Page 4 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Summer, 2025

Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association
Official Newsmagazine of the Mississippi Gaming Industry
SUMMER 2025 Volume XXII Issue 2
STAFF
W. Michael Sunderman
Publisher michael@m2mediacorp.com
Lori Beth Susman
General Manager / Executive Editor loribeth@m2mediacorp.com
Mary Sunderman
Associate Publisher mary@m2mediacorp.com
David Grisham
Contributing Editor david@m2mediacorp.com
Amy Chataginer
Business Manager manager@m2mediacorp.com
Designers
Brian Treadaway
READER SERVICES
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Copyright, 2025
Mississippi Gaming News
(MGN) is owned and published by M2 Media Corp., 12268 Intraplex Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503. MGN is produced in cooperation with the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association. The contents of MGN are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Three to be inducted into MS Gaming Hall of Fame
JACKSON — The celebration of gaming continues with the seventh annual Hall
of Fame Dinner Gala, sponsored by
the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association (MGHA). The June event will honor industry leaders who have played a significant role in the Mississippi gaming landscape.
Gaming industry leaders will be inducted into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 26, at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis.
Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and the inductees will be honored at the dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.
Larry Gregory, executive director of the MGHA, said the association recognizes figures in the Mississippi gaming industry who have played a key role in the success
of the industry, and who have had a lasting impact. “Knowing what it takes to be inducted for the Hall of Fame is challenging due to the diverse backgrounds of the nominees. This prestigious award honors those who have had a significant impact on the evolution and development of the casino industry,” Gregory said. “Each nominee possesses unique qualities that qualify them
for this special award.”
The 2025 class of honorees are: -Industry Pioneer: Duncan McKenzie,
with more than 20 years of leadership
in Mississippi’s casino industry, has significantly contributed to the state’s gaming industry by revitalizing multiple properties, achieving targeted financial returns, and serving as president of several gaming associations while actively participating on community boards.
-Industry Influencer: Hugh Keating, a Gulf Coast attorney who assisted in drafting and lobbying for passage of the Cruise Vessel Gaming Act in March 1989, which ultimately paved the way for dockside gaming.
-Industry Regulatory/Government Official: Former Governor Kirk Fordice, who, as governor (1992 to 2000) appointed the first Mississippi Gaming Commission in 1993, laying the foundation for what the industry has become today.
This year, the event includes the third annual Casino Cup Golf Tournament, which will take place at The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood. Casinos, business and individuals can participate in the tournament.
4MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SUMMER 2025
Job Well Done
MGHA Executive Director Larry Gregory presents Penny Bankston, outgoing chair, with a gift of appreciation for her time on the MGHA board. Bankston is vice president/general manager of WaterView Casino Hotel.