Ilitch Companies today announced the formation of Ilitch Gaming, a unified gaming, hospitality, and entertainment platform that will oversee the organization’s gaming-related businesses and support future growth initiatives. The operation of Ilitch Gaming remains subject to regulatory approvals.
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MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit, Michigan
Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch will serve as Chairperson of Ilitch Gaming, Bruce Dall will serve as Vice Chairperson, and John Policicchio will serve as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer. Ilitch Gaming builds on the legacy of Marian Ilitch, Co-Founder of Little Caesars with her late husband Mike, who played a leading role in the development of commercial gaming in Detroit through her ownership of MotorCity Casino Hotel.
“My mother Marian Ilitch’s vision for MotorCity Casino Hotel and our success in Detroit over nearly three decades is the inspiration for what comes next,” said Chris Ilitch, Chairperson of Ilitch Gaming. “The formation of Ilitch Gaming marks a defining new chapter in the evolution of our gaming and hospitality business. We remain committed to creating memorable experiences for guests, supporting responsible gaming, and serving as a positive economic force in the communities where we operate.”
Ilitch Companies also announced agreements to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi and the remaining ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both transactions remain subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Ocean Casino Resort and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort represent two distinct opportunities within the Ilitch Gaming portfolio. Since acquiring a 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort in 2021, Ilitch Companies has worked closely with the property’s leadership team and employees to support significant capital investment, operational improvements, and continued growth. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort expands the platform into a third gaming market and adds a property known for its strong culture, loyal customer base, and commitment to the surrounding community.
“We are excited to build on the success of MotorCity Casino Hotel and Ocean Casino Resort and welcome Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort to the Ilitch Gaming portfolio,” said John Policicchio, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of Ilitch Gaming. “Scarlet Pearl has built something special over the past decade, and we look forward to supporting its continued success. Our focus is straightforward: support great teams, deliver exceptional guest experiences, invest in the communities we serve, and responsibly grow the business over time.”
“We are incredibly proud of what our team has built over the past decade and grateful for the support we have received from our guests across the Gulf Coast,” said LuAnn Pappas, Chief Executive Officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. “We believe Ilitch Gaming shares our commitment to hospitality, service, and community, and we are confident Scarlet Pearl is positioned for continued success.”
The formation and operation of Ilitch Gaming and related leadership appointments remain subject to regulatory approvals. The Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and Ocean Casino Resort transactions remain subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Until approvals are received and transactions are completed, each property will continue serving guests and operating as usual.
About Ilitch Companies
The Ilitch Companies is a growing, global family of businesses spanning gaming, food, sports, entertainment, real estate, and hospitality, united by a shared commitment to entrepreneurship, community, and excellence. Led by Chris Ilitch since 2004, the Ilitch Companies have increased revenue more than 600% in that time, outperforming the S&P 500. With tens of thousands of colleagues around the world, Ilitch Companies proudly invests in the places it calls home, strengthening its communities through innovation, opportunity, and philanthropy.
Through strategic ownership of leading brands and enterprises including Little Caesars, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Development, Olympia Parking, Little Caesars Supply Chain, Champion Foods, Little Caesars Fundraising, Tenda, and now Ilitch Gaming, which includes MotorCity Casino Hotel, Ocean Casino Resort, and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort (all subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions) along with joint venture ownership of 313 Presents, Ilitch Companies empowers growth, brings people together, and creates memorable experiences.
About MotorCity Casino Hotel
Located on Grand River Avenue at the Lodge Freeway (M-10), MotorCity Casino Hotel is the only locally owned and operated casino in Detroit. Marian Ilitch became the sole owner of MotorCity Casino in 2005 and soon embarked on a $300 million expansion and renovation project, which was completed in 2008. The entertainment complex is now comprised of an expansive gaming space, the FanDuel Sportsbook at MotorCity Casino, an award-winning 400-room ultra-comfortable high-tech hotel, the high-end restaurant Revel Steak, and other amenities. For more information about MotorCity Casino Hotel, or to make a reservation, visit www.motorcitycasino.com or call 1-866-STAY-MCC.
About Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort (www.scarletpearlcasino.com) is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in D’Iberville, MS. The award-winning resort has a 300-room hotel and a gaming floor with over 800 slots and video poker machines, 30 table games, and the Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook. The property also features the Orchid Room, an elevated experience for high-limit players and the VIP Lounge exclusive to EIP and Scarlet tier rewards members. The complex features multiple amenities including restaurants, a 36-hole miniature golf course, and an upscale boutique. The casino opened in D’Iberville, MS, December 9, 2015.
Visit Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort’s Facebook page and www.scarletpearlcasino.com/about/scarlet-pearl-cares/ to join the efforts of “Scarlet Pearl Cares”.
About Ocean Casino Resort
Spanning over 20 beachfront acres along the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean Casino Resort is a premier luxury destination offering world-class accommodations, gaming, dining, entertainment, and spa experiences. Ocean features 1,860 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, a 135,000-square-foot casino floor with slots and an expansive Asian gaming pit, a 4,500-seat concert venue, 160,000 square feet of expansive meeting and convention space, Exhale Spa C Bathhouse, and one of the largest collections of outdoor amenities in Atlantic City. Ocean’s dining portfolio includes upscale concepts by acclaimed restaurateurs Stephen Starr and Jose Garces, alongside an array of casual dining, nightlife, and daylife experiences including HQ2 Beachclub and Nightclub.
Signature attractions include Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf C Bar — a two-level immersive mini golf experience featuring holograms by HYPERVSN, the same company behind the technology used at The Sphere in Las Vegas — and Santa’s Hideaway Adventure, a magical holiday journey to the North Pole. To complete its gaming offerings, Ocean hosts land-based sports wagering in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook and online gaming through its real-money gaming site and mobile app betOcean within the state of New Jersey. Philadelphia Magazine named the property “Best Casino” on its “Best of Philly” awards list. Ocean Casino Resort is owned and operated by AC Beachfront, L.L.C.
For more information, visit theoceanac.com or follow Ocean on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
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