s event and select both the competition format and the charitable
Nine Gulf Coast casinos had players participate in the Casino Charity Cup pickleball tournament with a Beau Rivage team taking the top spot. (Below) The tournament raised more than $10,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast.
beneficiary for the 2026 Casino Charity Cup.
“We’re proud to
see our industry come
together not just for
fun, but for a meaningful
cause,” said Harrah’s
Gulf Coast General
Manager Jonathan
Jones. “The support
for the Boys & Girls
Clubs of the Gulf Coast
was inspiring and we’re excited to see how Beau Rivage will carry the torch forward in 2026.”
The Casino Charity Cup continues to
grow as a signature event for the Gulf Coast gaming community, blending competition, camaraderie and commitment to local youth development.
>> From Page 4
Hospitality Association (MGHA) working alongside Executive Director Larry Gregory. Larry is an icon of the gaming industry, having worked at the Mississippi Gaming Commission for 15 years (the last 10 years as executive director) and having led MGHA for nearly 15 years. It is a privilege to call him my colleague and friend.
Eight years ago, I joined Island View Casino Resort as vice president and general counsel, this time working for gaming pioneers Rick Carter and Terry Green. Island View is a family-owned business. Once the smallest casino in Mississippi, Island View has grown into one of the largest casinos in the state under the leadership of Lindsey Inman and John Bakley.
With more than 1,600 employees, Island View is recognized by Forbes as one of the top Mississippi employers,
as the No. 1 U.S. casino for its rewards program, and as one of the top 10 casinos in the nation.
To say I have been blessed in my career is an understatement. Literally, every person I have met and worked with along the way has been a blessing. When I see current and former colleagues, it is the same as seeing my old friends. My career is like what the country song says, “Do something you love and call it work.”
In my role as legal counsel, I have worked alongside many of the most talented attorneys, including the likes
of Brian Wallace, Nan Alessandra,
Cliff Hodge, Reuben Anderson, Jenny Verden, Jack Dunbar, Cal Mayo, David Ellis, Joe Sam Owen, Michael Bentley, Michael Cavanaugh, Ronald Peresich, Hugh Keating, Patrick Buchanan,
David Stewart, Jason Sumrall, Danny McDaniel, Amy Elder, Scott Andress, Tommy Shepherd, Katie Hester, and several in-house counsel, including Cathy
Beeding and Anthony DelVescovo.
One month ago, I was appointed chair
of the MGHA. What an honor. What a journey.
As I look ahead at the future of gaming in Mississippi, I see how important it is to remain true to our history and to the vision of those who founded this industry. I am a witness to the good brought about by this industry. I proudly share “our story” with those I meet outside of Mississippi.
I hope it will serve as an inspiration to others, but most of all, I hope we never forget the leaders whose vision and perseverance changed Mississippi and the lives of innumerable Mississippians ... for the better.
Mike Bruffey is vice president and general counsel at Island View Casino Resort. He was recently appointed chair of the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association.
6MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
WINTER 2025