The financial outlook of the casino industry will be a major topic at the 2009 Southern Gaming Summit when industry officials gather in May on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The 16th annual summit will feature speakers who will focus on political and financial outlooks for the casino industry, the new political scene, security, finances, food and beverage, customer service and marketing.

Beverly Martin, executive director of the Mississippi Casino Operators Association, said the May 6-7 event will address topics that are extremely important in today’s economic environment.

There will be 16 educational programs in two general sessions.