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The family behind Little Caesars is expanding its footprint in the gaming industry.
Detroit-based Ilitch Companies announced June 18 the launch of Ilitch Gaming, a new division that will oversee the company’s casino, hospitality and entertainment assets. The move coincides with agreements to acquire full ownership of Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort and purchase Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in Mississippi.
Both transactions remain subject to regulatory approval.
Ilitch Gaming launches with multi-state expansion
Ilitch Gaming will combine the company’s existing gaming assets under one national platform. The portfolio includes Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel and, pending approvals, Ocean Casino Resort in New Jersey and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi.
Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Companies and son of founders Marian and the late Mike Ilitch, will serve as chairperson of Ilitch Gaming. John Policicchio was named CEO and chief development officer.
In a company statement cited by PlayNJ, Chris Ilitch described the launch of Ilitch Gaming as “a defining new chapter in the evolution of our gaming and hospitality business.”
He credited Marian Ilitch’s leadership at MotorCity Casino Hotel as the inspiration behind the company’s expansion strategy and said the organization remains focused on responsible gaming, guest experiences and community investment.
Policicchio said the company plans to build on the success of both MotorCity and Ocean while supporting Scarlet Pearl’s continued growth.
Ilitch family moves to full ownership of Ocean Casino Resort
The Ilitch family first entered the Atlantic City casino market in 2021, purchasing a 50% stake in Ocean Casino Resort from Luxor Capital Group for approximately $175 million.
Under the new agreement, Ilitch Companies will acquire Luxor’s remaining ownership interest, giving the family full control of one of Atlantic City’s strongest-performing casino properties. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Ocean Casino Resort will continue normal operations while regulatory reviews move forward.
Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino continues finanical rebound
Ocean Casino Resort has undergone one of the most notable recoveries in Atlantic City gaming history.
The property originally opened in 2012 as Revel Casino Hotel, a $2.4 billion resort development that struggled financially and eventually closed after multiple bankruptcy filings. The property later reopened under new ownership as Ocean Casino Resort.
Since then, Ocean has steadily climbed the Atlantic City rankings through major reinvestment efforts and operational growth.
According to New Jersey gaming revenue reports, Ocean generated $46.8 million in casino revenue in May 2026, ranking third statewide behind Borgata and Hard Rock Atlantic City.
For the first quarter of 2026, Ocean reported $115.8 million in net revenue and $3.5 million in net income, according to WFPG.
Located on 20 beachfront acres along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the resort features approximately 1,860 hotel rooms, a 135,000-square-foot casino floor, a sportsbook operated by Fanatics Sportsbook and the online gaming platform betOcean.
Mississippi purchase adds third state to gaming portfolio
Ilitch Gaming’s expansion also includes the acquisition of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
The D’Iberville property opened in 2015 and includes more than 800 slot machines and video poker terminals, 30 table games, a sportsbook and a 300-room hotel. The addition gives Ilitch Gaming a presence in three states: Michigan, New Jersey and Mississippi.
The family’s gaming history dates back to 1999 with the opening of MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. Marian Ilitch became sole owner of the property in 2005 after MGM Resorts divested its stake due to state gaming regulations.
Ilitch empire signals long-term ambitions in casino sector
The Ilitch family’s business holdings extend well beyond gaming.
Founded in 1959, Little Caesars has grown into one of the world’s largest pizza chains, operating in more than 29 countries. Ilitch Companies also owns Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers, the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre.
The formation of Ilitch Gaming signals the company’s intention to grow its casino operations into a larger national gaming business while continuing to expand its hospitality and entertainment portfolio.
