Page 14 - MGHA Annual Report, 2023

2022 once again proved to be another successful year in gaming. I believe once you see all the data in this annual report, you will agree. You will read about the economic impact gaming has had in our communities and see the employment of 15,000 people and $617 million in wages we offer to those people.
Our 2022 Annual Report offers a thorough review of the Mississippi gaming market and serves as a bellwether to public officials, gaming employees, and the public about the impact our industry has on our state in terms of tax revenues, tourism, and jobs. This comprehensive overview should assist key decision makers with information and statistics that indicate the strength of the gaming market in our state and allow them to partner with our industry as we continue to meet the challenges of an ever-changing economic environment.
We are grateful for the leadership provided by Rep. Casey Eure, chairman, House Gaming Committee, and Sen. David Blount, chairman, Senate Gaming Committee. They both assist in leading our industry and its success. Another leader in our state who ensures the success of our industry is Jay McDaniel, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. He leads by example in regulating gaming in our state.
Larry Gregory
On Aug. 1, 1992, we celebrated the first casino, Isle of Capri in Biloxi, to open in Mississippi. Our industry celebrated its 30th anniversary in Mississippi in this past year. Our gaming industry is an evolving story of resiliency.
Over the past three decades, gaming has grown into the robust industry it is today with a presence in almost every part of our state. Our gaming industry continues to serve as an economic engine for driving Mississippi’s economy while also driving tourism. We are proud of this accomplishment.
In 2022, MGHA continued to provide responsible gaming training to its members/employees in a program approved by the MGC. The training is unique in that it provides attendees a perspective on responsible gaming from that of a former regulator, who knows the regulations and provides insight from the latest data released by the AGA. MGHA’s efforts to promote responsible gaming will continue in 2023, and the association will be looking for ways to support efforts to assist those negatively impacted by compulsive gambling.
We should all be proud of the accomplishments made in 2022, a year defined by SUCCESS. We have proven once again that our industry is geared for forward movement regardless of the circumstances. Our success doesn’t happen alone. We are thankful to have an excellent team of general managers, team members, legislators, governor and lieutenant governor, regulators and communities to support us in our efforts to keep gaming strong in Mississippi.
I want to give my sincerest appreciation to our outgoing chairman of the MGHA, Anthony Del Vescovo. His leadership over the past two years has provided stability and success in our industry. His unique perspective has provided our association recognition throughout the state. He will continue to serve as a board member to MGHA.
Larry Gregory
Executive Director, Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association
LETTER FROM MGHA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR