Don H. Barden

Who was Don H. Barden?

Donald Hamilton Barden was an American casino executive.

Barden was the Manager, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Majestic Star Casino, LLC since its formation, with responsibility for key policy making functions. Since their formation, Barden was also President and Chief Executive Officer of Investor and Manager of Barden Colorado Blackhawk, Colorado, Barden Mississippi Tunica, Mississippi, and Barden Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada; and Chairman and President of BDI. Barden also served as a director of Majestic Investor Capital since its formation.

Additionally, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of a group of other companies he owned and/or operated. Over the past 30 years, Barden had successfully developed, owned and operated many business enterprises in various industries including real estate development, casino gaming, broadcasting, cable television and international trade. In 2003, Black Enterprise Magazine selected Barden as Company of the Year. In 2004, Barden received the Trumpet Award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

For years the Barden gambling facility in Gary existed beside another gambling facility belonging to Donald Trump. Barden bought the second facility for a price reflecting historic revenue at a time when several other facilities were opening up in Illinois and Indiana. The result was over extension and the Barden company owning the combined facilities have gone into bankruptcy. The Barden Indiana, Mississippi and Colorado facilities are being turned over to creditors. The Nevada facility and the part ownership in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania facilities are separately held and are not part of the bankruptcy.