Page 14 - Jackpot Magazine Tunica ~ October, 2022

Making a Splash! This month marks 30 years of gaming in Tunica County
TUNICA — It’s been 30 years since Tunica County welcomed its first casino. Splash opened at Mhoon Landing in October of 1992 to long lines and excited crowds. And so began what is now known as “The Tunica Miracle.” From that October on, things would nev- er be the same for Tunica, which only a few years earlier had been tagged as one of the 25 poorest counties in the United States.
Business was booming at Splash when it opened; so much so that the casino was able to charge a $10 admission fee to get through the door. Over the years there would be casino openings and clos- ings, with ups, downs and many challenges along the way. Today, six casinos operate in Tunica County: Fitz Casino & Hotel, Gold Strike Casino Resort, Hollywood Casino Tunica, Horseshoe Tunica, Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall and 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica.
With the casino development that followed the opening of Splash
Dealer training at Sam’s Town Tunica in 1994.
The Atrium at Sam’s Town Tunica prior to opening in 1994.
came tourism and infrastructure development. Highlights include: In 1997, the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau opened.
In 2001, Tunica County broke ground on a $40 million airport
expansion and the Tunica RiverPark.
In 2002, the Tunica County Museum opened and in 2003, the
airport opened its 5,500-foot runway.
In 2004, the Tunica RiverPark and the Tunica National Golf &
Tennis Center celebrated their grand openings. A 7,000-foot expan- sion of the airport runway was also completed.
In 2006, I-69 created a new route to Tunica, connecting I-55 to Highway 61.
In October of 2018, the final stretch of I-269 opened, creating direct connectivity to Tunica from points east via an interstate by- pass of Memphis.
Splash welcomed its three millionth guest in ‘94. It opened in ‘92.
Plenty of clowns were on hand for the opening of Circus Circus Casino in Tunica in 1994. Circus Circus is now Gold Strike.
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JACKPOT! MAGAZINE October 2022 THE SOUTH’S LARGEST GUIDE TO GAMING & FUN • www.jackpotmagazine.com