Page 84 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2024

In 1994 the gaming industry here experienced its biggest economic boom as one casino after another opened in Mississippi. This year, casinos across
the state are marking their 30th anniversaries with special events for employees and guests.
Along the Gulf Coast, several casinos opened in 1994; three remain and are doing well. Grand Casino Biloxi opened in January 1994 and at that time was the world’s largest floating casino. Operated by Grand Casinos Inc., Grand Biloxi, now Harrah’s Gulf Coast, went through several ownership changes and is currently owned by Caesars Entertainment.
Also in Biloxi, Treasure Bay opened in April 1994 with a floating pirate ship as its casino, and Boomtown Casino opened in July 1994. Like a
few other casinos in the state, both Treasure Bay and Boomtown have kept their name for the past 30 years. Treasure Bay has had little change in ownership. Boomtown Casino Biloxi is now owned by Penn Entertainment.
The legalized gaming industry, which started
in 1992 when the Isle of Capri Casino opened
its doors in Biloxi, is one of Mississippi’s biggest success stories. The direct economic impact the industry has on the state is impressive. Duncan McKenzie, an industry leader for nearly 50 years with much of that time spent on the Gulf Coast, broke down some of the numbers as he addressed those assembled at the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association’s recent Gaming Hall of Fame Gala.
story by
Lori Beth Susman
There are now 26 casinos in the state boasting more than 10,000 hotel rooms.
“In 2023, (the gaming industry) generated nearly $2.5 billion in gaming revenue – $2.5 billion,” McKenzie said, adding the majority of that, $1.6 billion, comes from Coast casinos.
With gaming tax at 12 percent, that means
nearly $300 million is provided to the state of Mississippi as well as local governments. Additional taxes are generated through employee payroll, McKenzie said. “We employ more than 16,000 people directly, not including contract and other workers. They make more than $860 million in wages and benefits, and spend these wages in the towns where they reside, generating more taxes.”
McKenzie, now an industry consultant, also spoke about the casinos’ commitment to community, including time spent on boards and by way of resources provided. Mississippi casinos have shown a strong dedication to helping those in need, from generous financial contributions to employees collecting canned goods and baby items.
“Gaming’s presence here certainly had some effect on the growth and improvement of the area,” McKenzie added. “Our airport has grown, we attracted a professional baseball team, opened a $100 million aquarium, and added many other attractions to this already wonderful destination. Our responsibility will be to continually improve the quality and diversity of our non-gaming offerings to ensure the future success of our destination and industry.”
84 | August 2024
Hitting the
Gaming Industry Update