Another Step to Recovery

As most know, the casinos along the Mississippi Gulf Coast were tossed around like toy boats or barges by Hurricane Katrina. There is an obvious need to have these casinos land based. They employ over 17,000 people directly and most of the revenue the state government receives are from the coastal counties. Governor Haley Barbour called a special session that opened on Monday, 9-26 to propose that the casinos should be allowed to build inland. We are not talking major distances. The proposal said 800ft to 1,500ft from the water. Well, after much dickering about the morality of the casinos, the Mississippi State House voted tonight and the measure passed. It will then go to state Senate.

09/30/05
House Passes Bill For Onshore Coast Casinos

The Mississippi House has passed a bill to let coast casinos move 800 feet on shore. The bill passed 60-53, needing 58 votes to pass. It moves to the Senate for more debate.

The proposal comes in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Casinos were first legalized in Mississippi in 1990, but they have been restricted to the waters of the Mississippi River or the Gulf of Mexico.

This is the first serious attempt in 15 years to allow casinos on land. The proposal does not affect the river casinos. WLOX

I have enjoyed the casinos mainly for the entertainers and shows. As far as the gambling, the slot machines and blackjack tables can be fun. But it has been over three years since I gambled. I prefer to spend my money on books.