Last month saw Mississippi casinos produce an ‘astonishing’ result in gaming revenue. Three Gulf Coast casinos remain closed following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 but the nine that have reopened brought US$109.8 million in revenue in September, up US$43 million on August figures. Over the last two months four casinos have reopened: the Beau Rivage, Grand Casino, Hollywood Casino in Bay St Louis and Island View in Gulfport. The monthly figures are the highest for September since gambling was legalised in 1992.

In contrast to the September record set by the Gulf Coast casinos, the Mississippi River casinos in Natchez, Vicksburg and Tunica saw a dip in revenue. Even there the amount of money collected was 11% higher than in September 2005. The record results for Mississippi as a whole were attributed to the recently reopened I-69 highway and the lowering of fuel prices. It is hoped that the casinos and other developers will in due course bring additional family attractions to the state.

The revenue collected last month seems to point to the fact that the casinos are making more money rather than just moving money around the various operations. Analysts had predicted strong growth but many were surprised by the record results. Mississippi will get its tenth operating casino when the Silver Slipper opens in Hancock County on 9 November. The Island Resort in Gulfport was open for only 13 days of September but reported encouraging results. (E-10.19.06)

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