Recession, Competition Hurt Mississippi Casinos

Casino News - January 26th, 2010 - Written By Glen

The gross casino revenue for casinos in Mississippi in 2009 was a disappointment. Lowering to levels from years before, the revenue from these casinos has dropped significantly. According to the Associated Press, cranes have been leaving construction sites, and advertisements for Alabama casinos have already taken to the skies over Biloxi via blimp.

With the increasing clemency towards casinos in Alabama, granted by the state, Mississippi's gambling dens may see significant drop offs. It has best been estimated that 15 percent of the gamblers in Mississippi casinos come from Alabama. Since Alabamians have their own choices for casino gambling in today's legal environment, these gamblers may no longer feel it necessary to travel to Mississippi for their gambling.

In December, the 11 casinos on the Gulf Coast had brought in $83.5 million dollars in revenue, while 2008 had watched $95.5 million dollars generated in revenue. The entire year saw an 11 percent drop, or $143.6 million less over the year.

The recession is also to blame for decreasing revenue. All over the nation, many casinos have been watching as their revenue took a steep downturn. Some economists claim that the economy is beginning to show signs of stimulation, granting an upswing to some casino's revenues.

Tunica, Lula, Natchez, and Vicksburg were down a significant eight percent in revenue, which was lower than in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina had closed the doors on all of the coast casinos for several months.

Mississippi Online Casinos still give players an opportunity to enjoy casino gaming, and have not had the struggle of reduced revenue. The advantages there in also include peace and quiet from other gamblers.