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Mississippi Legislation May Protect Casinos from Hurricane

JACKSON, Mississippi – As reported by the Biloxi Sun-Herald: "Rep. Bobby Moak, the chairman of the House Gaming Committee, has introduced a vaguely worded bill that can be used to amend state law so casinos can better protect themselves from hurricanes.

"The bill is very specific on one point: shore-based casinos on land would still be illegal.

"It would allow the construction of permanent structures on which to put casinos. Pilings, protective shells and elevation mechanisms have been suggested as options to protect casinos from tidal surges and storms. A committee of legislators, gambling executives, environmentalists and state employees formed by Secretary of State Eric Clark studied the issue in detail last year and this month issued a report with their findings.

"The report, based on the work of engineers and economic experts, determined that millions of dollars in state revenue and thousands of jobs would be lost if floating casinos took a hit from a strong hurricane. No hurricane stronger than a Category 2 has hit the Coast since gambling was legalized in Hancock and Harrison counties.

"…Sen. Billy Hewes, R-Gulfport, has urged caution in amending state gambling legislation.

"…The report said Mississippi would lose about $141 million in casino taxes and about 93 percent of Coast residents who work in the industry would be without a job for a year if a major hurricane, a Category 4 or 5, were to hit gambling barges…"

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