Former Mississippi Governor Pushing for Jackson Casino

Mississippi lawmakers will meet at the Capital in Jackson next month to discuss expanding the gaming industry in the state. 

Right now, the state offers six land-based, three tribal, and 20 riverboat casinos. 

One of those casinos includes Magnolia Bluffs Casino in Natchez that was recently impacted by technical issues. 

Additional Mississippi Casino Information

The Gulf Coast has 12 riverboat and land-based casinos scattered throughout Biloxi, Gulfport, and more. Combined, they won about $1.6 billion, ranking them as the fifth-richest gaming market. 

Additional casinos can be found along the Mississippi River, and more specifically, Vicksburg and Tunica.

Now, there are people wanting to bring more casinos to the state. 

Former Governor-Led Group Wants Casino in Jackson

Capital City Forward Together is a group of five people led by Haley Barbour, the former Governor of the state. The goal of the group is to lobby lawmakers and incumbent Governor Tate Reeves into legislation for a land-based casino in Jackson. 

The city of Jackson has a declining population with a median household income of about $43k. 

Capital City Forward Together believes a casino in Jackson could help the economy. 

“We are recommending within a mile or so of the capitol so it brings the jobs, brings the people,” William Richardson, one of the five members involved with Capital City Forward Together, told WLBY3. “It restores the core of our city.”

However, for a casino to be put in Jackson, the current gaming law would need to be changed. Right now, it states that the Mississippi Gaming Commission can only review proposals for casinos near the Mississippi River or Gulf Coast. 

Land-based casinos can only be considered along the Gulf Coast for casinos located no more than 800 feet from the 19-year mean high water line. 

The Process for Bringing a Casino to Jackson

Now, Capital City Forward Together is hoping for lawmakers to draft legislation that would amend the bill to allow a single casino in Jackson. 

As part of the process, the winning bidder for the casino would need to pay a one-time $10 million licensing fee. 

They also mentioned that there wouldn’t be any need for additional tax incentives. 

“You don’t need to give a casino any tax money,” added Richardson. “You don’t need to invest in it. They got the money. We have this opportunity to do something that brings in economic development without asking the taxpayer for a dollar.”