Page 4 - MGHA Annual Report, 2021

Greetings from the wonderful State of Mississippi! I am writing to you as the newly appointed chair of this great association. I am truly grateful and excited for the opportunity. My rst order of business is to thank our outgoing chair, Gerad Hardy, for his leadership and commitment to the association over the past two years.
Like many of us, I am humbled by the current environment we operate in as an industry. We started
the year with strong momentum coming off 3.5% gaming revenue growth in 2019 — driven by the rst full year
of legalized sports betting in Mississippi. In March,
we quickly realized 2020 would be unlike any other
year our industry — or the world — has ever faced.
The COVID-19 pandemic was upon us, ultimately necessitating an unprecedented full shutdown of gaming across the state. These were indeed the toughest of times
for our businesses, team members, families and communities.
Joe Lodise
As I have learned in my three years in the Mississippi market, we are a resilient bunch, having a long track record of rebounding from the likes of natural disasters and economic downturns. This was unchartered territory, though. Guided by our thoughtful state leaders and gaming regulators, we were one of the rst jurisdictions to reopen under stringent health and safety guidelines. Since then we’ve continued to deliver on the promise of a safe environment for our guests and team members.
We’ve also remained committed to supporting our communities by donating our time and resources, such as food, to those in our communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Gaming revenues across the state are up year-over-year since reopening — just an amazing success story and testament to our collective resolve.
Thank you to all the casino and associate members of the association. It is through
your commitment pledges that we can present such an amazing story of contribution and stewardship to our state leaders and those looking at Mississippi from around the country. Special thanks as well to Larry Gregory, our executive director, for his leadership during these unprecedented times.
On behalf of the MGHA, I am pleased to present this 11th edition of the State of the Industry Annual Report: Looking Back on 2020.
Sincerely,
Joe Lodise
Joe Lodise
Chair, Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association
LETTER FROM
MGHA CHAIR