Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News

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Official Newsmagazine of the Mississippi & Louisiana Gaming Industries
ADDED ATTRACTIONS
OCTOBER 2016
www.mslagamingnews.com
REGULATOR OF THE YEAR
Mississippi’s Top Gaming
Official Honored
Contents October 2016
Eldorado Resorts
plans to acquire
Isle of Capri Casinos
THISISSUE
COVER STORY
8 R
egulator of the
Year
Allen Godfrey receives top
honors.
FEATURES
10 N
eighbors Helping
Neighbors
Casinos continue to support
flood relief effort.
12 Cleaning Up
Housekeeping Week filled with
fun and games.
18 Colorful Run
Vicksburg casinos get blasted
for United Way.
22 Fun at Work
Employees treated to good
times.
EVERYISSUE
4 From the MGHA
Industry needs to keep eye on
competition.
5 Gaming Revenues
Gulf Coast sees year-over-year
gains.
7 Five Minutes With...
Justin J. Carter, Hollywood
Casino, Tunica.
14 People In The News
Saluting hard workers across the
region.
19
19 C
ontributions &
Donations
Getting kids ready for back to
school.
On the Cover
Mississippi Gaming Commission
Executive Director Allen Godfrey
(center), named Regulator of the
Year by the International Masters
of Gaming Law, is pictured with
Mississippi Gaming Commissioners
Tom Gresham and Jerry L. Griffith
Sr. (Cover photo and photo on page 8
courtesy of Jerry Metellus.)
18
OCTOBER 2016
ST. LOUIS — Eldorado Resorts
Inc. and Isle of Capri Casinos
Inc. have entered into a definitive
merger agreement whereby
Eldorado will acquire all of the
outstanding shares of Isle of Capri
for $23 in cash or 1.638 shares of
Eldorado common stock, reflecting
total consideration of approximately
$1.7 billion, inclusive of $929
million of long-term debt of Isle of
Capri and its subsidiaries.
The transaction is expected
to be immediately accretive to
Eldorado’s free cash flow and
diluted earnings per share,
inclusive of identified cost synergies
of approximately $35 million in the
first year following the completion
of the transaction and giving effect
to Isle’s previously announced
divestiture of Isle of Capri Casino
Hotel Lake Charles.
Following the completion of the
transaction, Eldorado will benefit
from increased operational and
geographic diversity as it will add
13 casino resorts to its portfolio,
for a total of 20 properties in
10 states. Eldorado’s expanded
property portfolio will feature
approximately 20,800 slot
machines and VLTs, more than
560 table games and over 6,500
hotel rooms.
Gary Carano, chairman and
CEO of Eldorado, said, “The
acquisition of Isle of Capri
represents a transformational
growth opportunity for Eldorado
and is a significant milestone in the
successful ongoing execution of our
long-term strategy.”
Eric Hausler, CEO of Isle of
Capri, added, “We are pleased to
reach this agreement with Eldorado
Resorts, which provides Isle of
Capri shareholders with substantial
and immediate value, as well as
the opportunity to participate in the
upside potential of the combined
company. I am thankful for the hard
work and dedication of our talented
employees.”
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
3
Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association
Keeping an eye on competition
will help Mississippi stay strong
By Larry Gregory
For as almost as long as we have had
gaming here in Mississippi, there has
been chatter of some kind about gaming
expansion in nearby states, namely
Florida, Alabama and Georgia. We were
thrown a curve ball last year when
Alabama came
close to passing
a lottery and now
Arkansas and
Louisiana are
looking closely
at their gaming
laws.
Arkansas Wins
in 2016 is a
ballot committee
that is advocating
Larry Gregory
for qualification
and passage of Issue 5, an amendment
to the Arkansas Constitution that would
authorize the operation and regulation of
up to three new casinos in their state, in
Boone, Miller and Washington counties.
The casinos authorized by Issue 5 would
pay a tax of 18 percent to the state, 0.5
percent to the county and 1.5 percent to
the city in which each casino is located.
On Sept. 16, Arkansas Wins in 2016
announced it had received certification
from the Arkansas secretary of state’s
office for the amendment to be included
on the November General Election ballot,
and the attorney general has since
approved the amendment language. And
now, the signature gathering process will
begin for entry on the November ballot.
This measure, if passed, would take
away many of the tourists that visit our
Mississippi casinos, especially in the
Tunica market.
Currently, Arkansas has two casinos,
one at Oaklawn Park and another in
West Memphis — Southland Park
Gaming & Racing. Current law allows
for casinos (or electronic games of
skill) only at facilities with pari-mutuel
wagering. Oaklawn and Southland meet
this criteria.
Louisiana currently has a formidable
gaming market, but they are looking
to expand their gaming product. They
have recently formed an Economic
4
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
Development and Gaming Task Force
to begin the process of looking at their
current gaming laws and regulations.
As recently as Sept. 13, 2016, they
began the process of reviewing current
riverboat gaming regulations and laws
in an effort to enhance what is already
a tremendous gaming market and well
regulated industry.
These two states have one thing in
common: they know the importance of
gaming to their state and want to protect
and improve their position. That is why
it is imperative that public policy makers
within our state realize that expansion,
indeed, is coming to our doorstep. We
need to begin reviewing our own policies
to strengthen our market against any
encroaching expansion. The American
Gaming Association’s most recent annual
report estimated gaming’s economic
impact in Mississippi at $3.92 billion,
encompassing 36,023 jobs and $1.44
billion in wages in our state’s casinos.
We have a robust product that has
a significant impact to our state. We
do not want this to be jeopardized
by startup states or by expansion of
established jurisdictions, and though
we have been spared from a major
economic downturn due to increased
competition, I fear this solid run could be
short-lived.
Our state has a strong, longstanding
reputation of sound regulatory policies
and solid economic development, making
us a prime target for others who want to
duplicate the success we have had. It is
time for us to take measures to solidify
and protect our hard-earned investment.
We simply cannot close our eyes to what
is happening around us.
Certainly, our legislators could offer
incentives to encourage reinvestment,
workforce development and supporting
initiatives with the BP Oil Settlement
dollars to make our state even more
attractive to visitors. They could do this
by supporting non-gaming amenities,
special events and air service. We want
to market what our state has to offer
today and tomorrow.
Larry Gregory can be reached at
[email protected].
OCTOBER 2016
Official Newsmagazine of the
Mississippi & Louisiana
Gaming Industries
OCTOBER 2016
Volume XIV Issue 2
STAFF
W. Michael Sunderman
Publisher
[email protected]
Lori Beth Susman
General Manager / Executive Editor
[email protected]
Mary Sunderman
Associate Publisher
[email protected]
David Grisham
Contributing Editor
[email protected]
Michael Haynes
Business Manager
[email protected]
Designers
Brian Treadaway
Dara Parker
Missy Mitchell
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Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News
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MSLAGN is produced in
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Gaming and Hospitality Association and
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MISSISSIPPI GROSS GAMING REVENUES
Nearly 500 associates featured in this issue!
