Domenic C. Mezzetta, 1935-2010

DOMENIC C. MEZZETTA
October 17, 1935-October 4, 2010

Domenic Mezzetta, member of the Board of Managers of SW Gaming LLC most recently served as chief executive officer and general manager of Harlow’s Casino Resort in Greenville, Mississippi, recognized as an icon throughout the gaming industry and one of the most respected pioneers, passed away Monday, October 4, 2010.

Domenic‘s extensive contributions to the gaming industry span over a period of four decades; 33 years in an upper management capacity. Mezzetta began his gaming career as a bartender at Harvey’s Hotel Casino Tahoe in 1971 and worked his way up to the director of hotel and a position on the executive board in 1977. In 1982, he was promoted to general manager. This led the way to the position of general manager at both Cactus Pete’s and Horseshoe in Jackpot, Nevada. In 1986, he was the Assistant General Manager of the Stardust in Las Vegas overseeing the construction of the fabulous 32-story hotel tower. In 1992, he relocated to Mississippi to build the Hollywood Casino Tunica from the ground up and successfully opened the $135M showplace in August of 1994. Domenic moved to Fitzgerald’s Casino in 1998, as the vice president and general manager, remaining until 2004 when he decided to pursue another career as a consultant in the gaming industry.

In 2005, Domenic was approached to take his entrepreneurial style and put his long-time industry experience to use as a consultant on a new project from groundbreaking to opening day. The Greenville, MS project required a proven veteran able to put a professional team together to plan and bring it to life. Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Domenic Mezzetta successfully opened Harlow’s Casino Resort in November of 2007. His vast knowledge of gaming construction and operations along with constant vigilance and dedication to the property is considered one of the most important contributions behind the successful story of Harlow’s Casino Resort.

Domenic served on the newly founded Tunica Tourism Commission and was an avid supporter of the Tunica Convention and Business Bureau. He is considered the driving force behind Mississippi legislature passed in 1997 to create a start-up tourism and convention organization in the Mississippi Delta. In May of 2002, Domenic received the honor of being the first inductee into the Tunica Tourism Hall of Fame.

As a concerned citizen and resident of Tunica County, Domenic played an important role in community public relations and was often called upon by the local governing authorities for advice or opinion on major decisions not only affecting the gaming industry and tourism, but also decisions that affect the quality of life for residents.

Domenic is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara, six children and twelve grandchildren. His wishes were to have donations made in his memory to “The American Heart Association” and “The Salvation Army. He was an exceptional man that leaves an impact on many lives; family, personal friends, business associates and the gaming industry will miss him greatly.


Jeff Favre
Vice President General Manager
Harlow’s Casino Resort