Mississippi lawmakers are considering a proposal for a new casino resort in Jackson, the state capital, aimed at boosting economic development in the struggling city.

Currently, Mississippi hosts 26 commercial casinos along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River, plus three tribal casinos. The Gulf Coast gaming market alone generated nearly $1.6 billion last year, ranking fifth nationally behind Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Chicagoland, and Baltimore-Washington, DC.

Capital City Forward Together, led by former Governor Haley Barbour, is spearheading the initiative. The group proposes building a casino within a mile of the state capitol to create jobs and attract visitors to Jackson, where:

• Population declined 6.5% between April 2020 and July 2023
• Median household income ($43,238) falls well below state average
• Poverty rate stands at 27%
• Homicide rate is among highest nationally

The proposal would require amending state law, which currently restricts casinos to Gulf Coast and Mississippi River locations. Key aspects of the proposal include:

• Only existing Mississippi casino operators eligible to bid
• $10 million one-time licensing fee
• No tax incentives or public funding required

William Richardson, a member of Capital City Forward Together, emphasizes that the project would bring economic development without taxpayer investment, potentially providing the spark Jackson needs for revitalization.

For the proposal to advance, state lawmakers must modify the current gaming law that limits the Gaming Commission to reviewing casino projects only near the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast, where land-based casinos must be within 800 feet of the mean high water line.

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