Mississippi casinos reboot with new MGM leadership and luxury upgrades in 2022

A pandemic comeback story unfolds as MGM bets big on Biloxi's future. Can new leadership and coastal-chic renovations lure gamblers back to Mississippi's iconic casinos?

, and Administrator

2026 May 4 . 2:04 PM

1 min read

The image shows St. John's Casino in Miami Beach, Florida, with a building on the right side, a... — The image shows St. John's Casino in Miami Beach, Florida, with a building on the right side, a windmill in the middle, and palm trees in the foreground. The sky is visible at the top of the image, and there is some text at the bottom.

Mississippi casinos reboot with new MGM leadership and luxury upgrades in 2022

Mississippi’s casino industry is seeing fresh leadership and major upgrades in 2022. MGM Resorts has named Brandon Dardeau as the new president and chief operating officer for its Southeast Operations division. The move comes as the state’s casinos recover from pandemic losses and prepare for new investments. Dardeau takes over from Travis Lunn, following an executive reshuffle announced by MGM Resorts in early 2022. His role will cover both Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Mississippi. The appointment aligns with a period of growth for the state’s gaming sector.

Mississippi casinos rebounded strongly in 2021, generating around $2.67 billion in gross gaming revenue. This marked a significant recovery after the 2020 downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the peak remains 2012, when revenues exceeded $2.72 billion. Meanwhile, Beau Rivage is relaunching a major renovation of its 1,700-plus guestrooms. The updated rooms will blend 'Southern flair' with Biloxi-inspired decor, featuring beachy tones and coastal influences. Guests can expect the same high-end amenities found at MGM’s Bellagio in Las Vegas. Looking ahead, Mississippi casinos are also eyeing expansion into sports betting in 2022. Industry leaders hope this new market will bring in additional revenue and further boost recovery.

The leadership change and room upgrades signal a busy year for MGM Resorts in Mississippi. With Dardeau at the helm and fresh investments in guest experiences, the company aims to build on last year’s financial gains. The push into sports betting could also open new opportunities for growth.