Ilitch Companies 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 formation and operation of Ilitch Gaming remain subject to regulatory approvals.
MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi, are expected to form the foundation of the Ilitch Gaming portfolio.
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, who played a key role in the development of commercial gaming in Detroit through her ownership of MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Along with the formation of Ilitch Gaming, Ilitch Companies announced agreements to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and the remaining ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort. Both transactions remain subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Ilitch Companies acquired a 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort in 2021 and has worked with the property’s leadership team and employees to support capital investment, operational improvements, and growth.
The Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort acquisition expands the platform into a third gaming market and adds a property known for its culture, customer base, and community commitment.
Until regulatory approvals are received and the transactions are completed, each property will continue operating as usual.
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 later completed a $300 million expansion and renovation project in 2008.
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort opened in 2015 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and includes a 300-room hotel, more than 800 slots and video poker machines, 30 table games, and a sportsbook.
Ocean Casino Resort spans more than 20 beachfront acres along the Atlantic City Boardwalk and includes 1,860 renovated guest rooms and suites, a 135,000-square-foot casino floor, a 4,500-seat concert venue, and 160,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
Ilitch Companies is a family of businesses spanning gaming, food, sports, entertainment, real estate, and hospitality. Its portfolio includes Little Caesars, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Development, and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
KEY QUOTES:
“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. 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.”
Chris Ilitch, Chairperson of Ilitch Gaming
“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.”
John Policicchio, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of Ilitch Gaming
“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. We believe Ilitch Gaming shares our commitment to hospitality, service, and community, and we are confident Scarlet Pearl is positioned for continued success.”
LuAnn Pappas, Chief Executive Officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort