The Mississippi Gaming Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. at the Jackson office of the Mississippi Gaming Commission.  Executive Director Allen Godfrey, Chairman Al Hopkins, and Commissioners Jerry Griffith and Tom Gresham were in attendance.  The following matters were considered:

LICENSING

The Mississippi Gaming Commission approved the issuance of a license to the following:

• Modern Gaming, Inc. as a manufacturer and distributor.

FINDINGS OF SUITABILITY

The Mississippi Gaming Commission approved applications for findings of suitability for the following persons and entities:

• Elizabeth L. Cochran, Modern Gaming, Inc.

• David D. Ross, Chairman of the Board of DEQ Systems Corp.

• Todd J. Raziano, Vice President and General Manager of Premier Entertainment Biloxi, LLC d/b/a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

• Stephen J. Ditchkus, Vice President and General Manager of Majestic Mississippi, LLC d/b/a Fitz Casino & Hotel Tunica

OTHER APPROVALS

• PDS Gaming Corporation – Mississippi; PDS Special Purpose I – Mississippi, LLC; PDS Special Purpose II – Mississippi, LLC, and PDS Special Purpose III – Mississippi, LLC, received approval for the following:

  • Pledges of Equity Interests or Securities

  • Imposition of Equity Restrictions including Negative Equity Pledges

• Majestic Mississippi, LLC d/b/a Fitz Caisno and Hotel received approval for the following:

  • Transfer of Equity Interests or Securities (Ackerman)

  • Transfer of Equity Interests or Securities (Absler)

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

• The Commission approved and entered into a Stipulation and Agreement with Stephen Joseph Ditchkus.

PLAYER DISPUTES

• The Commission accepted the decision of the hearing officer regarding the player dispute hearing held and decision rendered on December 16, 2015, in Jackson, Mississippi.

• The Commission accepted the decision of the hearing officer regarding the player dispute hearing held and decision rendered on January 12, 2016, in Jackson, Mississippi.

WORK PERMITS

• The Commission unanimously approved the recommendation of the Executive Director not to accept the hearing officer’s decision and to revoke the work permit of Brio RaVonne Kelley.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None.

Next Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Mississippi Gaming Commission will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Jackson offices of the Mississippi Gaming Commission.  The deadline for submission of agenda items for this meeting is March 31, 2016.