MS Gulf Coast posts
year-over-year gains
By David Grisham
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA — Statewide revenue totals were
down one percent in August of this year compared to August of
last year for Mississippi casinos as a decrease at river casinos
offset an increase at coastal properties. Revenue was down in
August at Louisiana casinos year over year as revenue dipped in all
regions. Revenue dropped in August compared to July in all regions
of Louisiana and Mississippi as vacation season neared an end.
Historically, August casino revenue is almost always lower than
July’s.
Mississippi casinos took in $170,970,349 in August, down 1
percent from the $172,722,184 collected in August of last year.
Statewide revenue in August was 9.7 percent lower than the July
revenue figure of $189,289,379.
Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos saw revenue increase by 1
percent in August 2016 compared to August 2015, going from
$97,167,235 in August of last year to $98,154,506 this August.
Compared to July revenue of $105,144,280, August revenue was
down 6.6 percent on the Gulf Coast.
River casinos in Mississippi took in $72,815,844 this August,
down 3.6 percent compared to the $75,554,949 they collected
in August of last year. Compared to a July revenue figure of
$84,145,100, river casinos experienced a decrease of 13.5
percent in August.
Statewide revenue was down 7.5 percent in Louisiana for riverboat
casinos, going from $162,535,669 to $150,275,467 in the
August-to-August comparison. Compared to a July revenue figure of
$178,183,983, Louisiana riverboat casinos saw a 15.7 percent
decrease in August.
The land-based Harrah’s New Orleans saw revenue decrease 15
percent in August 2016 compared to August 2015, dropping from
$22,567,927 to $19,187,251. The $22,567,927 August figure
was 14.5 percent lower than July’s $22,450,804.
Slots at Louisiana racetracks experienced an 11.6 percent
decrease in August 2016 versus August 2015, going from
$28,987,912 to $25,636,780. Compared to July’s $30,646,604
revenue figure, slots at racetracks saw a 16.3 percent increase in
August.
Breaking it down by region for Louisiana riverboat casinos,
Shreveport/Bossier casinos saw revenue go from $56,198,495 in
August 2015 to $51,296,264 in August 2016 for an 8.7 percent
decrease (-15.2 percent compared to $60,523,893 in July).
Lake Charles experienced a 3.4 percent decrease in August
2016 compared to the same month the prior year, going from
$60,368,301 to $58,343,597 (-15.6 percent compared to
$69,099,000 in July).
>> To Page 6
RIVER CASINOS
Month
2015
Month
2016
AUG
$75,554,949 AUG
$72,815,844 JUL
$85,374,930 JUL
$84,145,100 JUN
$77,295,068 JUN
$79,067,908 MAY
$84,998,768 MAY
$72,902,701 APR
$82,771,015 APR
$83,352,568 MAR
$90,960,800 MAR
$85,093,833 $496,955,531 $477,377,953 Increase% Increase
(Decrease)(Decrease)
$(2,739,106)
-3.6%
$(1,229,830)
-1.4%
$1,772,840 2.3%
$(12,096,067) -14.2%
$581,552 0.7%
$(5,866,967)
-6.4%
$(19,577,577)
-3.9%
GULF COAST CASINOS
Increase% Increase
Month
2015
Month
2016
(Decrease)(Decrease)
AUG
$97,167,235 AUG
$98,154,506 $987,271 1.0%
JUL $104,202,529 JUL
$105,144,280 $941,750 0.9%
JUN
$95,512,378 JUN
$96,175,314 $662,936 0.7%
MAY
$99,969,407 MAY $103,904,183 $3,934,776 3.9%
APR
$94,284,960 APR
$97,514,237 $3,229,277 3.4%
MAR $107,370,246 MAR $103,232,962 $(4,137,284)
-3.9%
$598,506,756 $604,125,482 $5,618,726 0.9%
LOUISIANA GROSS GAMING REVENUES
SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CASINOS
Increase% Increase
Month
2015
Month
2016
(Decrease)(Decrease)
AUG
$56,198,495 AUG
$51,296,264 $(4,902,231)
-8.7%
JUL
$63,763,388 JUL
$60,523,893 $(3,239,495)
-5.1%
JUN
$53,753,929 JUN
$50,638,084 $(3,115,845)
-5.8%
MAY
$62,682,799 MAY
$54,245,893 $(8,436,906) -13.5%
APR
$57,659,406 APR
$55,673,557 $(1,985,849)
-3.4%
MAR
$61,784,549 MAR
$57,600,440 $(4,184,109)
-6.8%
$355,842,566 $329,978,131 $(25,864,435)
-7.3%
LAKE CHARLES CASINOS
Increase% Increase
Month
2015
Month
2016
(Decrease)(Decrease)
AUG
$60,368,301 AUG
$58,343,597 $(2,024,704)
-3.4%
JUL
$66,770,948 JUL
$69,099,000 $2,328,052 3.5%
JUN
$60,509,419 JUN
$60,779,642 $270,223 0.4%
MAY
$65,799,785 MAY
$53,920,533 $(11,879,252) -18.1%
APR
$59,406,228 APR
$58,641,530 $(764,698)
-1.3%
MAR
$61,393,503 MAR
$55,373,328 $(6,020,175)
-9.8%
$374,248,184 $356,157,630 $(18,090,554)
-4.8%
NEW ORLEANS CASINOS
Increase% Increase
Month
2015
Month
2016
(Decrease)(Decrease)
AUG
$22,615,216 AUG
$21,377,760 $(1,237,456)
-5.5%
JUL
$24,494,732 JUL
$23,841,516 $(653,216)
-2.7%
JUN
$21,806,348 JUN
$21,641,167 $(165,181)
-0.8%
MAY
$25,474,389 MAY
$22,507,775 $(2,966,614) -11.6%
APR
$23,213,962 APR
$24,154,250 $940,288 4.1%
MAR
$23,859,767 MAR
$23,535,795 $(323,972)
-1.4%
$141,464,414 $137,058,263 $(4,406,151)
-3.1%
BATON ROUGE CASINOS
Increase% Increase
Month
2015
Month
2016
(Decrease)(Decrease)
AUG
$23,353,657 AUG
$19,257,467 $(4,096,190) -17.5%
JUL
$24,930,383 JUL
$24,719,574 $(210,809)
-0.8%
JUN
$22,799,984 JUN
$23,320,310 $520,326 2.3%
MAY
$25,374,620 MAY
$23,100,237 $(2,274,383)
-9.0%
APR
$24,121,849 APR
$25,732,941 $1,611,092 6.7%
MAR
$26,156,490 MAR
$24,866,430 $(1,290,060)
-4.9%
$146,736,983 $140,996,959 $(5,740,024)
-3.9%
HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS CASINO
Increase% Increase
Month
2015
Month
2016
(Decrease)(Decrease)
AUG
$22,567,927 AUG
$19,187,251 $(3,380,676) -15.0%
JUL
$35,964,794 JUL
$22,450,804 $(13,513,990) -37.6%
JUN
$20,727,528 JUN
$19,460,894 $(1,266,634)
-6.1%
MAY
$24,113,961 MAY
$23,274,096 $(839,865)
-3.5%
APR
$25,485,274 APR
$24,600,768 $(884,506)
-3.5%
MAR
$30,209,516 MAR
$23,958,789 $(6,250,727) -20.7%
$159,069,000 $132,932,602 $(26,136,398) -16.4%
OCTOBER 2016
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
5
Health Fair
Wellness Wednesday
Breast Cancer Awareness Month got off to an early start at Harrah’s
New Orleans with a presentation by the American Cancer Society at the
Sept. 7 Wellness Wednesday seminar. Anne Bates of the ACS told the
gathering that 246,000 people in the United States will receive a cancer
diagnosis this year. Of that number, 3,400 will be Louisiana residents.
