"Since 1992, more than $15 billion has been generated statewide in gross gaming revenues, and the gaming industry has created more than 45,700 jobs with a payroll of $1.1 billion through direct and indirect employment. Before Katrina, Biloxi's casinos produced $911 million in gaming revenue, providing money that enhanced the city's budget.

These are facts.

The folks here in Jackson County could see the same "rising tide" effect if the Choctaws built a resort casino. The Choctaws see the proposed resort casino as a great business opportunity, and the tribe has pledged to pay 4 percent of their gross revenues to be divided among the county and cities. Four percent means an additional $7 million annually. That's $7 million less that has to be generated from taxpayers.

The Choctaws operate a very successful resort casino in Philadelphia. If you truly wanted to learn how their proposal would affect Jackson County (and the entire Gulf Coast), you would take a look at the thousands of new jobs and miles of real estate development created by the Tribe's investment in Neshoba County. A resort casino would create thousands of jobs for Jackson County, provide health care coverage for employees and their families, and would serve as a new alternative for lodging, dining, and entertainment.

As a long-time business owner in Jackson County, I believe a number of new businesses would be created in our area, and old businesses would be revitalized. A resort casino would diversify our county's economic base."

Get the Story:
Carl Crawford: Choctaw casino would open door for economic development (The Mississippi Press 10/9)