When the news of gaming legend Terry Lanni’s passing was announced, the word spread quickly—and so did the tributes. Receiving nods from many big name execs, including Steve Wynn, Gary Loveman and Sheldon Adelson, it became evident very quickly just how much the industry respected the life and achievements of Lanni.
Said quite well, Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, released the following statement: “All of us at the AGA were devastated to learn of Terry Lanni’s passing. Terry was without question one of the best and most decent people to ever work in the gaming industry. He was a kind, generous leader with an uncanny knack for making the people around him better. People loved working for Terry, and we loved working with him on so many of the industry-wide issues that were important to him over the years. Terry genuinely cared about bringing the industry together to tackle its challenges. He was a collaborator and an innovator, and his savvy business sense helped guide MGM and—through the AGA—the broader gaming industry to unprecedented levels of success. Terry was the best kind of boss one could work for and the best kind of friend one could hope for. Here was a man whose heart was truly as big as his intellect. We will miss his humor, his friendship and his ever thoughtful counsel. The industry has lost one of its true greats.”
Even Tracinda Corp. President and CEO Kirk Kerkorian released a statement. He said: “There is virtually no one that I’ve respected more than Terry Lanni. His integrity, professionalism and generosity were second to none. He was a valued and trusted friend and an invaluable colleague.”
Lanni has many great achievements to his well-remembered name. He served in various positions at Caesars World, including CFO, COO and president. It was here where one of his most notable accomplishments was guiding the development of the Forum Shops at Caesars. At the time, his move was criticized, but now it has become a Las Vegas staple and often copied retail mall. He also helped move the company into the Atlantic City market.
In 1995, Lanni moved on to another gaming giant, MGM Grand Inc. (later merging to become MGM Mirage), serving as chairman and CEO for 13 years. He was instrumental in growing the company from one property to having several destinations on the Strip, throughout the U.S. and around the world. He also implemented a corporate diversity program that became a benchmark for gaming companies and widely recognized by national media.
Throughout his life, Lanni was interested in politics. Before coming to gaming, he served on the national staff for the re-election of President Gerald Ford. And in 1996, he was appointed to serve on the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. He had a love for his community, too, serving on several boards, including the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC); the Marshall School of Business Board of Visitors at USC; the Board of Trustees of the UNLV Foundation, UNLV; and the Board of Directors of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
Other honors include being the first recipient of the Nevada governor’s Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2003.
Lanni ultimately retired from MGM in 2008, and passed from this world in July at age 68. Further evidence his death struck many: At his memorial service in South Pasadena, Calif., more than 1,500 family members, friends and others attended—even Sen. John McCain was there with a eulogy.
Lanni is survived by his wife, Debbie, and two sons. If you were touched by his life or want to help a good cause, contributions are being accepted for the Lanni Family Cancer Research Fund under the direction of Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz of USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Amanda Huggett is the Managing Editor for Casino Enterprise Management. She can be reached at (701) 293-7775 or editor2[at]aceme.org.
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