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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Public Market sign over Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington with pop-up booths on street.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure

After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

May 15 - Cascade PBS

Yellow and silver light rain train in downtown Long Beach, California.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?

In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

May 15 - Secret Los Angeles

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

May 15 - Happy Cities