She also noted one in eight women will be told that they have breast
cancer. This October, Harrah’s New Orleans team members will support
the fight against breast cancer through a number of events, with all
proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society.
Walking for Health
Golden Nugget Lake Charles held its
Second Annual RENEW Health Fair
on Sept. 7. Team members were able
to have free wellness screenings,
vision and hearing assessments,
flu shots and massages. More
than 40 exhibitors participated
providing information about health
and wellness, fitness, relaxation,
insurance, financial planning, pet care
and emergency planning.
L’Auberge Baton Rouge sponsors Walking Wednesday. Team members
gather in the valet area for a 30-minutes walk around the property during
their shift. The walk allows the team members to focus on their health,
which is part of a Pinnacle Entertainment companywide focus to “be the
best healthy you.”
>> From Page 5
New Orleans dipped 5.5 percent
in August 2016 compared
to August 2015 — from
$22,615,216 to $21,377,760
(-10.3 percent compared to
$23,841,516 in July).
Baton Rouge experienced a
17.5 percent decrease in revenue,
bringing in $19,257,467 in August
2016 compared to $23,353,657
in August 2015 (-22.1 percent
compared to $24,719,574 in July).
6
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
5 Minutes With... Justin J. Carter
What, where, when was your first
job in the gaming industry?
My first job in the gaming industry
was as a President’s Associate at
Harrah’s St. Louis in 2006.
What do you like best about your
current job?
I like the fact that I get to work with
a talented team of individuals who
have a passion for excellence in all
that we do at Hollywood Tunica.
What is the best piece of
business advice you ever received
and from whom did you
receive it?
The best business advice I have
received was from my table games
mentor who warned me to, “Never
reward your best team members
with more work.” What he meant
by this was to ensure you step back
and recognize your team and never
take advantage of their passion and
experience by loading them with
more projects just because they can
get them done. Instead, spend time
investing as much in growth and
development as the team invests in
the business.
Name Justin J. Carter
Current Title General Manager,
Hollywood Casino Tunica
Company Penn National Gaming
Years In The Gaming Industry 10 Years
What advice do you have for those
just starting in the gaming industry?
My best advice is to stay abreast
of gaming everywhere, not just at
their property or jurisdiction. This also
extends to building relationships with
peers, be they competitors or not. The
more years you spend in this business,
the more valuable lasting relationships
will become.
How do you define “success”?
I define success through providing
our customers excellent customer
service, being a steward of the
community I operate in and by driving
employee engagement to higher levels
each day.
What is something you do each
day just for yourself?
I am big on taking care of myself
physically and mentally so I attend a
5:30 a.m. CrossFit workout every
day to wake up my mind and body in
preparation for the rigors of the day.
What is it about the gaming
industry that makes it a good
industry?
I have been part of other
industries where my days became
stale and they all seemed to mimic
the day before. The gaming industry
and our business is so dynamic and
diverse that there are never two
days alike.
IP Casino team members put talents to the test
BILOXI — Singing, dancing and
comedy filled Studio B at IP Casino
Resort Spa recently as team members
showcased their skills in a talent
competition. Fifteen employees
participated in an attempt to win cash
prizes and accolades.
Daquan Robinson, cage, took home
the first-place honors and $1,000
by performing a dance, vocal, and
comedy hip-hop mix called “Myself.”
Stella Lawson, reservations, took
second and $500 for her vocal
performance of the song “Love Can
Build a Bridge.” And, Telvan Rudolph,
Highlights, came in third, winning
$250, with a song-and-dance routine
to “Fine China.”
Also getting in the act was the
property’s management team, which
put on a special dance performance to
the hit song “All About That Bass.”
“The talent show is an excellent
way for our team members to build
camaraderie outside of work,” said
Duncan McKenzie, vice president and
general manager. “Valuing relationships
is a cornerstone of Boyd Style, and
our talent show is a great way for our
team members to build on that.”
Additional participants included
Jeremy Bailey, slot operations; Joe
Wallace, food and beverage; Billy
Harshbarger, IT; Chris Haydis, table
games; Christopher Roche, High Tide;
Jeancarlo Valdivia, cage; Tresharna
Black, hotel reservations; John
Myhres and Cody Smith, High Tide;
Marisel Villegas, Back Bay Buffet;
Alice Brown, slot marketing; and
Kahary Pascley, cage.
Boyd Gaming Executive Chairman
Bill Boyd assisted with the awards
ceremony at the show. The talent
OCTOBER 2016
Daquan Robinson
competition at the Biloxi resort was
one of many held at Boyd Gaming
properties across the United States.
Winners from each property will
compete at a company-wide level,
where the overall winner will receive a
grand prize of a paid trip to Hawaii for
two.
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
7
Godfrey named IMGL Regulator of the Year
By Lori Beth Susman
MISSISSIPPI — Allen Godfrey,
executive director of the Mississippi
Gaming Commission, was named the
International Masters of Gaming Law’s
Regulator of the Year, North America,
at a Las Vegas awards ceremony on
Sept. 27. IMGL President Michael
Zatezalo presented Godfrey the award,
which recognizes outstanding regulators
based on stringent standards, including
preeminence in the regulatory field and
their noteworthy contributions to the
overall body of their regulatory work.
“I am honored and humbled by being
nominated and selected to receive the
award,” Godfrey said. “The gaming
industry is filled with good people, and
I have had the pleasure of working with
many of them. This agency has played
and will continue to play a vital role in
the growth of the industry, as well as the
regulation of the industry. Mississippi
has seen some growth and should
continue to see growth, but there will
always be challenges such as other
states expanding their gaming offering.”
