Page 4 - MGHA - Annual Report, 2018

Welcome to another wonderful year for the gaming industry in Mississippi. It would be remiss of me if I did not take this time to thank our outgoing chair, Lee Dillard, for his leadership and dedication to the association over the past two years. I write to you as the newly appointed chair of the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association.
I am extremely grateful and humbled by the support and confidence the association has placed in me by allowing me to serve as chair. When I entered the Mississippi market almost two years ago it marked the eighth gaming jurisdiction I have had the privilege to operate in both domestically and internationally. It did not take me long, in my time in Mississippi,to realize that this market was special.All three of the regions in the state that provide gaming are unique and all 28 casinos provide something special and exciting for our guests.Although gaming in Mississippi faced a myriad of challenges in 2017 — from an ever- expanding gaming landscape on our borders, to natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Nate — our industry continues to be strong and positively impact both the Mississippi economy and our local communities.
As you read through this report you will see both the successes and
challenges of our industry over the past year.This was a challenging year
for some Mississippi casino operators. The statewide casino revenues were
down 2 percent from 2016.Tunica experienced a decline of 6 percent,
the lower river down 3 percent and the coast was up almost 1 percent, the highest in gaming revenue since 2008.These numbers can,in part be attributable to some weather impact,and we continue to battle increased competition from neighboring states.As an association, we represent all the commercial casino operators in the state and are dedicated to not only monitoring the gaming and tourism industry in and around the state, but to continuously seeking ways to bolster our offerings to ensure Mississippi remains a unique, diverse and attractive destination for all.
We are committed to investing in capital projects, being involved in our local communities and driving tourism. Our industry is consistently working with elected officials,tourism stakeholders and local leaders within our regions and throughout the state.This collaborative approach has grown over the years and now, when we need collaboration the most, these partnerships are as strong as ever.
Thank you to all of the casino and associate members of the association. It is through your tireless commitment and support that we are able to present such an amazing story of contribution and stewardship to our state leaders and to those looking at Mississippi from around the entire country.The Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association is pleased to present this, its ninth annual State of the Industry Annual Report: Mississippi Gaming 2018.
MGHA Chair
Sincerely,
Justin J. Carter
LETTER FROM