Indian casinos in Alabama grossing fastest; Scioto Downs Casino appoints VP; The Southern Gaming Summit puts spotlight on Louisiana

Poarch Scioto Downs Southern Gaming Summet

Poarch Scioto Downs Southern Gaming SummetIndian casinos in Alabama have been making money faster than any other in the nation, the 2012 edition of Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry Report has revealed.

According to The Mobile Press-Register, revenues for Poarch Creek Indian Gaming grew 61% in 2010, making Alabama the fastest growth rate among all of the 28 states with Indian casinos. Revenue for Indian Casinos also grew faster than other casinos in 2008 and 2009.

The report, which was released last week, said the big increases are a result of the crackdown on PCI Gaming’s competitors, such as VictoryLand in Shorter and other state-regulated casinos.

 

Scioto Downs Casino & Racetrack in Columbus, Ohio has had its position of Vice President and General Manager appointed by the MTR Gaming Group today. Industry veteran Troy J. Buswell has taken the position, effective immediately, although the casino is currently under construction – planned to open in the second quarter of 2012.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MTR Gaming Group, Joe Billhimer, said: “Scioto Downs Casino & Racetrack will benefit greatly from Troy’s leadership and experience. Troy will join Stacey Cahill, who will continue to serve as General Manager of Racing, to bring a complete entertainment experience to the Columbus community.”

Construction of Scioto Downs Casino & Racetrack is ongoing, and when completed, the facility will open with approximately 2,100 video lottery terminals and is permitted to increase that number to as many as 2,500.

 

The Southern Gaming Summit will put the spotlight on Louisiana during part of its event May 8-10 in Biloxi, with the May 9 session being  a collaboration of the Mississippi Casino Operators Association and Louisiana Casino Association.

Executive director of the Louisiana association, Wade Duty, will moderate the session, along with panellists which will include Geno Iafrate, senior vice president and general manager of Pinnacle Entertainment; Larry Lepinski, general manager of Mojito Pointe; and Jeff Michie, general manager of Belle of Baton Rouge.

The Southern Gaming Summit is being held at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Centre and will also include a two-day trade show.