Godfrey, who has been executive
director of the MGC since 2011, started
at the agency in 2003, working much
of that time as deputy director. He was
instrumental in guiding the industry
through continued growth, as well as
assisting the industry to overcome
several disasters. He was involved in
the state’s efforts to rebuild the coastal
casinos after Hurricane Katrina in 2005,
and he also helped lead the industry
through the 2010 BP oil spill and the
major Mississippi River flood of 2011,
which impacted many casinos along the
Mississippi River.
Godfrey said in a recent interview,
“During and after each of these events,
I watched as each gaming operator paid
their employees for months after the
event happened, and it really showed me
what good companies they were, run by
compassionate people, and it impressed
me tremendously.”
Larry Gregory, former MGC executive
director and current executive director
of the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality
Association, said, “Allen served as my
deputy director while I was executive
director of the Mississippi Gaming
Commission, a position I leaned on
8
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
Mississippi Gaming Commission Executive Director Allen Godfrey (center)
was named Regulator of the Year, North America, by the International
Masters of Gaming Law. Godfrey is congratulated by members of the
Mississippi Gaming & Hospital Association board, including (from left) Justin
Carter, general manager, Hollywood Casino Tunica; Cathy Beeding, vice
president and general counsel, Island View Casino Resort; Larry Gregory,
executive director of the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association; Mike
Bruffey, deputy director, MGHA; and Lee Dillard, assistant general manager,
Caesars Entertainment, Mid-South.
heavily in my day-to-day operations. Time
and again, he handled every issue and
transaction with the utmost integrity
and dedication, always reaching every
decision with great thought and reason,
always balancing what was best for the
state with what was fair to the industry.
He has continued to operate in this
manner in his position as executive
director, and this leadership has
resonated throughout the country, as
gaming companies respect his oversight
and direction of gaming regulation in our
state.”
Since taking over as executive director
in 2011, Godfrey has spearheaded new
regulations aimed at requiring increased
non-gaming amenities at casinos to drive
tourism and economic development.
He served on the State Task Force on
Internet Gaming and Sports Betting that
was assembled in 2014 to assess the
prospects of online gaming and sports
betting in Mississippi, and recently,
Godfrey was asked to sit on a task force
to evaluate recent laws passed to allow
Daily Fantasy Sports in the state.
Godfrey is regularly called upon to
OCTOBER 2016
speak at gaming conferences across
the country and is looked upon by his
peers as a person of great leadership
and high moral character. Mississippi is
considered to have a strong and stable
regulatory environment, and much of
that is owed to the achievements and
contributions that Godfrey has made to
the industry.
Added Gregory, “His work speaks
volumes of the kind of man he is —
efficient, organized and result-oriented.
The resiliency of the Mississippi gaming
market has been buoyed by Mr. Godfrey.
Much is owed to the achievements
and contributions that he has made to
the industry. He is fair, thoughtful, and
upright, traits that cannot be fabricated
or easily swayed.”
The International Masters of Gaming
Law is the pre-eminent global gambling
law networking and educational
organization shaping the future of
Gaming Law. IMGL membership consists
of 350 members and represents over
43 countries as well as members in
34 states and territories in the United
States.
Casinos, employees donate to LA flood victims
(Editor’s Note: This is the second of
a two-part report on Neighbors Helping
Neighbors, casino companies and
employees coming to the aid of those in
need.)
By David Grisham
and Lori Beth Susman
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA — Many
Louisianians are still feeling the effects
from August flooding, which marked the
worst natural disaster to strike the state
since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and
was cited as the worst natural disaster
to hit the United States since Hurricane
Sandy in 2012. Baton Rouge and Denham
Springs were especially hard hit after an
estimated 6.9 trillion gallons of rain fell
on the region in a week’s time, causing
thousands to lose everything they owned.
Casino companies and employees in
both Louisiana and Mississippi jumped in
to help just days after the flooding, and, in
true gaming industry style, they continue
to provide donations and send volunteers
to assist the 75,000 residents affected
by the massive flooding.
Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier
City sent a truck filled with supplies to
Denham Springs and also took care to
provide for animals in need. Dog and cat
food was sent, along with toilet paper,
water, gloves, diapers and cash donations.
General Manager Barry Regula said,
“Margaritaville employees have gone
above and beyond in donating to our
neighbors enduring the horrible flooding in
South Louisiana. Giving back is important
to the culture of Margaritaville, and their
efforts have been amazing. Even our
vendors have chipped in.”
The Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder
partnered with the United Way to provide
flood disaster relief, with several casino
staff members and members of the
Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana traveling
to the United Way distribution center
in Baton Rouge with a 20-foot trailer of
supplies and a truckload of water and
juices. The casino associates collected,
sorted and packed household, personal
hygiene and other necessary items for
distribution to displaced victims.
Additionally, members of the Coushatta
Tribe of Louisiana went to a distribution
center in Jennings with trucks full of
supplies. Members of the Coushatta
10
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
(Above) Scarlet Pearl
Casino Resort employees
show off the goods they
sent to Denham Springs.
(Left) Supplies for dogs
and cats were among the
items donated by employees
at Margaritaville Resort
Casino in Bossier City.
(Below) The flood disaster
relief delivery team from
Coushatta Casino Resort
in Kinder volunteered at
distribution centers in two
Louisiana cities.
Tribal Gaming Commission, Coushatta
Fire Department and other tribal
members worked alongside volunteers
from neighboring towns, packing up
personal hygiene and cleaning supplies,
food and children’s treasure bags to
distribute to families affected by the
flooding.
“We are very fortunate that we have
not been directly affected by flood
damages. What better way to help
others than to provide what assistance
we can to those who were hardest hit
by this natural disaster,” said Leland
Thompson, Coushatta fire chief and
emergency management director.
OCTOBER 2016
Pearl River Resort team members
delivered critical resources — including
lotion, shampoo and soap — to the
American Red Cross to be distributed
among those in need. Banquet staff
members Taruas Carter and Jerry
Shoemaker traveled to the American
Red Cross headquarters in Flowood,
Mississippi, to deliver and unload
the supplies, including nearly 4,000
bottles of water. Erica ClemonsMoore, director of public relations,
and Tim Tubby, vice president of
human resources, presented a check
for $5,000 to American Red Cross
officials to be allocated to relief
Pearl River Resort executives (center) Erica ClemonsMoore and Tim Tubby presented a check for $5,000
to John McFarland and Ivy Williams of the
American Red Cross.
initiatives.
In Biloxi, Hard Rock hosted a bake sale
in early September to raise money for
the flood victims. Baked goods donated
by both Hard Rock and Ben & Jerry’s
were used in the sale. Additionally,
Hard Rock sold T-shirts from a recent
marketing event with a portion of the
sales also going to those in need.
A total of $2,190 was raised and
then matched by Hard Rock’s Rockin’
the Coast Fund, for a total of $4,380.
The money was sent directly to a parish
in Louisiana to be used for gift card
purchases.
