Page 16 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Fall, 2025

Moving Ahead
Lepre Is Back
Fitz Casino & Hotel recently announced the return of Adolph Lepre as the director of table games and sportsbook. Lepre is well- known in the Tunica market, and to Fitz Casino players in particular. Lepre was a driving force behind
many successful table game promotions and blackjack tournaments at the casino.
16 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS FALL 2025
New leadership appointments at Ameristar
VICKSBURG — Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg has welcomed Randy Peterson as its new vice president and general manager. The property also announced several additional leadership appointments, including promoting Chris Chatham to director of non-gaming operations.
Peterson brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the casino industry beginning his career in slot operations and holding various leadership positions across Minnesota and Mississippi. He joined the L’Auberge Casino Resort team in Lake Charles in 2010 as director of slot performance and was promoted to vice president of casino operations there in 2014.
Peterson served as assistant general manager at Hollywood Casino Hotel at Charles Town Races before becoming general manager at Argosy Casino Alton, Illinois, in 2022, where he oversaw the successful expansion of the gaming floor, opened a new dining facility, and added an event space.
Also joining the team as casino manager is Toni Barfield, who has more than 29 years of experience in the gaming
industry. Barfield started her gaming career as a dealer at the Isle of Capri Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, and has held multiple roles within table games, slots, and poker. She worked at several Penn Entertainment properties, including at Boomtown Bossier City, L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, and Boomtown New Orleans.
Most recently, she served as a casino operations manager at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Arkansas, where she helped introduce live table games to the property.
Ameristar also announced the promotion of Ria Viviano, who has been promoted to marketing manager. Viviano joined the Ameristar Vicksburg team
as promotions manager in 2022 after gaining experience in New York’s hotel industry and working in local marketing. She has successfully organized
multiple promotions and events at Ameristar, working closely with various departments, and is actively involved in Women of PENN, the Early Leadership Academy, and the PENN Mentor program.
Viviano graduated from De La Salle College of St. Benilde in Manila with a
Randy Peterson
Toni Barfield
Chris Chatham
Ria Viviano
BS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management. In her new role, she will incorporate all areas of marketing
and expand her duties to include the entertainment program.
Coffman promoted to Beau Rivage facilities VP
BILOXI — William Coffman has been promoted to vice president of facilities at Beau Rivage. In his new role, he will serve as the strategic and operational leader of the facilities division.
Coffman began his career with MGM Resorts in 2008 as a security officer at Bellagio in Las Vegas and progressed through several management roles at Aria, Circus Circus, and MGMRI Corporate Security.
William Coffman
His leadership and experience in
these positions led to his promotion as chief of security at Beau Rivage, where he successfully oversaw all security operations, served on the executive committee, enhanced safety protocols, and championed continuous improvement aligned with company initiatives. Coffman also mentored and developed a high-performing security team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
As a member of the Biloxi property’s executive committee, Coffman will play a key role in shaping long-term priorities for Beau Rivage, driving operational excellence, and supporting a high level of guest satisfaction.
New Host
WaterView Casino Hotel recently added Michael Bass to its team of casino hosts. With 30 years of experience in the casino industry, the majority of it in Vicksburg, Bass brings a wealth of knowledge and hospitality to WaterView and its players.