Page 14 - MGHA Annual Report, 2022

Anthony Del Vescovo, MGHA Chair
“When we approached 2021, one of the industry’s goals was to bring back business, and it
did just that smashing records throughout the state. I would like to recognize the operators, regulators, and state officials for rising above the challenges and adversity in making 2021 our best year yet. Looking forward to 2022, I continue to see enormous opportunity to expand our offerings, keep significant tax dollars in our state where they belong and generate more jobs with advances in digital technology, including statewide mobile sports betting. The future is bright and I’m looking forward to our continued success in 2022. Let’s do this!”
~ Anthony Del Vescovo, vice president/legal counsel Beau Rivage, Biloxi & Gold Strike, Tunica
“Post pandemic has been challenging, but our industry always perseveres. It has been difficult yet rewarding at the same time. The positive aspect is we were able to provide a fun and entertaining outlet when people needed it the most. Hopefully, as we move towards a new normal, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel as more people get vaccinated. I look forward to seeing how we evolve and I’m thankful to be part of an industry that sticks together through the tough times.”
~ Penny Bankston, vice president and general manager WaterView Casino Hotel, Vicksburg
“The year 2021 was a tribute to the resiliency of the entire Mississippi resort community, as we came back from the closures of 2020 with remarkable speed. Tourists returned across the state to enjoy our unique hospitality experience, delivered by the incredible team members who make Mississippi gaming resorts so memorable. With the rollout of new technologies like mobile sports betting and cashless wagering, we look forward to continuing to enhance the state’s gaming experience in the years ahead.”
~ Toni Burns, vice president and general manager Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Tunica
“This year, 2021, was supposed to be the year we returned to normal. After building momentum in the first half of the year, a new variant of COVID appeared that again took
a toll on our communities and compounded the already severe labor shortages in not only our industry, but the entire labor market. During this time, we saw a ‘can do’ attitude
from everyone. Employees stepped up and filled in, regulators made adjustments to ensure operations continued and we all committed to stamping out the pandemic. To me that is Mississippi at its best, coming together. As we again see the virus impact receding, my hope is we truly see a return to normal, and that ‘can do’ attitude continues far into the future.”
~ Chett Harrison, vice president and general manager Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Biloxi
Penny Bankston, MGHA Vice Chair
Toni Burns, MGHA Treasurer
Chett Harrison, MGHA Secretary
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