Page 8 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Summer, 2025

Gaming’s impact highlighted in MGHA annual report
By David Grisham
MISSISSIPPI — When the Mississippi Legislature convened for the first session
of 2025, the body was presented with the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association’s (MGHA) Annual Report. The presentation of the annual report to state lawmakers offered the chance for legislative members to study current regulations and contemplate potential policy changes.
The MGHA Annual Report underscores
the Mississippi gaming industry’s substantial contributions to the state’s economy, detailing its role in tourism, job creation, and tax revenue generation.
Larry Gregory, MGHA executive director, emphasized the report’s comprehensive analysis of the Mississippi gaming market. “Our goal is to inform public officials, gaming employees, associate members, and the public about the industry’s economic impact,
including gaming revenue, tax revenue, jobs, and tourism,” Gregory said. “This report equips decision-makers with vital statistics and insights into our positive contributions to the state.”
In a speech to the Legislature, Roscoe Greene, MGHA treasurer and president/ general manager of Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa in Greenville, highlighted the industry’s economic significance. “In 2024, Mississippi’s casinos generated $2.43 billion in gross gaming revenue and $3.24 billion in total revenue. Non-gaming revenue reached $808 million, a slight increase from 2023,” Greene noted. “Restaurants, retail, spas, and convention spaces attracted visitors who spent significantly on these amenities, solidifying gaming as
a cornerstone of Mississippi’s tourism industry and a powerful economic engine.”
Greene provided a 2024 snapshot of Mississippi’s 26 casinos:
• Mississippi Gulf Coast: 12 casinos, over 11,000 slots, 450 table games, and 6,700 hotel rooms.
• Northern River Market: 7 casinos, 5,500 slots, 170 table games, and 3,100 hotel rooms.
• Central River Market: 7 casinos, 4,100 slots, 64 table games, and 680 hotel rooms.
Collectively, these casinos operated over 21,000 slot machines, 700 table games, 53 poker tables, and more than 10,000 hotel rooms. Greene added, “In 2024, the industry supported over 16,000 direct jobs with nearly $800 million in wages and benefits. Gaming remains a major driver of Mississippi’s thriving tourism sector, the state’s fourth-largest industry.” Casinos also invested $49 million in advertising and promotions, contributing to a visitation increase of over 100,000 compared to 2023.
“Visitors continue to travel nationwide to experience Mississippi’s exceptional cuisine, rich history, legendary blues music, and world- class gaming and entertainment,” Greene said.
The report included perspectives from tourism executives and MGHA leadership. Rochelle Hicks, director of Visit Mississippi, emphasized gaming’s role in tourism. “Tourism, Mississippi’s fourth-largest industry, welcomed over 43.7 million visitors in 2023, who spent $11.5 billion. Gaming supports a significant portion of the 133,000 visitor-supported
jobs, both directly in casinos and indirectly in hospitality, retail, and transportation, fostering a thriving economy.”
Penny Bankston, outgoing MGHA chair and vice president/general manager of
MGHA Treasurer Roscoe Greene, president and general manager of Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, provided details from the MGHA Annual Report to the Mississippi Legislature during the 2025 legislative session. He focused on the economic impact of the state’s gaming industry.
WaterView Casino Hotel Vicksburg, reflected on the industry’s future. “As we face inevitable changes, I hope we continue fostering collaboration and resilience to meet new opportunities with commitment and unity,” she wrote.
Toni Burns, current MGHA chair and
vice president/general manager of Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, noted the industry’s response to economic challenges and regional competition in 2024. “We met these challenges with integrity, creativity, and perseverance. To remain competitive, we must evolve and offer products that keep guests entertained,” Burns said.
Mike Bruffey, MGHA vice chair and vice president/general counsel of Island View
& Beach View Casino Resorts, addressed emerging challenges. “While we study
online sports betting, our priority remains delivering top-notch casino resorts, exceptional customer service, high-quality accommodations, dining experiences, and promoting Mississippi’s diverse amenities and events year-round,” Bruffey said.
The MGHA’s 2024 Annual Report reaffirmed the gaming industry’s role as an economic powerhouse and tourism driver for Mississippi. With billions in revenue, thousands of jobs, and record-breaking visitor numbers, Mississippi’s casinos continue to shine as beacons of entertainment and economic vitality.
8MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
SUMMER 2025