Cordish Gaming Group today announced the appointment of gaming-industry veteran Joe Billhimer as executive vice president. In this role, Billhimer will be responsible for leading the company’s expansion into Pennsylvania with the development of two new Live! Casino properties in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Billhimer brings more than 25 years in the gaming and hospitality industries to his new position, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. in Reno, Nevada. He also served as President of MTR Gaming, based in Wexford, PA., prior to its merger with Eldorado Resorts. Billhimer served as Chief Executive Officer of Premier Entertainment, where he was named Casino Journal’s “Executive of the Year” for his efforts in developing, and redeveloping, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi after its destruction by Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, Billhimer has held leadership positions at Foundation Gaming Group, Caesars Entertainment’s Grand Casino Resort in Gulfport, MS., and Casino Magic Bay in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
“We make it a priority to hire experts of the highest caliber in the industry and we have certainly found that in Joe,” said Rob Norton, President, Cordish Gaming Group.
The new Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia will be a gaming, dining and entertainment facility located in the heart of the Stadium Entertainment District in South Philadelphia. When it opens in early 2021, this anchor property at 900 Packer Avenue will transform the area into an integrated sports, entertainment and casino resort destination, which already attracts more than 8.5 million visitors a year. The 1.5 million-square-foot facility will feature more than 200 rooms, Philadelphia’s only FanDuel sportsbook, 2,200 slots and electronic table games, 150-plus table games, including poker, and a variety of dining and nightlife options.
Located in Westmoreland County, Penn., the 100,000-square-foot Live! Casino Pittsburgh will feature 750 slots and electronic table games and approximately 30 table games, a sportsbook, and restaurants and live entertainment venues.