IP Casino Resort Spa team members
held a supply drive, delivering two
truckloads of goods to American Red
Cross. Employees were encouraged
to bring comfort and cleaning items,
including toothpaste, toothbrushes,
mouthwash and deodorant, for
IP Casino Resort Spa team members held a supply
drive, collecting two truckloads of goods for those
in need. Comfort and cleaning items were
donated and packed into kits.
distribution. Kits for cleanup included
such supplies as brooms, mops,
cleaning agents and more.
Two of the largest donations came
from Boyd Gaming, which contributed
$50,000 to the American Red Cross
in support of the ongoing relief efforts,
matching cash donations the Red Cross
relief effort received. And, the Caesars
Foundation announced a $25,000
donation to the American Red Cross
Disaster Relief response in Louisiana.
The gift will provide aid, shelter, food,
comfort kits, emotional support and
health services.
“The devastating floods impacted
many of our Harrah’s New Orleans team
members, their families and friends,”
said Dan Real, Caesars Entertainment
regional president-south. “Just as our
neighbors have come to our aid in times
of natural disasters, we are grateful
L’Auberge Casino & Hotel employees in Baton Rouge who were
affected by the flooding were encouraged to take home linens
and supplies that were donated by team members at
sister properties.
for the opportunity to assist them as
they recover with this donation from the
Caesars Foundation.”
The three Baton Rouge casinos,
Hollywood Baton Rouge, Belle of Baton
Rouge and L’Auberge Casino & Hotel
Baton Rouge, sustained no flood damage
and remained open, although the homes
of employees were directly impacted,
some severely.
L’Auberge Casino set up a distribution
center for its team members who were
affected by the flooding. Employees
were encouraged to come and take any
necessary items, including toiletries,
clothing, towels and more. Sister
properties, including Ameristar Casino
Resort Spa in St. Charles, Missouri,
distributed hotel quality linens for
team members who needed to replace
bedding in their homes. The St. Charles
property donated 13 pallets of linens.
Employees at Hard Rock Biloxi held a bake sale and
a T-shirt sale to raise money to send to Louisiana.
The money raised was matched by the resort’s
Rockin’ the Coast Fund.
OCTOBER 2016
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
11
Housekeeping staffs clean up during week of events
MISSISSIPPI — They swept. They
made beds. They tossed toilet paper
rolls. They are the housekeeping staffs
and environmental services and frontline cleaning personnel at Mississippi
casino resorts, and during International
Housekeeper’s Week, Sept. 11-17, they
competed in housekeeping games and
were given special recognition by casino
executives.
In Tunica Resorts, Tunica Roadhouse
hosted this year’s International
Housekeeping Olympics. The property’s
housekeeping staff competed against
employees at Horseshoe and Gold Strike
in several different categories, including
the tissue toss, where they had to throw
the most number of tissue rolls in the
toilet baskets before time ran out. With
the buffer pad catch, employees tossed
buffer pads like Frisbees and then
caught them on poles.
Other events included tissue bowling
— knocking down spray bottles by rolling
tissue rolls — and the safety relay race,
which involved knowledge of putting on
safety material.
At the end of the Olympics, Roadhouse
employees walked away with the most
medals.
In Vicksburg, WaterView Casino
Hotel held several activities during the
week for both the casino housekeeping
team and the hotel housekeeping team.
Activities included the ball toss, the soap
contest, the vacuum cleaner race and
the popular bed-making contest.
Employees also participated in a candy
guess contest and all housekeeping
workers were treated to an ice cream
Tunica Roadhouse
WaterView Casino in Vicksburg
party.
Beau Rivage celebrated the week with
games and food. Some of the events
at the Biloxi resort included a putting
green and corn hole toss, plus there
were giveaways with plenty of prizes.
Employees were also treated to special
meals, ice cream stations and fanciful
desserts.
Casino executives served the team
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
12
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
members and thanked them for
their dedication to keeping indoor
environments clean and safe.
And in Bay St. Louis, cast members
at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast were
honored for their hard work and
dedication. The housekeeping employees
participated in games, receiving prizes
for their efforts, and were also treated
to special meals throughout the week.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
OCTOBER 2016
Guest Service Award
Five team members at WaterView
Casino in Vicksburg received the
Guest Service Award recently for
providing exceptional guest service.
Robert Owens, hotel manager, and
Donna Houston, front desk clerk,
received a positive review from a
guest for giving superb customer
service during their hotel stay.
Evelyn Dent, security supervisor;
David Brooks, security supervisor;
and Victoria Torrian, security
officer/EMT, were awarded for assisting a guest in a time of need. They
each received $100 and dinner for two at the SandBar Fish House & Grill.
Owens and Houston are pictured with General Manager Tony Scudiero.
Outstanding Work
Owen Villata, guest safety at Hollywood
Casino Gulf Coast, received a Carnival Cruise
for providing outstanding customer service to
guests. His name was selected from among other
employees who met the criteria needed, including
receiving 100 percent on external service shops.
Villata can cruise anywhere in the Caribbean,
Bahamas or Mexico.
Dozens recognized at PRR
CHOCTAW — Pearl River Resort recently recognized team members who
have worked at the resort for five, 10, 15 and 20 years with a series of
ceremonies. The service
award ceremonies kicked
off with the five- and 10year awards in the Golden
Moon VIP Room.
During the program, 191
five-year associates and 87
associates employed at the
resort for 10 years were
honored. Later, a separate
15-year service awards ceremony honored 41 associates. Both of these events
occurred on Sept. 6.
The final ceremony, honoring 48 dedicated 20-year associates, took place
at the Geyser Falls Beach Club on Sept. 7. At each of these banquet-style
celebrations, associates were treated to a special meal and given a certificate
of service and commemorative pin. Tim Tubby, vice president of human
tesources, welcomed the longstanding employees,
their families and friends at each event.
Sonny Johnson, Pearl River Resort interim
president and CEO, also addressed the honorees,
reminding them to savor the moment and celebrate
their accomplishments. Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Indians Chief Phyliss J. Anderson and MBCI Chief
of Staff Rae Nell Vaughn spoke, too, with Anderson
thanking the employees for their hard work, which
helps provide vital services to tribal members.
OCTOBER 2016
Bok Homa Casino
honors associates
HEIDELBERG — Bok Homa Casino
recently held a luncheon during which
13 team members were recognized
for either five or 10 years of service.
During the event, honorees heard from
Tim Tubby, vice president of human
resources, and Jason York, executive
director of development and operations.
“Bok Homa Casino strives to create
a friendly and comfortable environment
for both guests and associates. The
dedication and longevity of you, our team
members, helps us to reach this goal,”
said York.
The 10-year honorees were Elizabeth
Gainey and Cassandra Travis, and
five-year honorees included Michael
Briscoe, Megan Gibson, Shalita Itson,
Haley Jefcoat, David Jordan, Jeremy
McMillan, Jerry Mingo, Garronsen
Sam, Monika Vale, Harlan Wallace and
Jeremy Wallace.
