Facing calls for a recall vote claiming irresponsibility with tribal funds, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Chief Phyliss J. Anderson said in a recent report to members, “Our tribe is experiencing great growth and improvements despite what is being reported.”
Anderson stated the tribe will not borrow any funds to pay for the new Red Water Casino, which will be built in Leake County, Mississippi, about 30 miles from its flagship gaming facility, Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia. The tribe also operates the Bok Homa Casino, about 100 miles from Pearl River.
The 35,800 square foot Red Water Casino will include about 17,000 square feet of gaming with 500 slots eventually expanding to 750, plus 10 table games. It will offer two restaurants, and incorporate Indian culture throughout the facility. Anderson added the venue will create about 200 new jobs.
Anderson said no money will be borrowed to build the $25 million Red Water Casino. “What we’re going to do is we’re going to take our cash on hand. We’re also going to use our cash from our operations.” She said construction costs should be recouped in less than two years. Projected revenue will be $50 million annually, with a profit of $20 million, Anderson said.
She noted, “We do have some people that are against the new casino,” because, they said, it will take revenue from the Golden Moon and Silver Star casinos at the Pearl River Resort. However, she pointed out, the Red Water Casino was approved 9-7by the tribal council. “Once we bring all of our revenues together as one, the bottom line will be about $15 million higher than what we have today,” Anderson said.
