Gulfport projecting more casino-related money; Biloxi not so sure

Sunday, July 30, 2000 | 1:26 a.m.

"You get into trouble when you base your budget on projected growth and you don't get it," said Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway.

Gulfport Mayor Bob Short's proposed city budget for 2000-2001 includes a projected 4 percent increase in casino tax collections.

However, Short said Gulfport would be OK if revenues fall short because gambling accounts for a much smaller percentage of the city's budget than Biloxi's. Gambling makes up 8 percent of Gulfport's operating budget, compared to 37 percent for Biloxi. Gulfport receives nearly $4 million a year in casino taxes. Biloxi rakes in more than $17 million.

"We're not dependent on casinos," Short said. "Yes, they have brought some revenue into our budget . . . But our budget depends on sales tax and taxes on homes."

One reason for Gulfport's projection is that for the second quarter of this year Grand Casino Gulfport, which generates most of that city's revenue, reported a 22 percent increase in its gross earnings.

Since gambling was legalized both cities have received millions from the taxes. Biloxi has benefitted more. It has nine casinos, compared to two in Gulfport. Holloway does not expect any new casinos to be built soon.

However, Biloxi does have some potential hot spots for new casino developments.

One is the beachfront property at the foot of Main Street between the Beau Rivage and the Biloxi Smallcraft Harbor. This is where Full House Resorts and Hard Rock Cafe had proposed a development.

There are a number of potential casino sites on the Back Bay of Biloxi, but there is no good road to provide access to the sites. The city is buying land to build a better road.