Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, said he believes Mississippi could rival Atlantic City in the coming years. Atlantic City had $4.8 billion and Mississippi $2.7 billion. Last year, Nevada generated $11 billion in gambling revenues, with the bulk coming from Las Vegas. “It’s a lot cheaper to go there (Mississippi), but I would want really big casinos that have the big brand shows so that it’s not just gambling,” Early said.īiloxi has a long way to catch up with the top gambling markets.
Montgomery, Ala., residents Johnnie Early, 69, and John Bitter, 76, went to Las Vegas last year, but said they would welcome bigger and better casinos in the next state over. Bigger casinos and hotels with high-quality entertainment would draw some visitors - especially those from the South - who normally go to Las Vegas.
