How The Casinos Hit The Jackpot In Biloxi

Despite a critical housing shortage and badly needed road repairs, the city of Biloxi sees an influx of casinos due to a change in state legislation.

1 minute read

August 7, 2006, 5:00 AM PDT

By Matt Baumann


Sensing a concern for safety in the aftermath of Katrina, the casinos petitioned with state legislators to allow them to build on land because it would be easier for casino employees and guests if the gambling floors were on land to evacuate if and when the next hurricane arrives. This new language is a drastic change to previous zoning requirements which stated that non-gambling elements such as hotel and restaurants may be on land but the casinos themselves had to be on barges.

Now, with Biloxi's new Master Plan, 18 to 20 casinos could emerge in 5 to 10 years, up from 2 in 2005. Why? In part, the casino operators have been helped by a post-Katrina federal tax credit that is designed to spur redevelopment. This tax credit is due to expire by the end 2008.

Despite the protests from religious conservatives, who say that Biloxi is just the beginning as the casinos push northward, the mayor of Biloxi is firmly committed to bringing in as many casinos as possible to compete with the likes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Thursday, August 3, 2006 in The Wall Street Journal via The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

April 4 - San Francisco Chronicle

Green and silver Max BRT bus at station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding

In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

April 4 - Colorado Public Radio

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

April 4 - Grist