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Classroom to Casino

```I had a master's and seven years experience teaching and I was making $15,000 a year,' said Ferrucci, vice president and general manager of Casino Magic Biloxi. 'My first year as a dealer, I made $30,000. Casinos were a real opportunity for me to move up.'

``…For a green dealer, Atlantic City was a challenge. But the lessons Ferrucci learned helped him succeed in the industry.

``…After six months with Caesars, Ferrucci headed over to Harrah's in Atlantic City. At the time, the company was expanding across Nevada and New Jersey, and Ferrucci climbed the company ladder.

``Harrah's is where Ferrucci said he really learned the casino business, handling everything from games to credit. In 1989, he had an opportunity to run the casino for the Lucayana Beach Resort in the Grand Bahamas.

``Ferrucci spent four years in paradise, then decided to get back to the `real world.' A Minnesota-based casino company, Grand Casinos, was recruiting managers for its properties.

``…So he joined Grand Casinos and helped the company open Grand Casino Gulfport in May 1993. Six months later he went over to help Grand Casino Biloxi open.

``…When Ferrucci's management contract with the Palace expired in early 1998, he went to upstate New York to help the Akwesasne Mohawk tribe open a casino.

``…In early 2000, Casino Magic Biloxi was looking for a new general manager. Jeff Dahl had just left the Casino Row resort to become president of Beau Rivage. Ferrucci was familiar with Pinnacle Entertainment and signed on with the company.

``Things have changed tremendously from the days when Ferrucci was breaking into the industry. …Advertising and promotion are key expenses, especially in a slow market…"

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