Ilitch Companies has formed a new gaming, hospitality and entertainment platform – Ilitch Gaming – which will oversee the organization’s gaming-related businesses and support future growth initiatives.
While the formation of Ilitch Gaming is still subject to regulatory approvals, the platform looks to build upon the legacy of Marian Ilitch and her late husband Mike, who founded the Little Caesars restaurant chain and came to own MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch will serve as Chairperson of the new platform, while Bruce Dall and John Policicchio were appointed as Vice Chairperson and CEO & CDO, respectively.
“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,” Ilitch said.
“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.”
As part of the new platform’s unveiling, Ilitch Companies agreed to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino in Mississippi and the remaining ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort which resides in Atlantic City.
Both transactions, as well as the appointments of Ilitch, Dall and Policicchio, are also subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions at the time of writing.
Policicchio also addressed the acquisitions, having said, "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.
"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."
Ilitch Companies originally acquired a 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort during 2021, having worked closely with the property’s leadership team and staff to support capital investment and operational improvements.
In April, MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan unveiled plans to launch a $65m multi-year initiative, titled Elevate the Escape, to help support job creation and drive continued economic activity across the city.
MotorCity Casino Hotel’s gaming floor will see upgrades made to its entrances, finishes and lighting, and recently debuted enhancements such as high-limit gaming, a smoking slot area, a VIP dining lounge and the addition of a FanDuel sportsbook retail facility.
Ocean Casino Resort opened the Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar entertainment venue on January 17, representing the first permanent indoor mini golf course to operate inside an Atlantic City casino
