If things go according to plan, Harrah’s Entertainment will start construction this summer on the largest gaming project in Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina blew through the Gulf States. The US$704 million Margaritaville Casino and Resort in Biloxi will be built where Grand Casino and Casino Magic once stood, and a second phase will bring additional investment. Retail outlets for luxury brands, similar to those at Caesars Las Vegas, are planned.

The Margarita Casino will cover around 100,000 sq ft; retail space is to cover 250,000 sq ft; and there will be some 66,000 sq ft of meeting space. In addition 378 hotel rooms of the Grand Casino will be renovated and 420 new rooms and a spa built. A pool deck will have tropical landscaping and an outdoor shopping area will have a tropical theme. It is hoped that the Margaritaville brand will bring the tourists to the restaurants and entertainment as well as to the casino.

Before the plans can go ahead singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet and his Margaritaville company, which will receive a percentage of gross gaming revenue, must be approved to hold a gaming licence. An investigation by the Mississippi Gaming Commission will be standard procedure. The project in Biloxi will be the first time that the Margaritaville brand is associated with casinos. The development is not expected to open until 2010. (E-05.16.07)

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