BILOXI — Louisiana resident Katherine Salvant spun the wheel and won big time.
The Metairie, La. woman won $8.2 million while playing a Wheel of Fortune quarter slot machine on Sunday at the Isle of Capri.
After putting about $200 into the progressive slot machine, the mother of four children hit the jackpot at 12:22 p.m.
“I tell my kids I’m doing them a favor,†she joked. “When we kick the bucket, they won’t have to worry about fighting over an inheritance. I just killed that plan.â€
Salvant, a retired track nurse for the jockeys at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, has been gambling in South Mississippi for 10 years.
Salvant said she and her husband may buy another vehicle, but there are no immediate plans to change their lifestyle.
Source: APÂ
Action goes against Warr’s wishes
GULFPORT – The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create an entertainment gaming district that stretches from the site occupied by the Oasis Hotel to West Pier, against the wishes of the mayor.
Mayor Brent Warr can veto the decision, but with a 7-0 vote for the plan, the veto would likely be overturned.
The action came at the recommendation of the Planning Commission, which voted Thursday to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and the zoning map.
Rick Carter and Terry Green, who co-own the Copa Casino, want to buy the property owned by Harrah’s Entertainment, formerly the Grand Casino. It includes land between 30th and 36th avenues, north of U.S. 90 and south of 11th Street.
The men, owners of Gulfside Casino Partnership, plan to invest more than $200 million in a land-based casino. They are scheduled to close on the property March 15. Read the rest of this entry »
BILOXI – Bernie Burkholder and Treasure Bay Gaming & Resorts announced jointly this morning that Burkholder has stepped down as chief executive officer of the privately held gambling company.
Susan Varnes, the corporate vice president of operations and general manager of the Biloxi casino, assumed management of the company with the new title of chief operating officer.
“I wish Treasure Bay, its employees, vendors and customers the very best,” Burkholder said. “My heart will always be with them and Treasure Bay. While there is never a good time to leave a company, I believe Treasure Bay has a very bright future with a strong and loyal management team and employment base in place.”
The company has also casinos in St. Croix, Aruba and Bonaire. It recently received a gaming license on the island of St. Lucia and is developing a casino there.
It will be late summer or fall before the Biloxi casino reopens, Varnes said.
Varnes, 41, began her career in casinos in her home state of Illinois. She came to Mississippi in 1995 and first worked for Isle of Capri Casinos.
“It has been a pleasure working with Bernie over the last several years,” Varnes said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead of Treasure Bay. I am honored to accept the position of chief operating officer and am excited about the team we have to take us into the future.”
Burkholder, an Alaskan fisherman who has a degree in veterinary medicine, was named the casino company’s chief executive in 1994 when it was in financial troubles. He navigated the company through a bankruptcy, hurricanes and expansions into the Caribbean.
Source: Sun HeraldÂ
