Published on: June 18, 2026, 02:27h.
Updated on: June 18, 2026, 02:27h.
- Ilitch Companies has launched Ilitch Gaming to manage its casino assets and future growth
- This new entity will fully own Ocean Casino Resort and acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort located in Mississippi
- This development broadens the Ilitch family’s presence in the gaming sector, which started with the establishment of MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit back in 1999
Ilitch Companies is introducing Ilitch Gaming to oversee the family’s casino ventures, which include the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, and the upcoming acquisition of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi.
Ilitch Companies is the legacy business of the late Mike Ilitch and his spouse, Marian Ilitch. The couple became billionaires after founding the Little Caesars pizza franchise in 1959.
By creating Ilitch Gaming, the company is consolidating its casino operations into a streamlined division designed to manage the existing casinos and explore further growth opportunities. This begins with acquiring the remaining 50% stake in Ocean Casino from Luxor Capital, a private equity firm, and agreeing to purchase Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in Mississippi from Luann Pappas.
“My mother Marian Ilitch’s vision for MotorCity Casino Hotel and our nearly three decades of success in Detroit inspire what’s to come,” stated Chris Ilitch, chair of Ilitch Gaming.
“The establishment of Ilitch Gaming signifies a significant new phase in our gaming and hospitality journey. We are dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests, promoting responsible gaming, and positively impacting the communities we serve,” Chris Ilitch further emphasized.
Casinos Born from Pizza
The Ilitch family invested their pizza earnings to transform into a vast conglomerate overseeing sports and entertainment. They proudly own the MLB Detroit Tigers, NHL Detroit Red Wings, and the historic Fox Theatre.
Entering the gaming sector in December 1999 with MotorCity, the Ilitchs capitalized on the chance to operate one of three allowable commercial casinos in Detroit after a statewide referendum permitted gambling to revitalize the city’s economy.
MotorCity Casino was developed in partnership with Las Vegas’ Mandalay Resort Group for $525 million. In April 2005, Ilitch acquired the 75% share from Mandalay Bay after MGM Resorts purchased Mandalay, and local regulations mandated MGM to divest the stake as they already ran MGM Grand Detroit.
Following their success at MotorCity, the Ilitch family pursued further opportunities in gaming, discovering a promising venture in Atlantic City with Ocean Casino Resort.
In 2021, Ilitch invested $175 million for a 50% share of the casino, originally built for $2.4 billion. Ocean, previously known as Revel, faced numerous financial hurdles and bankruptcies.
Since then, under Ilitch’s management, Ocean has flourished to become one of Atlantic City’s leading establishments.