Gulfport Gaming Development, owned by Kevin Preston of Kentucky, recently asked the Mississippi Gaming Commission to delay site approval for its proposed 0 million casino in Gulfport Harbor, since site approval exists in the name of the former developer, Rotate Black. That company attempted to develop an Ernest Hemingway-themed casino but was unable to obtain financing.
At the gaming commission’s meeting, Executive Director Allen Godfrey said Virginia attorney Robert Lubin, representing Gulfport Gaming Development, stated there was “an issue with the application.” Commissioners deferred action, and Godfrey said, “They said they’ll be back next month.”
Once site approval is granted, the developers will have to return to the commission for permission to begin construction, after they can prove they have financing and meet gaming commission regulations. The state requires casinos to have a hotel with at least 300 guest rooms and a AAA Diamond rating or higher. In addition, the gaming floor must be a minimum of 40,000 square feet and the property must include a unique, non-gambling amenity.
Also in Gulfport, Island View Casino Resort owners Rick Carter and Terry Green recently received the unanimous approval of the Mississippi State Port Authority Commission to modify their lease and build a $75 million casino, next to the $58 million hotel tower the developers built last year on the south side of U.S. 90. “The Port of Gulfport’s amendment to Island View Casino’s lease allows us to plan on investing approximately $75 million in a new casino to complement our recently opened beach tower. We are very excited about this project, and we expect to have final plans to show within the next few months,” Carter said.
MSPA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Daniels commented, “The commission’s willingness to reduce future revenues and to allow Island View to pursue further expansion efforts, solidifies the company’s position in South Mississippi’s gaming market. The structure of this new agreement will also allow for significant increases in tax revenue for the state of Mississippi, Harrison County and the city of Gulfport.”
In a press release, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant stated, “I commend the State Port for having the foresight to negotiate an amendment to its lease with Island View, setting the stage for additional employment opportunities in one of the state’s strongest industry sectors. The partnership between Island View and the Port continues to be beneficial to the growth of both organizations and will continue to provide future economic stability for the Gulf Coast.”
