Senate Gaming Committee recommends confirmation of two gubernatorial nominees to lottery and gaming panels

The Senate Gaming Committee on an unspecified date voted to advise and consent on two gubernatorial nominees: Dr. Cassie Pennington for the Mississippi Lottery Corporation board and a reappointment of a commissioner identified in the hearing as Mr. Niko to the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Committee staff reported both nominations had peer-background checks with no derogatory information and that each complied with applicable state law governing appointments.

Dr. Cassie Pennington, a reappointment who the committee said lives in Indianola, joined the meeting by video but technical issues prevented live questioning. The committee chair told members a peer report and background check had been completed and that he had located no derogatory information. Following that report, a committee member moved to advise and consent to Senate Nomination No. 88; the committee voice-voted “aye,” and the chair said the nomination would be reported out of committee.

Mr. Niko appeared in person for his reappointment to the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The chair noted the commission’s peer report is typically one of the most detailed because state law bars commissioners from holding direct or indirect financial interests in the industry they regulate. Mr. Niko described three-plus years on the commission as a “great experience,” pointed to recent new applications on the Gulf Coast, and emphasized the importance of reinvestment by licensees in properties and employees.

During questioning, Mr. Niko cited Beau Rivage as an example of reinvestment, saying the property spent about $140,000,000 this year with roughly 97% of that spending inside the state, that over 98% of its employees come from the state, and that the property gave about $400,000 to the community in 2024. He also noted a 3% year-over-year decline in gross casino revenues over the past two years as a concern and said the commission and legislature should examine options to sustain and grow market share.

The chair raised a compliance item from the background report: it indicated Mr. Niko had acquired an ownership interest in property near a Biloxi casino. The chair reminded Mr. Niko that commissioners cannot have direct or indirect interests in properties involved in casino operations under state law; Mr. Niko affirmed he understood and said the property “will absolutely have no connection to any casino.” Senator DeBarr asked Mr. Niko what he viewed as the biggest issue facing gaming in the state; Mr. Niko emphasized reinvestment and employee support. He also told the committee he believed a House committee bill proposing a 50% increase in state taxes on casinos would, in his view, encourage reinvestment in existing properties rather than prompt new applications.

After discussion, the committee voted by voice to advise and consent on the reappointment tied to Senate Nomination No. 74. The chair said both nominations would be reported out of committee and the committee would notify the nominees.

Votes at a glance: Senate Nomination No. 88 — Dr. Cassie Pennington, Mississippi Lottery Corporation board (reappointment): motion to advise and consent moved by a committee member; voice vote recorded as “aye”; motion reported out of committee. Senate Nomination No. 74 — Mr. Niko, Mississippi Gaming Commission (reappointment): nominee present; motion to advise and consent called and approved by voice vote; motion reported out of committee. Voice votes were recorded as “aye”; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the transcript.

The committee’s actions were procedural confirmations; no ordinances, budgets, or regulatory changes were adopted at the meeting.