Page 8 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Winter, 2024

Sports big at casinos in many ways
By David Grisham and Lori Beth Susman
MISSISSIPPI — Sportsbooks are big
at Mississippi casinos and so are sports
in general. Screens in casinos across the state are always tuned to sporting events on weekends, and on games days, employees can often be seen sporting jerseys of their favorite team or player.
Casino employees are not just sports
fans, they are actively getting into the game by participating in casino and industry promoted events — like golf, volleyball or other recreational pursuits. Add the fact that many of these sports-related activities are fundraisers for charity, and winning is a lot more than who comes in first — it is about giving back to the community. The charity tie-in also amplifies the experience, giving participants a sense of purpose beyond personal enjoyment or team bonding.
Employee sporting activities also offer many more benefits, from improved physical health and stress relief to increased morale and stronger teamwork skills. These events can even foster camaraderie and promote a culture of wellness.
For companies, these events align with corporate social responsibility goals, enhancing the organization’s image and building loyalty among employees, who see their employer as committed to the community.
Mississippi Gaming News takes a closer look at recent sports-related events in the gaming industry, where fun and philanthropy go hand in hand.
MGHA Statewide Tournament
The 2024 Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association Casino Cup took place in October at the Vicksburg County Club. Twelve teams competed for bragging rights and the chance to keep the trophy for a year in this popular event.
The four-man team — Chuck Barras, David Pisarich, Rich Chase, and David Boyd — from Silver Slipper Casino Hotel in Hancock County came in first place, followed by a team from the Mississippi Gaming Commission in second. The team from Island View Casino Resort, last year’s winner, came in third.
Teams came from casinos and businesses across the state to participate in this tournament, now in its second year. A welcome reception, sponsored by Visit Vicksburg, was held the night before at Key City Brewing Co., followed by breakfast, the golf tournament,
lunch and an
awards ceremony. Sponsors included Gold Strike Casino Resort, Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, Riverwalk Casino Hotel, Boyd Gaming, and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort.
In addition to
providing fun and
fellowship, the
tournament raised
funds, allowing the
MGHA to make a
$500 donation to the
Mississippi Center for
Police and Sheriffs. This non-profit organization provides shelter, safety, and outreach services to victims of violent crime, domestic violence and human trafficking, in addition to serving at- risk youth, the medically vulnerable and others.
Michael Sunderman, publisher and president of M2 Media Corp. and tournament organizer for the MGHA, expressed his appreciation to all involved. “Thank you to
the sponsors and teams who traveled to the historic Vicksburg Country Club to compete. This second Casino Cup was a success and we look forward to seeing where the Casino Cup goes next year.”
Competing in Vicksburg
The properties in Vicksburg have been engaging in friendly competition since 2023 when Bally’s Vicksburg hosted a kickball tournament and all four properties participated. In 2024, it was agreed each property — Ballys, Riverwalk Casino Hotel,
The Silver Slipper Casino Hotel team came in first place
in the second annual MGHA Casino Cup golf tournament. MGHA Executive Director Larry Gregory (second from right) congratulates the winners: Chuck Barras, David Pisarich, Rich Chase and David Boyd.
Ameristar Casino Hotel and WaterView Casino Hotel — would host a different competition throughout the year.
Bally’s hosted a second kickball tournament in May, followed by a golf tournament hosted and organized by Ameristar in July. And in October, Riverwalk organized, hosted and won a volleyball tournament.
Chris Melton, purchasing manager
at WaterView, served as the property’s
coach. “Each property has found success
in the competitions. So far, each has won a tournament. Ameristar won the first kickball tournament in 2023. WaterView won the second kickball tournament in May. Bally’s
was victorious in the July golf tournament,
and Riverwalk took the title in the recent volleyball tournament,” he said, adding, “The tournaments are an outlet for employees from all of the properties to get together outside
of the normal work environment and enjoy competition and collectively have fun. They also
8MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
WINTER 2024
Riverwalk Casino Hotel was the latest winner in the competitions hosted by the four Vicksburg casinos.
help in building relationships with the other properties.”
Coming soon to Vicksburg, the four will compete in a cornhole tournament.
Gulf Coast Plays Cornhole
Treasure Bay in Biloxi hosted the inaugural Casino Operators Cornhole Tournament. Eleven Gulf Coast casinos fielded 23 teams in the tournament, which was a special fundraiser for the American Heart Association’s Heart
Walk. The tournament, which raised more than