The luncheon was held at a restaurant
in Laurel. Each team member was
presented with a certificate of service
and a commemorative pin.
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
13
People In The News
Going above, beyond at Scarlet Pearl
D’IBERVILLE — Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
named its September Associates of the Month, those
employees who support the resort’s goals and values,
and go beyond normal expectations.
Jamie Ratcliff, ADR attendant, received the
honor for back of house, ensuring associates have
a pleasurable dining experience. Always with a smile
on her face, Ratcliff was cited for taking the time to
help her coworkers, as well as associates in other
Jamie Ratcliff (in blue) gets congratulated after being named
departments.
Associate of the Month.
Nancy Byrne, table games dealer, was the front-ofhouse winner. Not only does Byrne help
new dealers, she often helps coworkers
understand games during her breaks.
Byrne serves on the Toke Committee
and has done a great job mediating
when needed.
Associates of the Month receive
$250, 24 hours of paid time off, one
month VIP parking, four tickets to Lava
Links and a buffet for two, along with
Casino executives and coworkers surprise Nancy Bryne (in blue) with her
balloons and a framed certificate.
Associate of the Month award.
Dealer named
Golden Nugget
Star employee
BILOXI — Golden Nugget Biloxi named
Cheryl McDavid as Star Employee of the
Month for September. McDavid, who
began her career at
the property in 2014,
is a table games
dealer.
“Cheryl is one of
our top dealers when
it comes to dealing
in high action,” said
Luis Rivera, casino
Cheryl
shift manager.
McDavid
“She maintains
professionalism,
as well as game pace and accuracy in
stressful situations and always displays
great enthusiasm and love for her job.”
Star awards are given to employees
recognized by their supervisors for their
outstanding performance. Monthly winners
will compete for the Star Employee of the
Year Award and attend the end-of-year
banquet.
14
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
Island View rewards workers
GULFPORT — Island View
Casino Resort named several
staff members as V.I.E.W. Service
Achievement
Certificate
honorees.
Among
the group of
employees
recently
selected
were Sydney
Cheatham,
Kristin
slot floor
Hancock
person;
Kristin
Hancock, hotel housekeeping
room attendant; Gerald Jackson,
casino beverage barback; Michael
Jeff, employee dining room cook;
Alisha Lucero, reservationist; Dale
Moore, hotel housekeeping heavy
porter; Mary Grace Moss, Carter
Green Steakhouse production
cook; James Otis, steward;
Gregory Phillips, facilities kitchen
technician; and Devon Shaw, hotel
OCTOBER 2016
housekeeping
heavy porter.
The
V.I.E.W.
(Value,
Initiative,
Excellence,
Wow) Service
Achievement
Alisha
program
Lucero
recognizes
employees
who offer
exemplary guest service at
the Gulfport resort. Each
winner
receives a
certificate of
achievement
and a
$50 gift
certificate
to be used
at one of
several
Island View
Devon
restaurants.
Shaw
People In The News
Quarterly winners announced
at Palace Casino Biloxi
Riverwalk Heroes
Candra
Dart
Anastasia
Gross
Tasha
Wells
Jonathan
Buck
Riverwalk Casino named the Happy
Heroes for July and August. For July,
Candra Dart, beverage server, won
for front of house, and Anastasia
Gross, main kitchen, won for back
of house. For August, bartender
Tasha Wells was the front of house
recipient, and Jonathan Buck, cook,
received the award for back of house.
They each received $50, a day off
with pay and special parking.
Tops at Sam’s Town
Amber
High
Audreal
Smith
Sam’s Town Shreveport recently named
its Team Members of the Month for
September. Amber High, banquet
food server, and Audreal Smith, room
service line cook, were lauded for their
dedication and service. Each month, two
full-time team members are recognized
for outstanding service. The employees
receive a number of items, including a
Boyd Gaming gift card, and are featured
on a poster for all at the property to see.
BILOXI — Palace
Casino Resort announced
the Administrator and
Associates of the Quarter.
Richard Monson, table
games assistant shift
manager, was named
Administrator of the Quarter.
Employed at the casino
since April 2010, Monson
was recognized for helping
fellow associates and
Barry Ladner, Richard Monson,
teaching proper table games
Akeena “Trudy” Clarke
procedures.
Akeena “Trudy” Clarke,
a server at STACKED Grill, and Barry Ladner, senior IT technician, were
named Associates of the Quarter. Clarke, employed at the Palace since April
2014, was recognized for her outstanding guest service and willingness to
help coworkers. An employee since May 2000, Ladner was recognized for
his knowledge of all property systems, as well as his ability to resolve issues
quickly.
The three employees each received cash, a hotel stay and dinner for two
at Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood.
Cast members awarded at
Hollywood Gulf Coast
BAY ST. LOUIS — Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast announced its Cast
Members of the Month for August. Zachary Dominquez, shipping and
receiving clerk, and Raymond True, buffet cook, received the honors for back
of house, and Kandy Washington, buffet busperson, and Alan Holbrook, EVS
attendant, were named front-of-house winners.
Each month, Hollywood Casino recognizes the service of exemplary
employees. The casino’s leadership team nominates employees for
consideration, with the winners decided upon by the property’s Service Team.
The winning employees receive a monetary bonus and a food comp for
either Boomtown Casino Biloxi or Hollywood. Winners are also invited to the
Cast Member of the Quarter banquet, where they are nominated for the
Cast Member of the Quarter award.
Zachary
Dominquez
Raymond
True
OCTOBER 2016
Kandy
Washington
Alan
Holbrook
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
15
People In The News
New program at IP honors more employees
BILOXI — Six IP Casino Resort Spa team members were
honored for their dedication to customer service as part of a
new service recognition program. The July Team Members of
the Month were honored in a ceremony held Aug. 25.
Honorees included front-of-house team members Charity
Battle, housekeeping; Ashley Possemato, hotel; and Yelkin
Von Chong Sanchez, food and beverage; and back-of-house
team members Towana Andrews, Thuy Nguyen and Lee
Sorells, all from the food and beverage department.
The Team Members of the Month program was revamped
to honor more team members for their contributions to the
Biloxi resort. Additionally, one team member will be recognized
Charity
Battle
Ashley
Possemato
Yelkin Von
Chong Sanchez
for his or her commitment to working safely with the Safety
Spotlight Award. July’s recipient was Tabetha Jones, retail,
who attended the ceremony and received a certificate.
All winners received two show tickets, a recognition plaque,
a special-edition name tag, a professional photo and frontof-house/back-of-house recognition for the following month.
Honorees are entered into a drawing to receive special prizes,
including dining and parking specials, cash prizes and the
chance to attend an end-of-year banquet with Boyd Gaming
Executive Chairman Bill Boyd. At the banquet, one team
member will be named Team Member of the Year, winning an
all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hawaii.
