Biloxi Mississippi May 2008

Biloxi, Mississippi - May 2008
Joyce K
This is my third time to Biloxi, my first since Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. WOW what a difference. Most of the casinos are back and Jimmy Buffet is building a new one called Margaritaville. It will very large and right on the Gulf. There are 7 casino hotels now operating. Gambling is down 10% from last year and gambling is how this town survives. After Katrina the MS legislature voted to allow land gambling and got rid the barges the casinos sat on, this would hopefully provide a sturdier base for the future. It is amazing to see how the destruction still exists. There are blocks were homes once were, driveways still exists, along with the foundation. The front steps and gate may still be there, but no house!

Most of the tourist attractions were wiped out or severely damaged and being rebuilt. A car is a good idea if one wants to get out and about but not really necessary. There is a good shuttle service from the Gulfport airport and Biloxi has a good public transportation system so getting around is easy and very inexpensive. Beau Rivage and Hard Rock are the newest and most luxurious casino/hotels. We stayed at the Palace Resort and Casino on the back bay. The hotel is large, quite nice, and very reasonable. Great pool area! The dining there leaves something to be desired, but if you know your clients and the room or pool is what they want, finding food at the others casinos is not a problem. There are very few restaurants that have reopened outside of the casinos.

It is a fun gambling town if your clients don’t want the expense, size and glitz of Vegas. The Beau usually has a house show (Cirque sort of thing) and there are nightclubs in some of the casinos. Also name entertainment comes to town. Tony Bennett was there and a pretty heavy line of entertainment of various types is scheduled for upcoming weekends. Payouts are not generous by any means.