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Casinos Change The Fortunes of Rural Mississippi

"That all changed in 1992, when Tunica was transformed by casino gambling into a bustling entertainment hotspot, with 10 riverboat casinos, flashy hotels, restaurants and concert halls.

"In fact, it was the lure of tiny Tunica that helped bring the heavyweight championship fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson to Memphis' Pyramid arena, 30 miles to the north.

"…When casinos first started moving into Tunica, Memphis was worried. City leaders envisioned millions of dollars from tourists and residents flowing to Tunica and away from Memphis.

"Denise Taylor of the Memphis Convention and Visitor's Bureau said Tunica has helped the city draw tourists, since many of Tunica's visitors also come to Memphis.

"…Mississippi approved casino gaming in 1990, but took a different approach than most other states.

"…Mississippi allows 24-hour-a-day gambling on docked boats with no bet limits. There is no limit on the number of casinos the state will permit. The market decides that.

"…The casinos are called riverboats, but they're boats in name only. While the gambling halls sit in slips cut into the banks of the Mississippi River, their attached hotels and other support businesses are on land.

"…At first, Tunica spent most of its casino money on roads, sewers and other improvements that would help attract more riverboats. Property taxes were eliminated.

"…Tunica is now building a 168-acre riverfront park and putting in a 7,000-foot runway at its small airport.

"The casinos have created more than 15,000 jobs, and Tunica County has a total population of just 9,200.

"Most of the casino workers come from Memphis and surrounding communities in Mississippi and Arkansas. Last year, the casinos paid out more than $90 million in salaries.

"Before the casinos, farm work provided modest incomes for most of Tunica's residents and unemployment rate was 26 percent.

"By latest count, unemployment is 5 percent, and per capita income has increased from $11,875 to $20,203.

"…Overall, the regional economy has improved since the casinos arrived, said Jeff Wallace a University of Memphis economist.

"…While the casinos have brought money and jobs, they undoubtedly have had hidden costs as well, said Andy Meyers, a University of Memphis psychologist.

"…No records are available on how many bankruptcies, divorces and other problems can be directly linked to gambling, but national studies give an idea on their social costs, Meyers said.

"Most people who patronize casinos gamble for entertainment, but up to 5 percent are at risk of becoming compulsive gamblers. It is clear, Myers said, that more people give gambling a try as casinos become more accessible…"

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