New VP named to oversee development of 2 state casinos, including Westmoreland site

A 25-year gambling industry veteran will lead the expansion of two new casinos in Pennsylvania, including the soon-to-be mini casino in Hempfield.

Joe Billhimer was named executive vice president of the Maryland-based Cordish Gaming Group, a division of The Cordish Companies, which owns the $150 million casino under construction at Westmoreland Mall. In his position, Billhimer will oversee the development, along with another project set to open in Philadelphia next year.

“I know it’s going to do very well,” Billhimer said of the Westmoreland project. “I think it will be an integral part of the Westmoreland Mall. It will be an integral part of the Westmoreland community, and I think you’ll see the Live! brand and how we participate in the community as a true partner in just many, many ways.”

Billhimer previously served as president of MTR Gaming, which is based in Wexford. MTR Gaming eventually merged with Eldorado Resorts Inc., where he served as chief operating officer in Reno, Nev. Billhimer held leadership positions at the Foundation Gaming Group, Caesars Entertainment’s Grand Casino Resort and Casino Magic Bay in Missouri.

He also worked as the chief executive officer of Premier Entertainment where he developed, and then redeveloped, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He was named “Executive of the Year” by the Casino Journal for his work at the property.

“I’ve never opened two properties at one time, but that’s kind of a singular statement,” he said. “We have two great teams in both areas as well as some tremendous support from our corporate side as well. It’s not like any one of us is doing it on our own.”

The Hempfield facility is slated to open before Thanksgiving. It will feature 750 slot machines and about 30 table games. Restaurant and entertainment venues will be built into the space, including Sports & Social Steel City, a two-level sports restaurant and social lounge with 450 seats. More than 500 positions are currently being filled.

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is being built in the South Philadelphia Stadium District. The 1.5 million-square-foot facility will feature 2,200 slot machines, more than 150 table games, a sportsbook, dining and entertainment venues and a 12-story hotel with more than 200 rooms.

The project is expected to bring $100 million in tax revenues to the city in the first five years, including $25 million to Philadelphia’s School District.

“We’ll be the only casino operating in an area with four major league sports teams,” Billhimer said.

Rob Norton, president of the Cordish Gaming Group, added, “We join Joe and his team in our excitement to usher in a new era for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with projects that will positively impact surrounding communities through strategic economic development, employment opportunities and philanthropic initiatives.”