Page 4 - MGHA Annual Report, 2019

The year 2018 began with the Mississippi Gaming Commission taking a hard look at the possibility of sports betting becoming legal in the state of Mississippi. I have heard it said by many a property general manager that sports betting would be the one thing that might raise revenue and increase foot traf c at the casinos.
As you know, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed and the rest is history. The industry is responsible
for determining how large this new amenity will become, but the rst few months have proven that there is interest in sports betting by many people. The operators have reported additional foot traf c and, hopefully, this will continue.
The Mississippi Gaming Commission has for
years tried to be a rm, fair and consistent regulator and will continue to work toward that goal in the upcoming year. The agency has seen extensive budget cuts and personnel reductions in the last three years and, hopefully, that will change soon, as the need for additional personnel grows daily.
The challenge to keep up with technology and the additional travel requirements due to sports betting applications from overseas will prove to be challenging with the current budget, but the agency will prioritize and accomplish its mission statement.
The past year has been challenging and exciting for all of us at the Mississippi Gaming Commission as we have worked closely with you, the operators, and many regulatory bodies across the country. It is my desire that this agency serve all in a professional manner,
and that we will continue to train to be better servants of the public and members of this regulatory body. It is also my desire to see this industry grow and prosper and continue to be a good corporate citizen.
Sincerely,
Allen Godfrey, Executive Director Mississippi Gaming Commission
LETTER FROM