Towana
Andrews
Thuy
Nguyen
Lee
Sorells
Tabetha
Jones
Two honored at Boomtown Biloxi
BILOXI — Boomtown Casino Biloxi
named its Team Members of the Month
for August. David Rabideau, IT, received
the honor for back of house, and Eddie
Barilleaux, beverage, was the front-ofhouse winner.
Each month, Boomtown Casino
recognizes the service of exemplary
employees. Casino managers and
16
directors nominate their respective
employees for the honor, with the
winners decided by an internal
committee.
The winning team members receive
a monetary bonus and a food comp
for either Boomtown Casino Biloxi or
Hollywood. Winners are also eligible for
the Team Member of the Quarter award.
David
Rabideau
Eddie
Barilleaux
GOATs for August
Positive Recognition in Natchez
The Greatest
of All Team
Members for
August were
announced at
DiamondJacks
Casino & Resort
Rico
Gerald
in Bossier City.
Diggs
Williams
Rico Diggs,
lead receiver,
and Gerald Williams, table games shift supervisor,
each received a personalized certificate, $100, a
designated parking space in the VIP area of the
parking garage for one month and had their picture
displayed in the team member entrance main hallway.
NATCHEZ — Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel recently named
Team Member of the Month and Supervisor of the Month
for October. Nominees were selected by casino guests,
managers and supervisors.
LaTara Jones, cage, was named Team Member of the
Month, and Tabitha Wallace, food and beverage supervisor,
received the award for Supervisor of the Month. Nominees
included Jennifer Banks, Marian Delaughter and Doris
Lewis, cage; Danyell Fleming, Cynthia Gaylor, Anna Douglas
and Zachary Washington, food and beverage; and Cursandra
Robinson, Dorothy Bell, and Sadie Scott, security.
All winners received $25 and a Positive Recognition
certificate, while Jones and Wallace also received special
parking spots in the garage for October.
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
People In The News
Employees recognized at Silver Slipper
HANCOCK COUNTY — Silver
Slipper Casino Hotel recognized its
August Employees of the Month and
Supervisor/Manager of the Month
nominees and winners during a recent
luncheon held in the Blue Bayou Bar
& Grill.
Will Forester, slots, and Bernice
Montgomery, security, were named
Employees of the Month, and Joey
Amann, Palm
Court sous
chef/manager,
was named
Supervisor/
Manager of the
Month. Also
nominated for
the employees
honors were
Joey
Tim Heaster,
Amann
surveillance
supervisor;
Deborah Cruse, purchasing; Alice
Miles, cage; Amy Garner, Palm
Court; and Simon Sawyer, slot
product manager.
Forester, who assists in the team
effort to keep slots up and running
consistently, was sited for his
dedication to the slots team. He also
Silver Slipper Casino’s General Manager John Ferrucci (center)
congratulates the Employee of the Month and Supervisor/Manager of the
Month nominees and winners.
does not hesitate to cover shifts
when needed. A hard worker
who takes her job seriously,
Montgomery greets every guest
and employee when they enter
the casino, providing a warm,
friendly environment from the
start.
Amann, described as a “key
player” when it comes to the food
truck, continually volunteers to
OCTOBER 2016
work at outside functions with the
truck — in spite of the heat. He
is always willing to go above and
beyond his role in the Palm Court
to assist and represent the Silver
Slipper culinary team.
Nominees and winners receive
prizes, including cash and gift
certificates. Winners from each
month become eligible for the title
of Employee of the Year.
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
17
WaterView Casino Hotel
Ameristar Casino
Lady Luck Casino
Colorful Run
More than 1,000 runners, walkers
and volunteers participated in
The United Way of West Central
Mississippi’s second True Color
Run in September. Employees
from Ameristar Casino, Lady Luck
Casino, Riverwalk Casino Hotel
and WaterView Casino gathered
in downtown Vicksburg for the
fundraising event, which serves as
the kick-off for the United Way’s
annual campaign. The casino
workers formed teams to walk and
run, and also served at volunteer
stations. More than $20,000 was
raised for 21 United Way
partner agencies.
Riverwalk Casino Hotel
18
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
Contributions & Donations
IP Casino named United Way Pacesetter
BILOXI — IP Casino Resort Spa team members pledged
more than $77,000 for the United Way of South Mississippi
as part of its annual United Way donation campaign, earning
IP the distinction of being one of the organization’s Pacesetter
donors for the second year in a row.
“We are proud to help lead the way as a Pacesetter for
United Way’s donations for the rest of the year,” said Vice
President and General Manager Duncan McKenzie. “Our team
members give generously of their time, talent and resources
to many great causes, and our annual United Way campaign is
a highlight of their generosity each year.”
So far this year, IP has donated nearly $120,000 to
United Way of South Mississippi. In addition to the campaign,
which ran from July 29 to Aug. 22, IP awarded United Way
$40,000 as a charitable grant. Earlier this summer, IP helped
sponsor the inaugural Gulf Coast Dragon Boat Festival, with
IP’s team boat taking second place in the races.
The annual United Way campaign invites team members
to contribute recurring or one-time donations to support
United Way, and is part of a national United Way campaign
Tracy Finerman (second from left), human resources
senior specialist, and Connie MacKay, director of human
resources, accept the Pacesetter award from United Way
of South Mississippi representatives.
held at Boyd Gaming properties throughout the country. Team
members participate in a variety of activities throughout the
campaign period to help drive donations, including raffles for
getaways, dinner certificates, gas cards and more.
MGM Resorts employees go from Tunnel to Towers
BILOXI — MGM Resorts
International employees from
Beau Rivage and Gold Strike ran
and walked with their teams on
Sept. 17 at the Tunnel to Towers
5K fundraiser held in Biloxi.
The event, which supports the
Stephen Siller Foundation to honor
the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen
Stiller who laid down his life to
save others on 9/11, had special
meaning for one Gold Strike
employee.
Employee Ken Mimms, safety
management, is a volunteer
firefighter when off duty from
the casino. He participated in
the fundraising event in his full
firefighter gear.
The gaming company was
a champion sponsor of the
event, and employees said they
were proud to participate. They
shared stories of military service,
first responders or personal
attachment to the events of that
fateful day in 2001. Beau Rivage
employee Jody Bond took the top
trophy for his speed at the event.
The Stephen Siller Foundation
honors military and first
responders who continue to make
the supreme sacrifice of life and
limb for the country.
Work Day
Boomtown Casino and
Hotel Bossier City has a
close partnership with the
Northwest Louisiana Food
Bank, and recently hosted
their monthly work day.
Team members visited the
food bank and helped pack
more than 100 boxes of
food for elderly individuals
in need.
