Page 10 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Fall, 2025

MS Gaming Hall of Fame inducts three By Lori Beth Susman
GULF COAST — The Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association (MGHA) honored three pioneers of Mississippi’s gaming industry at its seventh annual Hall of Fame Dinner Gala in June. Duncan McKenzie, Hugh Keating, and former Gov. Kirk Fordice were inducted into the 2025 Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to the industry’s foundation.
McKenzie received an Industry Pioneer honor, Keating was recognized as an Industry Influencer and the late Fordice was inducted for his contributions as an Industry Regulatory/Government Official. Industry executives, employees, suppliers, family members and friends gathered to recognize the contributions of these men at the Celebration of Gaming Hall of Fame Dinner Gala.
Larry Gregory, MGHA executive director, welcomed attendees at the opening of the event. “We are honoring three outstanding pioneers in the gaming
Duncan McKenzie was inducted into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame. The gaming consultant, pictured with his family, was recognized as an Industry Pioneer.
industry. We are where we are today from the vision
they had many years ago,”
he said. “We are thankful
for their dedication and commitment and want to show our appreciation as they are inducted into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame.”
years in Mississippi. Before arriving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1999, he was general manager of the Flamingo Casino New Orleans (1992-1997) and later worked at the Flamingo Casino in Kansas City (1997-1999).
In 1999, McKenzie arrived in Gulfport joining the Grand Casino
team, first as executive vice president and general manager of Grand Casino Gulfport, then as president and general manager
of Grand Casino Biloxi,
a position he held until 2005.
In 2005, McKenzie became regional vice president of Isle of Capri Casinos overseeing
He also thanked his wife, daughters, and their families for their continued support. “How lucky am I,” McKenzie said. “What a great ride.”
Hugh Keating, Industry Influencer
“You know, life is full of opportunities,” Keating said as he accepted his award. “Sometimes when they present themselves, you don’t recognize them. And if you do recognize them, you don’t know what to do with them, and you don’t know who to ask or how to go about it. But, I’ve been blessed. I’ve been fortunate.”
Keating, who was recently elected mayor of Gulfport, is an AV-rated preeminent attorney with 45 years of legal practice
in Mississippi and a pivotal figure in the state’s gaming industry. His instrumental contributions began in 1988, supporting the passage of the Cruise Vessel Gaming Act, which enabled dockside gaming,
and the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, which established the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
Keating worked with gaming industry leaders Sy Redd, Rick Carter and Terry Green in 1988, handling all legal aspects
in the formation of Pride Cruise Lines,
Ltd. and Gulfside Casino Partnership, operator for the gaming vessel known as the M/V Pride of Mississippi. He closed
the transaction for the acquisition of the Pride of Mississippi, which was purchased by Gulfside Casino Partnership, and placed into service in 1989 as a gambling vessel in what was called “cruises to nowhere,” traveling through the Mississippi Sound into international waters.
The attorney drafted and negotiated the first gaming vessel lease with the
Gregory acknowledged
Barry Regula, general
manager of Hollywood Casino
Gulf Coast, the venue for the dinner gala,
as well as the event’s presenting sponsors, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and Island View Casino Resort.
“We have been fortunate to have many casinos and companies as partners,” Gregory said before introducing the Hall of Fame’s newest members. “These individuals have exhibited extraordinary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment. They have helped to propel Mississippi to new horizons, shaping the landscape for generations to come. We are proud to honor this Class of 2025.”
The 2025 Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame Class:
Duncan McKenzie, Industry Pioneer
McKenzie has spent almost 30 years in key leadership roles in the casino industry, with more than 20 of those
four properties in Mississippi and one in Louisiana. McKenzie held this role until 2008, when he followed the beat and became president and general manager of Biloxi’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Among his highlights at the property was managing the construction of the second hotel tower.
In 2014, McKenzie moved to IP Casino Resort Spa, where he served as vice president and general manager until 2020.
Currently a gaming consultant, McKenzie credited those he worked with through
the years, including gaming regulators and commissioners, elected officials, friends and coworkers. “Thank you to my employers and bosses over the years, mentoring and giving me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and trusting me to take on more responsibility. I’ve had many mentors and
a lot of help since my beginnings in 1975. Thank you for the trust.”
Larry Gregory
10 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
FALL 2025