It has been speculation over sometime now what would become of casinos in the Gulf Coast Region. Operators of casinos in the Gulf Coast region, such as Harrah's Entertainment, Boyd Gaming Corp., Isle of Capri Casinos, Penn National Gaming, Pinnacle Entertainment and President Casinos want to go back into business, but this time down south. Some are reportedly planning to rebuild their fallen casinos in Mississippi and Louisiana, or rebuild and invest in the new casinos there.
Some of the casinos have already worked on bringing back former and new employees to work. However, some have been missing since the disaster hit. Hot-lines and other means to contact them have been set up for this purpose.
Haley Barbour, Mississippi's Governor, suggested building temporary casinos. The idea of the interim casinos is to decide whether or not real one can be resurrected. Some feel even the temporary ones are not a good or even practical idea.
The state has created timetables for restoring basic infrastructures on the Gulf Coast, which could take two to five years before completed. That would mean roads, and bridges. In the mean time they will have to work on their economy, so some believe casinos in the region are not a good idea at this time.
The governor is expected to speak with the Mississippi Legislature in order to discuss rebuilding the area. Changing the state law to allow casinos to be placed on land, instead of only on water, actually, despite opposition will be a top priority. Casino owners are excited about this, while others are not. |