OCTOBER 2016
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
19
Contributions & Donations
Race for the Cure
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort associates participated in the recent Susan
G. Komen Race for the Cure held in Gulfport. Scarlet Pearl won the award
for Overall Largest Team in the event. Additionally, there are a number of
events planned at the D’Iberville property during Breast Cancer Awareness
Month. Front-of-house associates will wear specially designed pink uniforms
in October, pink ribbons will be sold by the human resources department
and a bra decorating contest will be held for all employees.
Best in Show
Friends of the Animals
Gold Strike’s food and beverage department
competed in the Memphis Zoo Rendezvous. The
Tunica Resorts property was awarded Best in Show
for its lamb belly, farro salad with yogurt dressing
and rum baba. Gold Strike competed with 59 other
restaurants for the honor. Helping with the event
were Arlean Allen, Veronica Brown, Falando Carter,
Anthony Cieplinski, Arthur Grayer, Darryl Holt,
Terrance Mosby, Wanlisa Pollard, John Roddy and
Mohamed Rojan.
Team members at L’Auberge Baton
Rouge partnered with Friends of
the Animals recently. The casino
resort employees walked dogs that
were up for adoption, and even
provided a little tender loving care
to their new canine friends.
Serving Up Lunch
Golden Nugget Biloxi employees prepared and served lunch for those
in need at Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen in Biloxi. The food was
donated and prepared by the resort’s food and beverage department,
and then served by casino operations employees. Approximately 150
plate lunches were provided.
20
MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
Contributions & Donations
Back to School Bash
Harrah’s Gulf Coast’s
HEROs volunteered at
the USO Back to School
Bash at Gulf Islands
Waterpark on Sept.
11. Volunteers from
the Biloxi resort helped
with setup, check-in and
serving lunch.
Place Your Bets
Running to Fight On
Caesars Mid-South employees recently volunteered
to raise funds for the West Cancer Clinic’s Fight On
by dealing and serving drinks at Morris Marketing
Group’s Place Your Bets Against Cancer event. West
Fight On events are a series of activities bringing
together individuals, companies and families who
support the fight against cancer to raise awareness
and funds in support of The University of Tennessee/
West Institute for Cancer Research, the nonprofit
fundraising arm for West Cancer Center. HERO
volunteers included Laura Gragg, casino operations;
Alison VanVelsor, table games; Donald VanVelsor,
table games; and Bryan Glover, table games.
Gold Strike employees recently
participated in the West Cancer Center
Fight On run/walk/bike event. Fight On
events are a series of activities bringing
together individuals, companies and
families who support the fight against
cancer to raise awareness and funds in
support of The University of Tennessee/
West Institute for Cancer Research,
the nonprofit fundraising arm for West
Cancer Center. Gold Strike employee
Thomas Richardson won first place in his
age group in the 5K running competition.
HEROs Serving Heroes
Harrah’s Gulf Coast treated
Biloxi first responders to a
barbecue lunch in August.
Harrah’s employee volunteers,
known as HEROs, said they are
passionate about giving back to
those they call “the real heroes”
that serve the community.
Members of the Biloxi Police
Department and the Biloxi Fire
Department dined on barbecue
chicken and a variety of sides.
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Family Outing
Tailgate Time
Harrah’s Gulf Coast employees were treated to a family fun day at
Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi. Team members received arcade cards,
food vouchers and passes to enjoy the rooftop pool.
A Strike for Fun
Gold Strike recently had its 6th Annual Employee Family and Friends Bowling
Night at Strike Zone Bowling in Southaven, Mississippi. Employees could
bring family members and close friends to the free event. Director of Casino
Operations Sean Hopkins, who attended bowling night with his family, said, “I
always enjoy the employee bowling night each year. It’s a great opportunity to
relax and have fun with employees while getting to know their families. My kids
are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Rewarding Day
Resorts and Bally’s
casinos in Tunica held
a friendly competition
recently to see which
property could collect
the most back-to-school
supplies. Resorts proved
to be the champions,
and as a reward for
their generosity, team
members were treated to
a Carnival Day. Employees
dined on hot dogs, chips,
popcorn and cotton candy.
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MISSISSIPPI/LOUISIANA GAMING NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
Pearl River Resort associates
recently enjoyed the 3rd Annual
Associate Tailgate Party. This
year, the party was catered by
Mugshots Grill & Bar. There
was The Mugshot Challenge,
during which associates were
given the chance to eat a
super-sized Mugshot’s burger
as well as a pound of fries in
less than 12 minutes. More
than 70 associates tried to
do it, but only Drexler Tangle,
security; Robert Henry,
maintenance; and Dakota
Billie, food and beverage, were
able to successfully complete
the challenge. The party also
included games and music.
Golf champion favors role as Sam’s Town host
SHREVEPORT — Johnny Thames
loves the links, but he loves working on
the casino floor even more. Thames,
or “J.T.” as he’s known to fellow team
members, has spent the last 20 years
teaching and playing golf where he’s
provided assistance and guidance to
numerous amateur golfers. Despite
his skills on the course, Thames favors
his role as an executive host at Sam’s
Town Hotel and Casino in Shreveport.
“I feel pretty fortunate to be in this
industry as a casino host because it
allows me to enjoy a hobby I love while
enjoying a job that feels nothing like
work,” he said.
Thames uses his extensive
knowledge of both golf and the gaming
industry to enhance the customer
experience at Sam’s Town. The
camaraderie built between Thames
and the guests stays with the
customers he interacts with, and he
understands the importance of that
dynamic.
“Golf and the casino business go
together — always
have and always
will,” he said.
“Many business
decisions have
been made on
the golf course,
so to me it puts
the player in their
Johnny
world which in
Thames
turn makes them
comfortable to
come to the
casino to gamble and enjoy their visit.”
Thames recently won the City
Amateur Stroke Play Championship
at Querbes Park Golf Course in
Shreveport. The annual tournament
has been played for more than 60
years and is one of the most notable
amateur tournaments in the region.
Thames didn’t pick up his first golf
club until he was in his 20s while
stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base
in Bossier City. After one round, he
was instantly hooked. By 1997, he had
OCTOBER 2016
won his first individual tournament:
Shreveport’s invitational Tournament of
Champions.
In 1999, a PGA professional
who opened Olde Oaks Golf Club in
Haughton, Louisiana, took notice
of Thames and asked him to be an
assistant pro at the 27-hole Hal
Sutton-designed course. Thames
accepted and reluctantly left the
gaming industry for the next seven
years as he helped run Olde Oaks by
working golf tournaments and playing
in sectional and mini-tour events. The
endless travel playing in these events
became too much for him to handle,
so he returned to Bossier City and
later joined the Boyd Gaming team in
2014.
“Sam’s Town has afforded me an
opportunity to grow my career and it’s
a good feeling to know that you are
appreciated for everything you do,”
he said. “Here, I feel I am enabled to
reach my potential and it brings out
the best in me.”
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