Gambling experts: Mississippi casinos to increase in numbers, size

Matt Moore

Monday, May 22, 2000 | 9:37 a.m.

JACKSON, Miss. - Casinos and Mississippi have become so interchangeable that recognition of gambling in the Magnolia state is reaching the level of Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

Industry analysts say there are already plenty of casinos in the state, but there is room for more.

Daniel Davila, a senior leisure and entertainment analyst with Hibernia SouthCoast Capital in New Orleans, said Mississippi can accomodate more casinos.

But new casinos the size of the 34-story, 1,800-room Beau Rivage in Biloxi won't be the platter du jour.

"I like the way the market has grown, but I think before they add anything near the size of a Beau Rivage, the Beau itself has to be fully absorbed into the market," Davila said.

One issue that dovetails with casino development is the growth of infrastructure.

Roads have to be wider, air service has to be greater and the ability to get customers in with nary a delay is crucial.

Davila said Biloxi and Gulfport are poised to reach greater numbers because they are increasing their roads and air service, but until it's completed, an increase in new casinos won't happen.

Larry Pearson has followed the gaming industry in Mississippi and Louisiana for 10 years.

Mississippi's casino growth should increase, but only along the coast and in Tunica, markets that are ripe for expansion, he said.

"We'll see additional casinos and additional amenities being brought on line by the existing casinos there," he said.

One obstacle to growth along the coast however, is the issue of wetlands.

The coast has plenty of prime real estate available for more casino development, but much is surrounded by wetlands that are often protected by state and federal laws.

Another way casinos will grow is the addition of new amenities, including entertainment, more hotel rooms and parking garages.

In Tunica, Biloxi-based Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. is preparing to open its $14 million Paradise Entertainment Center that boasts two theaters under one roof. Located next to its casino, the theaters are expected to draw even more visitors with Las Vegas-style shows. Combined, both theaters will seat more than 1,700 guests.

Pearson says the number of casinos statewide won't double, but at least "four or five" will open, split between Tunica and the Gulf Coast.

As for markets in Vicksburg, Natchez and Greenville, Pearson calls them "saturated."