SOUTHERN GAMING SUMMIT FEATURES FOCUS ON DESTINATION BUILDING

BILOXI, Miss. (February 20, 2008) — The devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 necessitated entire communities in many cases to rebuild from the ground up, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. How a major industry is taking advantage of this unforeseen chance to create a new business and tourism destination is the topic of an important general session at the 15 th annual Southern Gaming Summit.

To be held May 7-8, 2008, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, the Summit continues to explore the region’s post-Katrina development. Gaming has been a significant part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1992, after water-based casinos were legalized in the state.

The gaming industry, which was destroyed by the hurricanes, has roared back in a big way, better than ever. Billions of dollars in new investment have flowed to the region. Gross gaming revenues in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast counties last year surpassed $1.3 billion, a new record. Eleven properties are now open in the region, with more on the way.

“Industry leaders along the Gulf Coast were able to plan the rebuilding with an eye toward tomorrow,” said Beverly Martin, executive director of the Mississippi Casino Operators Association, co-producer of the Summit along with BNP Media. “We have seen a unified approach to tourism, casino hotel development and building the convention business that is unlike any other major market in the United States.”

In the general session, Building a Destination, local leaders will provide insight into the region’s overall outlook, goals and relationship with the gaming industry. Confirmed speakers include Michael Cavanaugh, a Biloxi attorney with an extensive background in gaming and a member of the Governor’s Commission on rebuilding the Coast; Rip Daniels, commissioner with the Harrison County Tourism Commission; John Lucas, president and general manager of IP Casino Resort Spa Biloxi; and Ricky Matthews, editor of the Sun Herald and chairman of the Tourism Committee for the Gulf Coast Business Council.

The two-day Summit includes a number of educational sessions, including a gaming law program, offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attendees, developed in partnership with the International Masters of Gaming Law. There will also be four sessions exploring the latest trends in slot gaming, and additional sessions on Class II gaming, business intelligence and analytics, game protection, the view from Wall Street and the political outlook in the South.

In all, the Summit’s unique mix of education, networking and southern hospitality make it a must-attend event for anyone doing business in or interested in developing business in the region. As a result, exhibit space is already 90 percent sold out. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are also available to reach this dynamic audience; contact Lesley Grashow at grashowl@bnpmedia.com for more information.

The Summit is produced by the Mississippi Casino Operators Association and BNP Media Gaming Group. It is the largest gaming trade show held outside of Las Vegas, and provides an unmatched local voice for the industry.

Complete conference details are at www.sgsummit.com.

Media Contact: Beverly Martin, Executive Director, Mississippi Casino Operators Association; WINMCOA@aol.com or (228) 388-0087.