Page 16 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Fall, 2022

Industry leaders reflect on 30 years of gaming
“The Cruise
Vessel Gaming Act
allowed the Pride
of Mississippi, the
first legal casino
gambling operation
in the state of
Mississippi, to
begin cruising
with passengers
in 1989. Our
operations, which began with the Pride of Mississippi, have grown into what we know today as Island View Casino Resort. The Mississippi gaming industry has faced many challenges, and our state leaders have had tremendous foresight to adapt our laws
to address these challenges and to help support and protect this industry. Because of this strong leadership and the continued investment by our industry, we have seen countless benefits to the Coast region and to the entire state of Mississippi. We are very proud and thankful to have been part of this great industry for more than 30 years.”
Rick Carter, co-owner Island View Casino Resort
“To put 30 years into perspective,
consider how many of the transplants to the Mississippi Gulf Coast who moved here 30
years ago became established in the region
and now consider themselves locals, and
how many homegrown people from our area
are now seasoned gaming professionals.
Tourism has always been a cornerstone
of the Mississippi Gulf Coast economy;
hospitality is in our collective DNA, and that
has always been a key ingredient to the industry’s success on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
Scott King, Assistant General Manager Golden Nugget Biloxi
“After 30 years of gaming in Mississippi, what stands out to me is the unique experience we have cultivated and become known for. Caesars Entertainment is fortunate to have multiple properties in Mississippi. We hear time and time again that people travel long distances to play at a Mississippi casino to experience the genuine and personalized Southern hospitality and service they only get here in Mississippi. More specifically here on the Coast, the resilience that has been displayed in these 30 years is awe inspiring. Given all this market has faced over the years, it continues to be a destination of choice for regional out of town guests and that is a true testament to the genuine guest service and relationships that cannot be found in other parts of the country. I am proud to have been a part of this industry’s storied history in Mississippi.
Jonathan Jones, general manager Harrah’s Gulf Coast
“The most compelling stories over the past 30 years are those involving the spirit of giving back to communities, not only by the operators, but, more importantly, by the team members within the organizations. I am proud to be part of an industry that supports and organizes teams who consistently pay it forward through fundraising events, community clean-ups and many other volunteer activities.”
Susan Varnes, President & COO Treasure Bay
“The
industry’s
target audience
has evolved
from the early
years of simply
attracting
customers from
surrounding
states. With
the large
customer databases of the global gaming companies the industry has introduced the Mississippi Gulf Coast
to people from all over the country. The genuine Southern hospitality culture
that our employees and the community give to these individuals has kept
them returning and helped the market overcome the proliferation of gaming
in nearby states. It truly is a great partnership between the community and the industry.”
Brandon Dardeau, President & Chief Operating Officer MGM Resorts Southeast Operations
“The gaming industry in Mississippi has been a success story of evolution and persistence. It began mostly with small entrepreneurial companies taking a risk on a new frontier. As they enjoyed success, others followed, and the market continued to grow. Those properties then began to invest in hotels, restaurants, and other amenities and soon, larger gaming companies took notice and moved in expanding the market reach and offerings even further. The early days of riverboats and barges, boxing events in parking lots, laser light shows, a fire- breathing dragon, and all-you-can-eat buffets have turned into world-class resorts featuring the best in gaming, Four Diamond hotels, theaters, award- winning restaurants, golf courses, and spas. Despite the nationwide expansion of gaming, hurricanes, floods, oil spills, and recessions, over the past 30 years the Mississippi gaming industry continues to grow stronger year after year.”
Todd Raziano, Regional Vice President & General Manager Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
16 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS FALL 2022