The Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association recently released its 2017 annual report, indicating revenue at the state’s 12 coastal casinos increased by $3.8 million, or .4 percent, to $1.192 billion, compared to $1.188 billion in 2016, according to Mississippi Department of Revenue figures. The increase, for the fifth consecutive year, came despite Hurricane Nate forcing coastal casinos to close in October on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
MGHA Deputy Director Michael Bruffey said, “The report examines the impact the gaming industry has had in Mississippi during 2017 from tax revenues, to jobs and wages paid, to charitable giving, and we look back at 25 years of gaming in Mississippi. We also examine visitation trends and give a glimpse of what we think lies ahead in 2018.”
Bruffey noted, “The statewide gaming revenue numbers are down 2 percent for the year with the North River market down 6 percent, the Central River market down 3 percent, but with the Gulf Coast market up almost 1 percent, having its best year in gaming revenue since 2008.”
In the 25 years since Isle of Capri opened in Biloxi in 1992, coastal casinos have contributed $6 billion in taxes, including $2 billion to local governments and schools, according to the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Total revenue for the state decreased from $2.12 billion in 2016 to $2.08 billion. At the combined river casinos, revenue fell by $47 million from $932.5 million in 2016 to $885.2 million.
Looking ahead, the new Island View Casino in Gulfport will open the smoke-free Beach Casino at Island View on the south side of U.S. 90. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino has a new president, New Orleans native Bill Boasberg, who successfully opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Hard Rock Casino recently debuted the new Robo Bar.
