Delaware North’s $27.6 million purchase of Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Nitro, Kanawha County, West Virginia from Hartman & Tyner recently closed. Officials said they’ll maintain the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort name and the players club, and update the property’s 850 slot machines within the next few months. They’ll also consider adding a sports betting venue if the U.S. Supreme Court removes the federal ban; the state legislature recently approved legalizing sports betting at West Virginia’s five casinos.
Delaware North also owns Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. A transition team from that facility and Delaware North’s corporate office took over Mardi Gras operations on March 1. Delaware North officials said Mardi Gras employees will be offered a company-matched 401(k) retirement savings plan and additional salary and benefit enhancements over time.
Wheeling Island President and General Manager Kim Florence said, “Our immediate priority is to take care of the employee base and make the transition to new ownership as smooth as possible. Everyone who was interested in making the transition was brought over,” including the existing management team, she said.
Delaware North President Brian Hansberry stated, “We’re excited about operating a second casino resort in the state and look forward to becoming part of the Nitro and greater Charleston community.” Hansberry said Hartman & Tyner took great pride in Mardi Gras’ upkeep and development and made it a successful operation.
In a statement, Hartman & Tyner said following the death of one of its principles, the company made the decision to focus on its core business of multifamily real estate in Michigan. “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to operate in this great community for over 25 years,” the former owners said.
The Jacobs family founded Delaware North in 1915. Currently it operates resorts at state and national parks, sports and entertainment venues, restaurants and regional casinos across the U.S. and in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The company has 55,000 employees and $3 billion in annual revenue.
