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Gambling Boats May Have to Close

"Bernie Burkholder, chief executive officer and chairman of Treasure Bay Casino in Biloxi, said the casino is open but will be ready if the state gaming commission issues a closure notice.

"'We've taken the level of funds down, and we've removed excess playing cards and forms and extra food,' he said. 'Anything we don't absolutely need is being moved off property.'

"Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, is waiting to learn when and how severely the storm will impact the Mississippi coast before issuing an order to close.

"...Gregory said he typically notifies casinos 24 hours before they need to shut down, but with Hurricane Ivan he may give a 12-hour warning to expect a closure notice. The extra time would allow casinos to secure patio furniture and bolt down exterior signage, he said.

"...After a closure notice is issued, a casino must remove money from all slot machines and table games, make a financial record and arrange to have an armored vehicle carry it to a bank..."

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