While stating it “remains committed to the Tunica market,” Caesars Entertainment Corporation announced it will end gaming operations at Tunica Roadhouse in Mississippi by January31, but will continue to operate the 135-room hotel there plus the casino and hotel at Horseshoe Tunica. Caesars officials said the “difficult decision follows persistent declines in business levels in the area stemming from increased competition.”
Caesars Entertainment Mid-South Division Regional President Scott Barber elaborated, “After exploring every other viable alternative, we have come to the difficult but necessary conclusion to cease gaming operations at Tunica Roadhouse in an effort to appropriately position our business for the current market opportunity and ensure the long-term viability of our remaining operations in the vicinity.”
Barber added, “During the next two months, we will continue to operate the property in the same manner our guests have come to expect from the Caesars Entertainment brand—gaming, entertainment, hotel accommodations and, most importantly, a great service experience provided by our team members.”
According to the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Tunica Roadhouse employed 377 casino workers and 36 hotel employees as of October 31. Caesars officials said the company will provide job search assistance and training for affected employees offer them preference at others Caesars properties, including Horseshoe Tunica.
Tunica Roadhouse opened in 1994 as Sheraton Tunica. Caesars Entertainment, then called Park Place Entertainment, bought the property in 1998 and rebranded it with the Roadhouse theme in 2009.
Mississippi’s river casinos posted $885 million in revenue in 2017, down 47 percent from their 2006 peak, according to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. New challenges are coming in the form of a state lottery and four new casinos in Arkansas, including one at Southland Park Gaming & Racing in West Memphis.
Caesars closed Harrah’s Casino Tunica in 2014.
