Date Published: December 16, 2024, 12:56 PM
Last Updated: December 16, 2024, 01:06 PM
Mississippi boasts one of the largest and most prosperous casino markets in the US. Lawmakers are set to discuss further expansion of the gaming industry during their upcoming gathering in the state Capitol in Jackson next month.
With six commercial land-based casinos and 20 riverboats, Mississippi is a prominent gaming destination. Additionally, the state is home to three tribal casinos.
The thriving commercial gaming venues, generating nearly $1.6 billion in revenue last year, are predominantly situated on the Gulf Coast. Cities like Biloxi, Bay St. Louis, and Gulfport host these establishments, making the region one of the top gaming markets in the nation after Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Chicagoland, and Baltimore-Washington, DC.
Other commercial casinos in Mississippi are located along the Mississippi River, with Vicksburg and Tunica being key gaming hubs. Although Jackson is centrally located in Hinds County, it is currently a significant distance away from the nearest casino in Vicksburg.
Local entrepreneurs in Jackson are advocating for the establishment of a new casino in the city to attract visitors and boost the economy.
Potential Casino Expansion in Jackson
A group called Capital City Forward Together, led by former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R), aims to persuade state legislators and Gov. Tate Reeves (R) to support legislation allowing a land-based casino in Jackson.
Facing declining population numbers and economic challenges, Jackson could benefit from a casino resort according to Capital City Forward Together. They believe that a casino in Jackson would attract visitors from Mississippi and neighboring states, revitalizing the city.
William Richardson, a member of Capital City Forward Together, expressed their vision for the casino project, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and drive economic growth in Jackson.
To enable the establishment of a casino in Jackson, amendments to the state’s gaming laws would be necessary. Currently, casinos are limited to the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast regions for development.
The law dictates specific criteria for land-based casinos along the Gulf Coast, restricting their location to within 800 feet from the mean high water line.
Potential Bidding Process
Capital City Forward Together proposes that Mississippi’s casino laws be amended to allow a single casino in Jackson, with existing operators being eligible to bid for the opportunity. The winning bidder would be required to pay a $10 million licensing fee to the state.
Emphasizing that no additional incentives are needed, the group asserts that the casino project can generate economic benefits without burdening taxpayers.