Mississippi Choctaws prepare for casino hearing

Tuesday, October 17, 2006  

$stalker The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians released details of its proposed off-reservation casino in advance of a public hearing tomorrow night.

Plans call for a $375 million resort with 2,350 slot machines, 70 table games, a 15 poker and 40-seat keno parlor, a 400-seat buffet restaurant, a 1,100-room hotel, a 50,000 square-foot exhibition hall and 25,000 square-feet of retail shops.

The tribe says the casino will create 2,800 full-time jobs with a $71 million annual payroll. Construction of the facility will create 3,800 temporary jobs, with a $115 million payroll, the tribe says.

The tribe also says gaming will create 4,230 indirect and direct jobs, with an estimated payroll of $110 million.

The tribe wants to build the casino on 100 acres in Ocean Springs, more than 200 miles from the reservation. The tribe operates a printing plant and direct mail business on 40 acres on the land.

The site is located off a major interstate. Of the 100 acres, 40 acres are already in trust, but not for gaming purposes.

The tribe applied for a two-part determination under Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. If the Bureau of Indian Affairs approves the application, the state governor has to concur.

Get the Story:
Choctaws give details on $375M casino (The Mississippi Press 10/17)
Will vote on casino count? (The Mississippi Press 10/17)