Page 12 - MGHA Annual Report, 2024

I am pleased to present the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association’s (MGHA) Annual Report. The 2023 performance once again proved to be another success story for commercial gaming. We were extremely grateful not to have experienced catastrophic weather or widespread health issues. Our industry is proud of its third year of great gross gaming revenue — approximately $2.49 billion in 2023.
Our 2023 Annual Report offers a thorough analysis of the Mississippi gaming market. It serves to inform our public officials, gaming employees, associate members, and the public about the input our industry has had on our state in terms of tax revenue, jobs and tourism. Tourism is vital. It is the state’s fourth largest industry, and the gaming industry plays a key role.
This comprehensive overview is a complete guide, providing key decision makers with vital information and statistics. This data gives industry partners a glimpse into the positive impact that we have on the state.
We are thankful for the leadership provided by Rep. Casey Eure, chair of the House Gaming Committee, and Sen. David Blount, chair of the Senate Gaming Committee. They both assist in leading our industry’s continued success. Our industry is fortunate to be regulated by a fair and impartial Mississippi Gaming Commission. MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel employs a steady hand in determining issues related to our industry. We appreciate Jay’s leadership at the MGC.
Some of the changes in 2023:
Larry Gregory
• Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica was acquired by CNE Gaming Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of the Cherokee Nation, which marks the first time in Mississippi history that a Native American tribe has owned a commercial gaming facility licensed by the MGC.
• The Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force undertook a comprehensive analysis of mobile sports betting. After several meetings, the Task Force issued its report on Dec. 15, 2023. The final report is now in the hands of the state legislature, and it will be up to them to make this form of gaming legal.
We can be proud of our operators investing in their properties and keeping them fresh for the many guests that visit each year. Golden Nugget spent $1 million on a new sports book, and Beau Rivage invested millions of dollars on the refurbishment of its rooms, buffet and poker room. The Horseshoe in Tunica opened the doors to Guy Fieri’s restaurant.
Looking back over the past three decades, gaming is still a robust industry. Our industry continues to serve as an economic engine for driving Mississippi’s economy while also driving tourism.
MGHA is proud to provide Responsible Games Training to its members and employees in a program approved by the MGC. Our efforts to promote responsible gaming training will continue in 2024. The MGHA will be looking for better ways to support efforts to assist those negatively impacted by compulsive gambling.
Last year was an exciting year for gaming in Mississippi. Once again, we have shown that our industry is geared toward improvement regardless of the difficulties. We know that success doesn’t happen alone. We are thankful to have the best and brightest GMs to provide leadership. They are featured on the cover of this report. These talented men and women, along with their team members, our governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, regulators, and our communities make Mississippi the best state for gaming and fun.
I would also like to thank the MGHA chair, Penny Bankston, for her leadership. It has been instrumental in this year’s success.
Larry Gregory
Executive Director, Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association
LETTER FROM MGHA
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR