Page 5 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Winter, 2025

Nearly 660 associates featured in this issue!
Natchez to get air service
NATCHEZ — The restoration of commercial air service to Natchez after more than three decades promises a boost for the local casino market, drawing in out-of-market players and enhancing visibility for Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel.
The new daily flights to Houston, set to begin in July 2026, will connect Natchez to global destinations via United Airlines, potentially increasing foot traffic and revenue for the casino by making the area more accessible to tourists and high-rollers from beyond the immediate drive market.
“Commercial air service can be a major revenue and visibility booster for us — especially in trying to attract players from outside of our immediate drive-market,” said Eugene Gibson, general manager of Magnolia Bluffs. “We want to increase the number of patrons coming through our doors and let them experience the Magnolia Bluffs that we know and love. We are excited to see how this service benefits the casino.”
The announcement came in a letter from Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson, who highlighted the collaborative effort since 2021 to revive service at the Natchez-Adams County Airport. SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, will provide daily flights on 50-seat jets to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, with projections of more than 10,000 passengers in the first 18 months.
“This is exciting news! And with service beginning in July
of 2026, the sky is the limit!” Gibson wrote, crediting the
city, Adams County Board of Supervisors and the airport commission for overcoming skepticism. He noted the flights would offer “sterile to sterile” security, allowing TSA clearance in Natchez without rescreening in Houston.
Natchez, known for its historic charm and Mississippi River setting, has not had commercial air service since the early 1990s.
MISSISSIPPI GAMING & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION
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JACKSON OFFICE
GULF COAST OFFICE
P.O. Box 4479 Jackson, MS 39296
12268 Intraplex Pkwy Gulfport, MS 39503
LARRY GREGORY
Executive Director lgregory@msgaming.org • 601-940-3236
Sam’s Town Tunica closes
TUNICA — Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Tunica, which opened its doors in 1994 and underwent a major expansion in 1996, shut its doors permanently on Nov. 9 at 10 p.m., marking the end of its 31-year run in the region.
Boyd Gaming Corp., the property’s owner, announced the closure to employees on Oct. 14, citing a sharp decline in regional demand over the past two decades. “This was not an easy decision for our company,” the Las Vegas-based operator said in a statement. “However, demand throughout the northwest Mississippi market has declined significantly, with several of Tunica’s original casinos closing since 2014.”
The news rippled through the community, where the casino employed hundreds and served as a family tradition for many. The closure leaves five casinos operating in Tunica County: 1st Jackpot Casino, Fitz Casino & Hotel, Gold Strike Casino Resort, Hollywood Casino Tunica and Horseshoe Tunica. Casinos in the region have posted employment ads on social media since the announcement of the closing.
WINTER 2025
MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 5