Gaming ‘father’ dies at age 62

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Richard J. Schilling Jr., successful restaurant, nightclub and casino owner considered the “Father of Mississippi Gaming,” has died at the age of 62 at his home in Boca Raton, Fla.

Schilling started in the restaurant and entertainment business when he was 13 years old and since owned some of the most successful and legendary entertainment venues in the country. From redefining entertainment in the Midwest with the legendary Beverly Hills Supper Club outside of Cincinnati, to “Splash,” the first casino in Tunica his vision and drive were second to none.

In 2002, Schilling was diagnosed with colon cancer. With his “never let ‘em get you down” mentality, he and his wife, Linda, designed, built and ran a new $75-million casino resort named Harlow’s in Greenville. Schilling sold his controlling interest in Harlow’s early last year.

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