The Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame on Wednesday announced its newest members. Joe Billhimer, John Ferruci, and Allen Godfrey will be inducted June 18 during the Hall of Fame Dinner Gala at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
The event includes the fourth annual Casino Cup Golf Tournament at The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood, Mississippi.
“This prestigious award celebrates those who have profoundly influenced the evolution and advancement of the casino industry,” Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame Executive Director Larry Gregory said in a statement. “Each nominee brings a distinct set of achievements and qualities that exemplify excellence and innovation, making them truly deserving of this distinguished honor.”
The honorees:
- Industry Pioneer: Joe Billhimer, who demonstrated leadership in the wake of Hurricane Katrina by prioritizing the safety and support of his team members and their families, then spearheading the complex multi-year rebuild of Hard Rock Biloxi. The reopening of the Biloxi property, with its iconic guitar, became a symbol of resilience for the region’s gaming industry and coastal community, restoring jobs and economic vitality. His efforts led him to be named Casino Journal’s “Executive of the Year.”
- Industry Influencer: John Ferruci, who demonstrated that casino leadership extends far beyond financial performance. Recognized for more than 30 years of dedicated service and leadership in the state’s gaming industry before his 2025 retirement, Ferrucci most recently served as Full House Resorts Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Silver Slipper Casino Hotel General Manager. Through his commitment to community involvement, he raised the property’s standing while earning honors including Citizen of the Year from the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Industry Person of the Year. He is widely respected across the Gulf Coast for his generous and consistent support of countless charities and civic organizations.
- Industry Regulatory/Government Official: Allen Godfrey, who, first as deputy director (2003) and then as executive director (2011) of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, was instrumental in guiding the industry through continued growth as well as assisting the industry in overcoming several disasters. Godfrey was involved in the state’s efforts to rebuild the coastal casinos after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and he helped lead the industry through the 2010 BP oil spill and the major Mississippi River flood of 2011, which affected many casinos along the Mississippi River.
