Page 3 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Spring, 2023

Table of Contents
Al Hopkins,
MGC chairman,
dies at 81
MISSISSIPPI — Maj. Gen. Alben (Al) Norris
Hopkins,
Sr.
(retired), age 81, passed away Feb. 12, 2023. Hopkins served
as the
chairman
of the
Mississippi Gaming Commission from 2015 until his death. He navigated the industry through
the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in it reopening quickly and safely.
Born in Ripley, Mississippi on
Feb. 14, 1941, he grew up in nearby Walnut, Mississippi. Hopkins attended Delta State University on
a basketball scholarship and earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1965 and an Honorary Master of Laws Degree from the Mississippi College School of Law in 2010.
He began his law practice in Jackson, Mississippi with the law firm of Daniel, Coker and Horton in 1965. He moved with his law firm to Gulfport in 1970, later opening his own firm known today as Hopkins, Barvie’ & Hopkins, PLLC.
Hopkins retired as a Major General from the Mississippi National Guard. He entered
military service in 1965 and later graduated from the Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He served more than 22 years as a staff judge advocate
for the Mississippi Army National Guard before serving four years
as an assistant adjutant general of Mississippi.
In addition to being chairman of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, he served on many boards and received countless honors.
Al Hopkins, Sr.
THISISSUE
6
24
21
EVERYISSUE
COVER STORY
8 AGA Reports on
Recording-Breaking Year
Mississippi Gulf Coast remains fifth largest gaming market.
FEATURES
4 Guest Editorial
Jay McDaniel, Mississippi Gaming Commission.
6 Recognition Realized
Many lauded as outstanding in the industry.
19 Welcome to Tunica CNE Gaming assumes operations at Gold Strike.
14 Anniversary Time Longevity celebrated for casino employees.
24 Happy Holidays Properties go all out to make merry during holiday season.
SPRING 2023
7 5 Minutes With
Tim Morrissey, Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel, Natchez.
10 Moving Ahead
Variety of promotions awarded across the state.
18 People In The News Annual honors announced at Golden Nugget.
26 Contributions & Donations Big season of giving for casinos statewide.
SPRING 2023 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 3