Ilitch Companies Announces Formation of Ilitch Gaming, a National Gaming, Hospitality, and Entertainment Platform

MotorCity Casino Hotel, Ocean Casino Resort, and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort will form the foundation of a growing portfolio of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destinations

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.

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.