Donn Mitchell, Les McMackin and Greg Guida

Foundation Gaming and Entertainment Brings Skills to the Game

For Foundation Gaming and Entertainment, the growing regional owner/operator of gaming and resort properties, luck has nothing to do with it. Instead, the company’s edge is sound experience and sharp management.

Four of Foundation Gaming’s five top executives worked together at Isle of Capri Casinos, one of the original regional casino resort companies, during its most substantial growth period for nearly a decade starting in the mid-1990s, and the fifth partner is a seasoned gaming operator with both Las Vegas and regional market experience. In an inspired, “let’s get the band back together” move, the team created Foundation Gaming to put their years of expertise to work and continue their winning streak.

Today Foundation Gaming owns two thriving properties in Mississippi with plans for several more in other markets. Western Alliance Bank’s Gaming group helped the new company refinance its original acquisition in Vicksburg, acquire its second property in Tunica and fund capital improvements for both.

Donn Mitchell, CFO of Foundation Gaming, was looking for more than an off-the-shelf financing solution when the group was exploring banking relationships. “Western Alliance wants to be a partner, and they are. Our banker raises questions that add a lot of value to the process, which comes from his own experience in the industry.”

Mitchell added: “Their entrepreneurial approach really matches ours. We’ve moved all of our accounts over to Western Alliance. Beyond their experience in our industry, the people are friendly, helpful and always a pleasure.”