Renovations and expansions are underway at eight of South Mississippi’s 12 casinos.
The Silver Slipper Casino in Hancock County is in the midst of a $2 million improvement project. General Manager John Ferrucci said, “We’re hoping to have that operational in time for Memorial Day. That’s assuming, of course, that the rules don’t change.” He was referring to the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s reconsideration of site approvals for casinos in Diamondhead and Biloxi, which previously were denied.
Ferrucci said a new Beach Bar and Café will open at the hotel, plus a swimming pool and deck, a second bar and food service from the cafe. Inside, the keno lounge will be relocated to make room for an oyster bar “like those popular in Las Vegas. They’re a lot of fun and they’re very well received,” Ferrucci said. He added a directional sign on U.S. 90 will be converted to an electronic board.
At Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi, the Blind Tiger restaurant recently opened, where chef and owner Thomas Genin will prepare fresh seafood and cold drinks. Outside seating will allow guests to view the Great Lawn, where concerts and special events are planned this summer. Last year the property completed a $14 million renovation of all 499 guest rooms, elevators and lobby, and expanded the bar at the Magnolia House restaurant.
The Saltgrass Steak House recently opened across from the Golden Nugget Biloxi. Both are owned by Landry’s. Casino customers can use their comps at the restaurant.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi recently remodeled its Coast venue into Coast Seafood & Brew, offering an array oysters and fresh seafood. In addition, patrons who arrive in an electric car can get a charge at one of two Tesla chargers or two Clipper Creek charging stations for non-Tesla electric vehicles. Beau Rivage is one of only three locations in South Mississippi and seven statewide to offer the Tesla chargers.
A $75 million expansion is ongoing at Island View Casino in Gulfport. The project will include a new casino, next to the $58 million hotel tower that was completed in 2015.
Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi recently completed a $300,000 remodel of Stacked restaurant and the Palace Café & Bakery. The resort also recently installed smart thermostats in every guest room, which improved customer comfort and allowed an energy savings of 10 percent. In late 2015, guest rooms were equipped with LED fixtures, and last year all 563 exterior lights were changed to LED bulbs for an energy-use reduction of 80 percent.
The Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville, which celebrated its first anniversary in December, is constructing a new parking garage.
And at the Hard Rock Casino Biloxi, the poker room has been transformed into the Fortune Palace table games area, off the main casino floor. The recently opened Macau Kitchen noodle bar is the property’s 10th dining option.
