How The Casinos Hit The Jackpot In Biloxi

Despite a critical housing shortage and badly needed road repairs, the city of Biloxi sees an influx of casinos due to a change in state legislation.

Sensing a concern for safety in the aftermath of Katrina, the casinos petitioned with state legislators to allow them to build on land because it would be easier for casino employees and guests if the gambling floors were on land to evacuate if and when the next hurricane arrives. This new language is a drastic change to previous zoning requirements which stated that non-gambling elements such as hotel and restaurants may be on land but the casinos themselves had to be on barges.

Now, with Biloxi's new Master Plan, 18 to 20 casinos could emerge in 5 to 10 years, up from 2 in 2005. Why? In part, the casino operators have been helped by a post-Katrina federal tax credit that is designed to spur redevelopment. This tax credit is due to expire by the end 2008.

Despite the protests from religious conservatives, who say that Biloxi is just the beginning as the casinos push northward, the mayor of Biloxi is firmly committed to bringing in as many casinos as possible to compete with the likes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.