Mississippi state Rep. Cedric Burnett has proposed legislation that would allow casinos to be built on land, instead of inside a levee, which is more prone to flooding. Burnett noted the Mississippi River topped out at more than 48 feet during the flood in 2011−more than 14 feet above flood stage. As a result, numerous casinos were flooded, causing a significant loss of revenue for the county.
The bill also would allow casinos to be built on the east side of Highway 61, near the DeSoto County line and just 27 miles to Memphis. Observers said that would allow closer proximity to traffic, plus if Tennessee legalizes gambling, Tunica County casinos could effectively compete.
Burnett said he doesn’t know if any casinos would move onto dry land, but he said established casinos would have three to five years to make the move, before any outside casinos would be allowed to operate in the state.
