Jackson Free Press

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 888-567-6667, 228-386-7111, http://www.beaurivage.com
Casinos have become an important part of Mississippi culture in recent years, both as a tool for economic development and as a way to relax and have fun.

JFP readers picked "The Beau" as their favorite getaway for a casino show and hotel. My first time visiting Beau Rivage, I was struck by the Disneyland atmosphere of flashing lights, thundering music and all that brass. And it is certainly on my "best of list" when it comes to the ever-important buffet category. (You just have to love a buffet that serves wine.)

Situated right on the Gulf Coast, Beau Rivage entices with the promise of white beaches, accommodations and headline entertainment that satisfies a range of tastes. This year's shows range from Vince Gill, Gladys Knight and Willie Nelson to the Doobie Brothers and Cheech and Chong. (Watch for Lenny Kravitz on Feb. 23 and Gladys Knight on April 13.) With an appeal to almost any taste and proximity to so many other amenities, such as Beauvoir (Jefferson Davis' home), the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art and the Schooner Café, it is easy to see why this casino consistently rates as one of the best getaway values around. — Brett Benson

Best Casino for Shows
Second: Hard Rock (777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625)
Third: Ameristar (4146 S. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-638-1000)
Good Showing: Pearl River Resort's Golden Moon (13541 Highway 16 W., Philadelphia, 601-663-0066); Pearl River Resort's Silver Star (13541 Highway 16 W., Choctaw, 601-663-0066); Imperial Palace (850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, 888-946-2847)

Best Casino Hotel:
Second: Ameristar (4146 S. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-638-1000)
Third: Hard Rock (777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625)
Good Showing: Pearl River Resort's Golden Moon (13541 Highway 16 W., Philadelphia, 601-663-0066); Riverwalk (1046 Warrenton Road, Vicksburg, 601- 634-0100); Imperial Palace (850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, 888-946-2847)

Best Casino for Gaming: Ameristar
4146 S. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-638-1000, ameristar.com/Vicksburg
For those who just want to get out of town to throw their money down, the Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg is the casino JFP readers chose. There is just something about the thought of gambling on the Mississippi River that evokes thoughts of Mark Twain and the film "Showboat." The 70,000-square-foot Ameristar casino boasts more than 1,500 slots, and 32 tables of craps, poker and blackjack appealing to every gambler's appetite.
—Brett Benson

Second: Beau Rivage (875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi 888-567-6667)
Third: Hard Rock (777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625)
Good Showing: Riverwalk (1046 Warrenton Road, Vicksburg, 601-634-0100); Pearl River Resort's Silver Star (13541 Highway 16 W., Choctaw, 601-663-0066); Rainbow (1350 Warrenton Road, Vicksburg, 800-842-6837)