Page 7 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Fall, 2026

Nearly 600 associates featured in this issue!
Industry to see changes
along the Gulf Coast
GULF COAST — Mississippi’s commercial gaming industry
held its ground in 2025, producing $2.43 billion in revenue and
finishing with flat growth — the only U.S. gaming jurisdiction to
post no annual increase. As in previous years, casinos in Biloxi
and elsewhere along the Gulf Coast outperformed those in the
state’s northern and central regions.
Yet despite the stagnant revenue picture, the first half
of 2026 has been marked by several proposals that could
reshape Mississippi’s casino industry.
In May, Caesars Entertainment, Inc., parent company to four
Mississippi casinos, including Harrah’s Gulf Coast, announced
it had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by
Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued
at approximately $17.6 billion. Fertitta Entertainment is the
parent company of Golden Nugget Biloxi.
In June it was announced that Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
would be acquired by Ilitch Companies, owner of MotorCity
Casino Hotel in Detroit, as the company forms Ilitch Gaming,
a unified gaming, hospitality and entertainment platform that
will oversee the organization’s gaming-related businesses.
The addition of the D’Iberville-based Scarlet Pearl gives Ilitch a
property known for its strong culture, loyal customer base, and
commitment to the surrounding community.
Both proposals are subject to regulatory approvals.
Rosie The Riveter
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino hosted a community
event featuring guest Delphine Tedeski-Klaput, an
original “Rosie the Riveter,” as part of its America
250 celebration. Tedeski-Klaput, 101, shared her
experiences during World War II during an event co-
sponsored by the property’s Professional Women’s
Employee Network Group and the Veterans Employee
Network Group. Pictured with Tedeski-Klaput (seated)
are Gina Marr, Jacqueline Callegari and Kathi Rice.
M I S S I S S I P P I
GAMING & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION
Become an Associate Member of MGHA
www.msgaming.org/become-a-member/
JACKSON OFFICE
P.O. Box 4479
Jackson, MS 39296
GULF COAST OFFICE
12268 Intraplex Pkwy
Gulfport, MS 39503
LARRY GREGORY
Executive Director
lgregory@msgaming.org • 601-940-3236
F A L L 2 0 2 6 M I S S I S S I P P I G A M I N G N E W S 7