Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, recognized as the largest casino operating in Tunica, Mississippi, is set to permanently shut down on November 9, 2025, marking the end of a 31-year legacy within a previously bustling casino district. The announcement came from Boyd Gaming, the property’s owner, through a communication to its staff on Thursday, explaining that the closure is a result of the ongoing market downturn in this area.

“Making this decision was not easy,” the company stated, emphasizing the persistent economic difficulties faced by the Tunica region. Following this closure, only five casinos will remain operational in the area.

For locals and former staff, while the announcement was somewhat expected, it has reignited worries regarding unemployment and the broader financial implications for the community. Local resident Bennie Williams conveyed his concerns about the job market during an interview with FOX13. “So many people depend on it for employment,” he noted.

Eric Marable, who served as a security guard at Sam’s Town two decades ago, shared similar views. “Loss of jobs is never a good thing, and it’s always troubling,” he mentioned, underscoring that the casino’s impact extends far beyond just its patrons.

The uncertain fate of the establishment has heightened anxieties within the community. Many residents refer to other casinos and hotels in Tunica that have shuttered in recent years, leaving behind vacant lots and decaying structures. “We already have too many abandoned casinos in this area,” Marable lamented.

Williams pointed to Harrah’s Tunica, which was a key player before its closure in 2014. “After Harrah’s shut down, nothing fruitful ever came of that space,” he remarked.

The decline of Tunica’s gambling industry has been slow but steady. Increasing competition from neighboring states and shifts in gambling preferences have led to decreased patronage. Once regarded as a key gaming hub in the United States outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Tunica has witnessed multiple casino closures as the local market shrank.